Sensory Integration Therapy in Kollam

Finding Balance: The Essential Support for Sensory Integration Therapy in Kollam

Introduction: When the World Feels Too Loud

For many parents in Kollam, witnessing a child struggle with everyday sensory input—whether it’s the overwhelming sound of a temple festival, the discomfort of certain clothes, or a constant need to move—is confusing and stressful. These challenges are often linked to Sensory Processing Issues (SPI).

Sensory Integration Therapy in Kollam. While Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a highly effective, specialized intervention, it's only one piece of the puzzle. At Pranaah Child Development Centre, we understand that sensory challenges impact not just the child's nervous system, but their emotional regulation, behavior, and family relationships.

This post will guide parents in Kollam on how to seek out SIT and, crucially, how expert psychological support ensures the best long-term outcomes for your child.

1. What is Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT)?

Sensory Integration is a specific therapy, pioneered by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, delivered by a certified Occupational Therapist (OT). It addresses how the brain processes information from the environment through all eight senses (not just the five common ones):

1. Tactile: Touch, pressure, temperature.

2. Vestibular: Movement, gravity, balance (inner ear).

3. Proprioceptive: Body awareness, muscle/joint input.

4. Visual, Auditory, Olfactory, Gustatory, and Interoception.

The Goal of SIT: To help a child's nervous system organize and respond appropriately to sensory input, making daily life easier. Therapy often takes place in a specialized room with swings, crash mats, and various textures.

Note for Parents in Kollam: When seeking SIT, ensure the professional you choose is an Occupational Therapist at Pranaah CDC who specifies "Sensory Integration Therapy" or "Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI)" as their modality.

2. Why Psychological Support is ESSENTIAL for SIT Success

A Psychologist, like Dr. Devi Raj, does not provide the hands-on sensory therapy, but offers the critical scaffolding required for the therapy to stick at home and in school.

A. Addressing Emotional Fallout

Sensory overload (sensory defensiveness) often results in tantrums, anxiety, and meltdowns.

• The Psychologist's Role: We address the secondary symptoms—the intense fear, the social anxiety caused by avoidance, and the resulting self-esteem issues. We provide the child with emotional regulation tools (CBT, DBT skills) so they can process their big feelings outside of the sensory gym.

B. Behavioral Intervention and Consistency

If a child avoids tasks due to sensory input (e.g., refusing to eat certain foods or wear certain clothes), this becomes a behavioural habit.

• The Psychologist's Role: We work with parents to develop consistent behavioral strategies and positive reinforcement plans. We help bridge the gap between the calm, controlled environment of the OT session and the unpredictable reality of the home/school environment.

C. Parental Stress and Training

Caring for a child with SPI is demanding and often isolates parents.

• The Psychologist's Role (Pranaah Counselling): We offer Parent Training and Counselling focused on:

  • Reducing parental burnout and guilt.

  • Teaching effective communication to de-escalate sensory-driven meltdowns.

  • Helping the entire family understand the "why" behind the child's unique needs, strengthening the family bond.

3. Guiding Your Search for SIT in Kollam

Since SIT requires specific equipment and certification, you may need to look for specialized Occupational Therapy clinics or larger Child Development Centers in Kollam, nearby districts (like Trivandrum), or organizations affiliated with hospitals.

Key Search Terms:

• Occupational Therapy Kollam

• Child Development Centre Kollam

• Sensory Integration Therapy Kerala

Taking the Next Step: Partnering for Success

If your child is currently undergoing SIT or if you suspect sensory issues are driving intense emotional reactions and challenging behaviors, the team at Pranaah Child Development Centre is here to partner with you in Kollam, and Kottarakkara.

We provide the essential psychological assessment and tailored parent support needed to ensure your child's journey toward sensory balance is smooth and successful.

➡️ Start the Conversation in Kollam:

Don't let sensory challenges define your child's potential. Reach out to Pranaah Counselling Centre today to schedule a clarity consultation on effective behavioral and emotional support.

• Call us +919446010728 to schedule your initial consultation.

• Visit our clinic to learn more about our parent training programs.

We are committed to helping your family thrive.