Interactive Sensory Play
Help your child to move on
Is your child’s play very repetitive and lacking imagination? Are you worried your child’s development is delayed? Do you find it hard to play with your child?
Do you recognize this?
- Your child has withdrawn, doesn’t react like other children and seems to ignore you
- Your child is different; your child doesn’t like visitors and can get very upset in the supermarket
- Your child plays alone and always plays the same games, like lining up cars
- Your child doesn’t like to be cuddled or even touched, puts his or her hands over his or her ears or doesn’t want to wear certain clothes
- You have tried everything to understand your child and to get through to your child, but you feel you have failed.
- It pains and saddens you to have lost your connection with your child. It is disheartening. Your child seems so lonely.
- You feel guilty, anxious and challenged by this child. Your child doesn’t play, or listen to you. You don’t bring your child anywhere to avoid temper-tantrums. What do people think? And what will your child be like in the future?
- What have you done wrong with this child? You have tried all the good advice of nurses, family and friends. You read lots of books and looked online and fear your child may have autism. You are confused, troubled and frustrated. You can’t get through to this child.
- Your child is rejecting you, day after day. You smile, play, talk, give your child the food and drinks he or she likes and try to teach your child to dress him or herself. Your child doesn’t reach out to you, doesn’t give you a smile, doesn’t say thank you. It’s discouraging.
- You have tried for months, years to connect with your child, who seems trapped in his or her own world. You feel helpless and stressed.
If you don’t take action things will get worse. Your child is missing out on essential play experiences and playful interactions and his or her development will be further delayed as a result. If your child doesn’t interact and play, speech will not properly develop, your child won’t learn new skills and school work will suffer. Most importantly your child won’t learn social skills and will not develop meaningful relationships. Your child may get frustrated and get angry with you and others. What do you choose?
What if
- You understand why your child gets upset and you can avoid outbursts in the supermarket?
- Your child plays with you and others, and enjoys it?
- Your child shows you what he or she wants or better still, asks?
- Your child has more interests and his or her play is not always the same?
- You feel you have a connection again with your child and feel hopeful you and others can make a real difference in his or her life?
This is possible if you and your child avail of interactive sensory play advice. Don’t wait. Book now a free 20 minute phone or video call to discuss the options
What it is
With sounds, lights, colours, smells, taste, textures, warmth and cold, wet and dry, the world is full of sensory expressions and for many children and adults these can be joyful experiences. But for some children and adults they can be overwhelming and too much. Equally some children and adults have problems to experience anything at all. With carefully selected sensory play activities children can learn to engage, and enjoy and make sense of the world. Interactive sensory play involves the parents and caregivers, and playful interactions take place regularly in an inviting and safe space at home under the guidance of the play therapist.
How it is structured
At the start an interview takes place either in person or by video call after which I observe your child playing. Ideally I meet your child in person, but if that’s not possible I will use videos or a video link. I then propose and explain some specific activities, which you will carry out with your child on a daily basis. We meet each week and discuss your experiences and feedback and I suggest adaptations or different interactive sensory activities for the next week.
At the end of these sessions
You receive
- Your child knows it can be fun to play together
- Your child has discovered new toys and games
- You have learned new ways to play with your child
- You have learned what to do differently to avoid outbursts
- You know you are not alone in this; the first steps are made towards reconnecting with your child and you have a clear idea what further steps you can take to help your child and your family.
The total investment for this package is €675
- An initial meeting of 1.5 hours to talk about concerns and questions you have about your child and the interactive sensory play sessions and activities (without your child being present). This is face to face if possible but can also be conducted by phone or video call.
- An initial play observation session. Videos may be submitted if face-to- face observation is not possible due to distance or Covid restrictions.
- 8 weekly Interactive Sensory Play observation sessions of 20 minutes face to face if possible, alternatively by video-link. Followed by 30 minutes feedback and follow-up suggestions.
- A review meeting of 1 hour with follow-up suggestions. At this meeting we may decide to continue and start a new programme of 8 sessions.
If you have a very specific question you can avail of a single consultation. Alternatively, if you feel your child would benefit more from play therapy sessions with a play therapist book a free conversation to discuss the options.
FAQ
Q. My child doesn’t have autism. She has Down Syndrome and her development is slow. Would these sessions help her?
A. Yes, these sessions are helpful for any child with developmental delays or gaps. Children learn and develop through play. And the sessions are focused on the specific issues the child presents with. We can discuss this further in the free 20 minute phone or video call.
Q. My child is 3 years old. Is he too young for these sessions?
A. No, that is perfectly alright. In fact the earlier you start the better. Early intervention is key with developmental delays, as a child misses many opportunities to learn and progress if play is compromised.
Q. I have a sister who is 40 years old and who may enjoy Interactive Sensory Play sessions and benefit from them. Could you work with her? She doesn’t speak.
A. Yes, if she wants to! Face to face would be best or else a trusted person should be with her to get materials together and support her if needed.