Beautifully Complex
231: Sensory Strategies for Self-Regulation, with Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC and Jessica Hill, COTA/L
Sep 7, 2023
Rachel Harrington, a pediatric occupational therapy assistant, and Jessica Hill, a certified occupational therapy assistant, share their expertise on sensory systems vital for self-regulation. They explain the importance of the lesser-known senses—vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive. The duo offers actionable strategies for parents to help children manage sensory overload and emotional dysregulation. They emphasize proactive approaches and co-regulation techniques to calm meltdowns, ensuring kids feel safe and supported.
31:46
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding the three lesser-known senses—vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive—can drastically improve children's self-regulation and emotional awareness.
- Utilizing sensory goggles and creating a sensory toolbox can empower parents to proactively address sensory needs and prevent dysregulation in children.
Deep dives
Understanding Sensory Systems
Everyone has a sensory system that processes sensory input 24/7, including hidden senses that are crucial for self-regulation. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, helps a person understand their position in space and can influence their level of alertness. The proprioceptive system provides awareness of body position through receptors in muscles and joints, often resulting in calming effects. The interoceptive system connects internal bodily signals to emotional awareness, helping individuals recognize needs like hunger and emotional states, which is often overlooked in discussions about sensory processing.
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