Welcome back to the Ananya Child Development Center podcast, where we explore the incredible world of child development, one sense at a time. I'm your host, Jewel, a therapist here at Ananya CDC. And today, we are diving into a topic that's often misunderstood, but can have a profound impact on a child's behavior, learning, and overall well-being: sensory processing.
Have you ever wondered why your child covers their ears at the sound of a vacuum cleaner? Or why they crave certain textures? Or why they seem to be constantly on the move? Well, those behaviors and many others might be linked to the way their brain processes sensory information.
Today, we are fortunate to have Madhavi Adimulam, founder and director of Ananya CDC, with us to unravel the mysteries of sensory processing and to offer practical guidance for parents here in Hyderabad.
Madhavi, welcome to the podcast!
Madhavi Adimulam: Thanks, Jewel. It’s great to be here and to shed some light on this fascinating and often-overlooked aspect of child development.
Joel: And before we dive into our conversation with Madhavi, I want to give our listeners a very special announcement! We’re thrilled to be hosting Sian Wilson, a highly experienced pediatric occupational therapist from the UK, for in-person consultations right here at Ananya CDC!
Sian has over 30 years of experience working with children and families, and she specializes in sensory integration, autism, ADHD, and a wide range of developmental needs. This is an incredible opportunity to get personalized guidance and support from a world-renowned expert. Sian will be available for consultations from September 16th to 20th, from 9 am to 4 pm.
To book your appointment, visit our website at www.asap.org.in or call us at +91 98485 13192. Don't miss out on this chance to gain valuable insights and strategies for supporting your child.
Now, let's get back to our conversation with Madhavi and explore the fascinating world of sensory processing.
1. What Is Sensory Processing?
Joel: Madhavi, let's start with the basics. What is sensory processing, and why is it so important for a child's development?
Madhavi Adimulam: Sensory processing is essentially how our brains make sense of the world around us. All those sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile experiences we have – they all come flooding in through our senses. Our brains then have to organize, interpret, and tell us what to do with all that information.
For young children, this process is even more critical because their brains are still developing. Sensory processing affects everything—how they learn, how they move, how they play, and even how they connect with other people, like their parents or other children in the playground. Sensory processing is the foundation for so many essential skills!
I always tell parents, even if they come to us specifically requesting speech therapy because their child isn’t speaking, that sensory integration is a top priority. Sometimes, we need to address those underlying sensory needs before we can even begin to work on speech and language. Without that sensory foundation in place, learning becomes much more challenging for a child.
Joel: Thank you. That's a great way to explain it, Madhavi. It's like each of our senses is sending messages to the brain, and the brain has to figure out how to make sense of all that information. Now, we know that every child is different.
2. Sensory Differences: Understanding the Spectrum
Joel: What are some of the ways that sensory processing can differ from child to child? What are some of the common sensory preferences or sensitivities that parents might observe?
Madhavi Adimulam: There’s a wide range of sensory preferences and sensitivities, and they can manifest in so many ways. Some kids are what we call “sensory seekers.” They love intense sensations—spinning, jumping, loud noises, bright lights—they just can’t get enough! And then we have the "sensory avoiders." They are easily overwhelmed and might be sensitive to sounds, picky about textures, or hesitant to engage in messy play.
You might have one child who loves the feeling of grass between their toes while another child can’t stand it. Or one child might love the sound of the vacuum cleaner, while another covers their ears and runs away. It’s all part of that sensory spectrum, and it’s what makes each child unique.
Joel: It's fascinating how sensory preferences can vary so much from one child to the next. Now, when those differences become more extreme, they can sometimes lead to challenges.
3. Sensory Processing Challenges: When to Seek Help
Joel: When should parents be concerned about their child's sensory processing? What are some signs that those sensory differences might be interfering with their daily life or development?
Madhavi Adimulam: That’s a really good question, Joel. It’s all about looking for the impact on their daily life. Are they struggling to participate in activities that other kids their age enjoy? Are they having frequent meltdowns or tantrums that seem to be triggered by sensory things?
For example, if a child is so sensitive to noise that they can’t concentrate in school or they are so overwhelmed by touch that they avoid getting dressed, those are signs that it’s time to seek professional help.
And another red flag is delays in development. If you’re seeing delays in their speech, their motor skills, or their social skills, sensory processing challenges could be a contributing factor to that. So, don't hesitate to reach out to a developmental pediatrician or an occupational therapist who specializes in pediatric occupational therapy if you have concerns about your child's development.
Instead of waiting, I’d say be proactive and seek a consultation. What’s the harm in getting an expert opinion? It's better than waiting, worrying, and potentially wasting valuable time that could be spent in early intervention.
Joel: Those are important red flags for parents to be aware of, Madhavi. It’s crucial to know when those sensory sensitivities are going beyond typical variations and might need professional support.
Help Your Child Thrive
4. Sensory Strategies: Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home
Joel: What are some simple, practical things that parents in Hyderabad can do at home to create a more sensory-friendly environment for their child?
Madhavi Adimulam: You know, I always tell parents it's all about creating a "sensory diet" for their child. Just like we need a balanced diet of food, our kids need a balanced diet of sensory experiences. So, think about ways to modify your home environment to meet their needs.
Here are a few examples:
- Sound: For kids who are sensitive to sound, white noise machines can be a lifesaver.
- Light: Dimming the lights or using natural lighting can be helpful for kids who are visually sensitive.
- Touch: If your child loves to touch and explore different textures, a sensory bin filled with rice, beans, or sand can provide hours of fun and calming sensory input.
Every parent can create their own child's sensory diet—a designated area in the home where their sensory needs are met, helping them self-regulate and calm down when overwhelmed. It’s a simple but effective way to address sensory issues at home.
Joel: Those are great tips, Madhavi. It's all about understanding your child's unique sensory needs and making those small adjustments that can make a big difference in their comfort and well-being. At Ananya CDC, we offer therapies like occupational therapy that can help children with sensory processing challenges.
5. The Role of Therapy in Sensory Processing
Joel: Can you talk about the role of therapy in addressing these issues? How can it help children develop better sensory regulation and coping skills?
Madhavi Adimulam: Occupational therapists are like sensory detectives! They have specialized training in understanding how the brain processes sensory information, and they can create personalized therapy plans to help children regulate their sensory systems. This is especially important for children with developmental delays or conditions like autism, ADHD, or other special needs.
In a typical occupational therapy session, or OT session, you might see kids swinging, jumping on a trampoline, playing in a sensory bin, or doing activities that help them improve their coordination and motor skills. The therapist will also teach parents strategies they can use at home to continue supporting their child's sensory needs.
Every sensory program that an occupational therapist designs is unique and tailored to the child's specific needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in sensory integration. That’s why we often call our OTs "sensory detectives." They carefully observe the child, identify their challenges, and create a customized plan to address those specific needs.
Joel: It sounds like therapy can provide children with a safe and supportive space to explore their sensory world and learn those essential skills for self-regulation.
6. The Importance of Collaboration
Joel: How important is it for parents, therapists, and educators to work together to support a child's sensory needs? What does that collaboration look like in practice?
Madhavi Adimulam: Collaboration is crucial! We're all on the same team—parents, therapists, and educators. The more we communicate and share information, the better we can support the child. Parents are the experts on their child; they see their behaviors every day. Therapists bring their specialized knowledge and skills to the table. And teachers can create more sensory-friendly classroom environments and provide support during the school day.
It’s about open communication. Parents can share their observations with the therapist. Therapists can guide teachers on how to adapt activities or create sensory breaks for the child. We all have to work together because children spend a considerable amount of time at home, in therapy, and at school.
Joel: Teamwork really does make the dream work, doesn’t it, Madhavi? It takes a village to support a child, especially when they’re navigating sensory challenges.
7. Finding Hope in the Sensory Journey
Joel: Madhavi, what’s your message of hope for parents in Hyderabad who are concerned about their child’s sensory processing? What would you want them to know about the journey ahead?
Madhavi Adimulam: It's easy to feel overwhelmed when your child isn't developing in the same way as other children their age. But there is always hope. There is help available, and we can do so much to support children with sensory challenges.
We’ve seen incredible progress in children who receive early intervention. I remember one little boy who used to have intense meltdowns in crowded places. With occupational therapy, a supportive home environment, and understanding teachers, he’s now able to go to the grocery store with his mom and participate in family gatherings without getting overwhelmed. It’s amazing to see these transformations happen!
Don’t wait until things get worse. Seek help early. Connect with a professional who understands sensory integration, and create a more supportive environment for your child. With the right support, you can help your child thrive.
Joel: Madhavi, thank you so much for sharing your expertise and your passion for helping children thrive. This has been a truly insightful conversation.
Madhavi Adimulam: Thank you, Jewel. I’m always happy to talk about sensory integration. It’s a topic I’m very passionate about. And I’m so excited to share that I’ve invited Sian Wilson, a world-renowned expert in sensory integration from the UK, to come to Ananya CDC in September.
She’ll be training our team and also working directly with a few children to develop personalized sensory plans. Sian has over 30 years of experience, and she’s been an incredible mentor to me. I can’t wait to learn from her and share her expertise with our families here in Hyderabad!
Joel: I’m looking forward to that as well. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our team and our families. Now, for our listeners in Hyderabad who are seeking help for their child’s sensory processing challenges, Ananya Child Development Center offers a range of therapies, including occupational therapy, to help children develop those essential skills for self-regulation. You can visit our website at www.asap.org.in or call us at +91 98485 13192 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Joel: And remember, you still have time to book a consultation with Sian Wilson, our guest expert from the UK! She'll be at Ananya CDC from September 16th to 20th, offering personalized guidance on sensory integration and other developmental needs. Visit our website or give us a call to reserve your spot.
Remember, sensory differences are not something to be feared or suppressed. 📍 They’re part of what makes each child unique. With understanding, support, and the right interventions, we can help children embrace their sensory superpowers and navigate the world with confidence.
I’m Jewel, and this is the Ananya Child Development Center podcast.
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