The Body-Brain Connection
When a child's body doesn't feel "just right," their ability to focus, engage, and connect can be deeply impacted. Imagine trying to have a conversation while your clothes feel itchy, the lights are too bright, and your stomach is growling, but you can't figure out what's wrong or how to fix it.
That's what dysregulation can feel like for a child.
Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, behavior, and alertness. It involves complex skills like impulse control, attention, working memory, and body awareness. Staying regulated can be a real struggle for kids with sensory integration challenges. And when the body feels off, communication is often the first thing to suffer.
A dysregulated child might:
- Struggle to use words or gestures
- Avoid eye contact or social interaction
- Have meltdowns instead of expressing needs
- Zone out or seem "disconnected" in conversation
Understanding the 8 Sensory Systems
Most of us learned about the five senses in kindergarten: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. However, the sensory system actually includes eight systems that all work together to help us understand and respond to the world around us.
Let's take a closer look:
- Visual – What we see
- Auditory – What we hear
- Olfactory – What we smell
- Gustatory – What we taste
- Tactile – What we feel through touch
These are the familiar senses. But there are three more that are just as important, especially for children with regulation and communication challenges:
- Vestibular – Helps us with balance and movement. It tells us where our body is in space and how we're moving.
- Proprioception – Informs us about where our body parts are without looking. It helps us apply the right amount of pressure or effort in movement.
- Interoception – Helps us recognize internal body signals like hunger, thirst, pain, and needing the bathroom.
When one or more of these systems is out of sync, your child may struggle to regulate their emotions, stay alert, or feel safe and comfortable. And when the body feels overwhelmed, communication often takes a back seat.
Why This Matters for Speech Therapy
Speech therapy isn't just about talking; it's about connection. It's about helping your child express their needs, connect with others, and feel confident in their ability to be understood. But if a child is in sensory overload or feeling disconnected from their body, it's incredibly difficult to engage in that process.
That's why we take a whole-child approach at NeuroKids.
Our speech-language pathologists work closely with your child's sensory needs in mind. We incorporate sensory supports like movement, fidget tools, or calming strategies into sessions to help your child feel grounded and ready to communicate. We also collaborate with occupational therapists when needed, creating a team-based support system that truly meets your child where they are.
What You Can Do at Home
You don't need a sensory gym to support your child's regulation in your living room. Here are a few simple strategies that help many children:
- Build in movement breaks throughout the day (jumping, swinging, dancing)
- Use visual schedules to support predictability and transitions
- Offer deep-pressure input like hugs, weighted blankets, or compression clothing
- Pay attention to your child's sensory preferences and sensitivities
- Stay curious, observe when your child communicates best and what might be supporting that
Most importantly, trust your instincts. It may not be a behavioral issue if your child seems overwhelmed or disengaged. It could be a sensory one.
The Takeaway: A Regulated Body Supports a Connected Voice
When children feel calm, safe, and regulated, they are much more available to learn, connect, and communicate. That's why understanding and supporting the sensory system is integral to speech therapy.
At NeuroKids, we don't just focus on speech. We focus on the whole child. Real communication isn't just about words; it's about connection. And that connection begins with a regulated, supported body and brain.
Want to learn more about how our therapists integrate sensory support into speech therapy? Schedule a consultation. We're here to help your child thrive in every sense of the word.
