Supporting Communication in Children: Insights from an Occupational Therapist

At SENSE-ational Spaces, we are passionate about helping children thrive in environments that support their sensory, developmental, and communication needs. While speech therapists (SLPs) are the specialists and often the professionals associated with supporting communication, it's essential to recognize the important role that occupational therapists (OTs) play in this area.

Communication is not just about speaking; it's about expressing needs, sharing ideas, and connecting with others.

Although OTs do not specialize in speech therapy, they work with children to improve sensory processing, fine motor skills, and overall body coordination, critical areas that significantly impact communication development.

How Communication and Sensory Processing Are Linked

Communication goes beyond spoken words; it involves how a child understands and responds to sensory input. For many children, sensory issues (such as auditory sensitivities, visual overload, or tactile discomfort) can affect their ability to engage effectively in communication.

✨ For instance, a child who is overwhelmed by loud noises may shut down or avoid verbal interactions because their nervous system is too overloaded to process language.

Sensory sensitivities can directly influence a child's ability to focus, engage, and respond to communication. If a child struggles with sensory integration, their ability to communicate, whether verbally, non-verbally through gestures, or facial expressions, can be significantly impacted (Harrington & Hill, 2023a; Harrington & Hill, 2023b). Occupational therapists help children regulate their sensory experiences, creating a calmer, more focused space where communication can thrive. Sensory activities that promote self-regulation, such as deep pressure input, swinging, or tactile play, help children feel more grounded and open to interaction (Harrington & Hill, 2023a; Harrington & Hill, 2023b).

Sensory Diet: A Key Element for Communication Success

A vital tool used by occupational therapists to support communication is the sensory diet. A sensory diet refers to a personalized plan of activities designed to help children maintain a regulated state throughout the day. This plan may include calming activities such as deep breathing or the use of weighted blankets, as well as alerting activities like jumping on a trampoline or swinging.

The goal is to ensure that children receive the right balance of sensory input to focus, engage, and communicate effectively!

A sensory diet is not just for physical regulation; it also has a profound impact on cognitive and emotional regulation, which directly influences a child's communication abilities (Harrington & Hill, 2023a; Harrington & Hill, 2023b).

✨ For instance, a child who experiences anxiety may have heightened sensory sensitivities, making it difficult to focus during classroom discussions or social situations. A well-structured sensory diet helps manage these sensitivities, creating a sense of calm that makes verbal or non-verbal communication much easier.

Want to learn more about sensory diets? Read our blog all about them HERE!

Supporting Communication Through Play and Movement

One of the core strategies occupational therapists use to support communication in children is play!

Play is a natural and engaging way for children to express themselves and learn essential social cues.

Occupational therapists frequently incorporate play into their sessions to address sensory needs, improve motor coordination, and support cognitive development, all of which lay the foundation for better communication (Harrington & Hill, 2023a; Harrington & Hill, 2023b). Through functional play, such as engaging with toys or participating in pretend play, children practice critical abilities like problem-solving, understanding social norms, and taking turns, skills essential for effective communication (Harrington & Hill, 2023a; Harrington & Hill, 2023b).

✨ For instance, using dolls or action figures in play scenarios can help children rehearse appropriate social interactions and verbal exchanges. Additionally, activities like building with blocks or playing catch enhance motor coordination, which in turn supports fine motor skills needed for tasks like writing or using gestures, both of which are key forms of communication!

Non-Verbal Communication: What Occupational Therapists Do

While verbal language often takes the spotlight, many children rely heavily on non-verbal communication to express themselves. Occupational therapists frequently work with children to improve their use and understanding of gestures, facial expressions, and body language, critical components of communication. Some children struggle with maintaining eye contact, using appropriate hand gestures, or interpreting social cues, all of which affect their ability to communicate effectively with others (Harrington & Hill, 2023a; Harrington & Hill, 2023b). Through activities that promote body awareness and social skills practice, occupational therapists help children become more aware of how their bodies express emotions and how to interpret the body language of others.

✨ For example, activities such as mirroring movements or following direction-based games like Simon Says help improve coordination and the ability to understand non-verbal cues. These activities build the foundation for effective social interactions, reinforcing that communication is not just about speaking, it's about connection.

Final Thoughts

If a child struggles with communication, it’s important to consult with a speech therapist, who is the primary expert in this area. Speech therapists specialize in evaluating and treating communication disorders, and they are best equipped to provide targeted interventions for speech and language development.

However, consulting with an occupational therapist can also provide valuable insights, particularly when sensory processing challenges may be affecting the child’s ability to connect and express themselves. Small adjustments made by OTs, such as offering sensory breaks, using calming tools, or providing structured play opportunities, can significantly improve a child’s communication development by addressing the sensory needs that may be interfering with their ability to engage in communication.

In combination, speech and occupational therapy can work together to offer a holistic approach to supporting a child's communication skills!

References

Harrington, R., & Hill, J. (Hosts). (2023a). #360 - Sensory integration and communication: Connecting the dots. All Things Sensory by Harkla. https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/all-things-sensory-by-harkla-919173/episodes/360-sensory-integration-and-communication-connecting-the-dots-194433250

Harrington, R., & Hill, J. (Hosts). (2023b). #359 - Supporting communication through sensory strategies. All Things Sensory by Harkla. https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/all-things-sensory-by-harkla-919173/episodes/359-supporting-communication-through-sensory-strategies-194076051