Multisensory care and support Information sheet

Contact details

Your Occupational therapist is:

Phone numbers to use:

 

Introduction

After serious illness, surgery or injury, children can take time to respond to their environments. Different types of stimulation can help.

Research shows that too little environmental stimulation may slow recovery, however too much stimulation can also interfere with their recovery. 
It is important to have a balance of providing the right amount of stimulation and balancing it with the right amount of rest.

Remember:

  • Your child may not respond immediately, or they may be slow to respond to sound, vision, touch, or movement. 
  • Your child may have their eyes closed most of the time; they may begin to open their eyes and look at you; or may move around a lot in bed appearing agitated or restless. 
  • No matter how your child appears or behaves as they start to recover, we can help create a safe and calm environment for them. 
     

Helping your child

You know your child best and your observations of your child are important.

Please talk to your care team about your child's preferences that might help your child's recovery. We'll help you feel comfortable to be the voice for your child. 

Types of stimulation

Your Occupational Therapist and multidisciplinary team will discuss with you the appropriate activities and strategies you can do with your child while they are recovering.

Here are some ideas to get started with.

Environmental stimulation

  • Reduce the amount of talking to create a calm, quiet space for your child to recover, as too much noise can contribute to your child’s level of distress.
  • If possible, keep the lights on when it’s daytime and turning the lights off when it’s rest/nighttime. 
  • Limit screen time as this can be over-stimulating for your child as their brain slowly recovers. 

Hearing/Auditory stimulation

  • Talk to and interact with your child—your voice is the most meaningful sound to your child. Talk about family members, friends and home life.
  • Keep the sound in the room low. Limit number of visitors to 2-3 people at a time.
  • Play your child’s favourite familiar songs for short periods of time. 
  • Positive touch—slow movements with gentle pressure are more soothing than light stroking. 
  • Touch has a significant role to play in attachment.

Sight/Visual stimulation

  • If your child can open their eyes encourage them to look at your face.
  • If your child fixes their gaze on your face, slowly turn your face to the left and right and see if they can follow you. 
  • Bring in family photos.

Smell/ Olfactory stimulation

  • Bring in a few familiar items for your child to smell 
  • Their favourite blanket or soft toy 
  • Your scarf or item of clothing with your scent

Movement/Vestibular stimulation

  • Movement is important as it influences emotional regulation. 
  • Gentle movements can be soothing 
  • Use slow transitions with rolling or lifting

Touch/Proprioception stimulation

  • Firm touch or deep pressure can help contain and calm your child when they are upset.
  • Bring in your child’s favorite blanket, soft toy
  • Watch for responses such as increased heart rate, moaning, breathing faster or moving.
Last updated Tuesday 9th January 2024