Many preschool children that we see in our practice present with some sensory issues which are contributing to their communication and learning difficulties. It is important that these sensory issues are addressed first so that the child can be calm, regulated, listening and learning language.

There are many examples of children who present with sensory challenges which are impacting their communication development for example the child in the class who seeks lots of movement, to the point that it is interfering with their ability to sit, listen and concentrate. This is the child who may have difficulty listening, understanding and learning in general.

This is just one example that teachers describe all the time which can impact greatly a child’s ability to listen and learn and also impact other children’s ability to focus and learn within the classroom. Another example might be the child who isn’t processing touch or tactile information correctly. This is the child who may hit out at, scratch or bite other children in response to touch. This tactile hypersensitivity can be identified and addressed easily using our sensory questionnaire and the recommended treatment of the Wilbarger brushing programme. There will be a link in the Tactile section to the Wilbarger brushing programme and video demonstration.

Although sensory difficulties may appear to be extreme and even destructive at times, they are never intended to hurt anyone and can be worked on easily to improve a child’s ability to be calm and regulated and thereby enjoy the preschool classroom environment and benefit greatly from it.

By using simple sensory techniques, each child will be able to listen better, be calmer and more focused so that they can learn in a better way.