The Best Ways to Encourage Sensory Development in Children

When children are born, they already have well-developed senses of sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste, but these senses continue to grow in power and refinement throughout childhood. These senses arise early in pregnancy but rapidly develop in the last 16 to 20 weeks of gestation, i.e. while in the womb, but a newborn infant has the capacity to see objects clearly within a couple feet of him or her. Similarly, other senses are limited at birth but mature as the child does.
Young children need to develop and strengthen their senses and other appropriate skills like vestibular skills which involve balance and motor skills. Parents should take an active role in nurturing sensory development. Among the first senses to develop is touch; parents can help improve tactile functionality through infant massage and gentle skin interaction. Mothers can also stimulate smell development through close interaction that exposes the infant to the smell of breast milk and bodily smells.
Infants are sensitive to light and sound, so these types of sensory stimulation should be introduced slowly and in small amounts. Your baby is likely to recognize your voices through prior exposure in the womb. Babies respond positively to faces, so merely looking at them may be enough to help development. Brightly colored objects like colorful books and toys also stimulate optical development.
As your child matures into a preschooler, there are a number of ways to optimize sensory development. Most children respond well to musical exposure which not only cultivates auditory but cognitive development as well. Modelling clay, crayons and paints will improve their seeing and vestibular skills. Creative activities will also help their imaginations mature.
The STAR Institute reports that about one in 20 children suffer from Sensory Processing Disorder, while almost one in six children will experience some form of improper sensory development. Children with SPD may not respond to certain types of sensory stimulation or overreact due to inability to process nerve impulses in the brain.
There are a number of available therapies to help SPD sufferers including Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR) therapy. DIR helps children properly integrate stimulation through parental encouragement and structured play.
Many children with SPD also respond positively to GF/DF diet and organic, probiotic supplements that are high in CFU. These supplements can aid in treating many of the digestive issues which impede sensory development or accompany these developmental disorders.