The Self-Organized Child

Something that has been on my mind for some time is the profound impact of sensory integration therapy on the lives of individuals and their families and how poorly understood this is. As part of the community committed to sensory health and the provision of high-quality sensory integration therapy, I find myself wondering: How can we deepen our understanding of this therapeutic approach and its true essence? 

Unraveling the Sensory Puzzle

Sometimes, in the quest to help our children, we stumble upon the idea of "sensory" as a magical solution. We get the impression that if we can fix sensory issues, everything else will fall into place. While sensory integration therapy does play a crucial role, we must remember that it is not the sole answer. It is through the power of play that we can truly unlock the potential for growth and self-organization. Indeed, the core focus of sensory integration therapy is the self organized child not the normalized child, the sensory-typical child, nor the convenient child.

The Self Organized Child

The self-organized child refers to a child who possesses the innate ability to organize and regulate their own sensory experiences and responses. A. Jean Ayres recognized that children have an inherent drive to explore, learn, and develop their skills through play and meaningful interactions with their environment. However, the self-organized child extends beyond the sensory domains and includes self- and community-actualization. The self-organized child actively participates in their own sensory experiences, decision-making processes, and goal-setting. The realm of sensory integration fosters experiences of bodily autonomy and motor mastery which in turn contribute to development of autonomy and agency, overall well-being, and self-actualization.
The self-organized child does not need to engage in "non-preferred classroom activities" because being a classroom community member and lifelong learner are their preferred activities. They can experience efficacy in their body, in space, with other people. They can enjoy other people and explore their innate curiosity, creativity, and passion for exploration. By providing opportunities for meaningful engagement with their environment, we enable our children to develop a strong sense of identity, purpose, and connection to their community.
"The goal of formal education should be to equip students with intellectual tools, efficacy beliefs and intrinsic interest to educate themselves in a variety of pursuits throughout their lifetime." Albert Bandura, 1994.
The self-organized child is equipped with the ability to analyze situations, think critically, and find creative solutions. They approach challenges with a resilient mindset, adapt to different circumstances, and effectively navigate obstacles to achieve desired outcomes. They can confidently explore their own interests, autonomy, and self-reliance. Moreover, the self-organized child recognizes that working with others can lead to collective growth and success. The self-organized child becomes an asset to the community. Their initiative, problem-solving abilities, and balance of independence and interdependence enable them to thrive in collaborative environments, contribute innovative ideas, and adapt to changing circumstances. They become valuable team members, capable of fostering positive relationships, and making meaningful contributions to the workplace and the broader community.
When we emphasize self-organization we promote the child's overall well-being, self-actualization, and their ability to contribute meaningfully to their community. Through sensory integration therapy, we empower children to navigate their unique path towards holistic growth, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose in life.

Shifting Perspectives

If all this is true and sensory integration therapy revolves around the idea of supporting development of the self-organized child then entering into a sensory integration program involves a recalibration, which may feel like a step back—or even somewhat chaotic—compared to the neatly packaged behavioral plans our culture tends to prefer.
Many families have been advised to organize and shape their child's behavior, often through external means. However, over emphasizing external organization of the child disrupts the development of their sense of self. It's like building a house on shaky foundations. Our children need to know where to start in their journey of self-organization. This is where your sensory integration team comes in—to guide them back to the beginning, to revisit those earlier aspects of development that may have been missed. This course correction can be uncomfortable and may cause disequilibrium for caregivers. It might feel like regression or chaos compared to tightly controlled behavioral plans. But remember, this discomfort is a sign of growth. It is through this process that the child will discover their unique path of self-organization, one that is authentic and true to their own being.

A Challenge for the Professional

Sensory integration therapy can serve as a catalyst for a child's holistic growth. As professionals committed to sensory integration therapy, we have the opportunity to optimize our practice and shift the focus from "sensory" as the ultimate solution to truly understanding and embracing the principles of the self-organized child. By doing so, we can foster organic, play-based sessions that support the development of praxis, especially ideation, and empower children to become initiative-driven, problem-solving individuals with a balance of independence and interdependence.

The challenge before us is to better communicate these principles to parents, caregivers, and fellow professionals. Let's explore concrete actions we can take to meet this challenge:

1. Education and Awareness: Increase awareness and understanding of the self-organized child and the transformative potential of sensory integration therapy. Offer workshops, seminars, and informative resources that highlight the importance of play, self-organization, and the development of soft skills.

2. Collaborative Partnerships: Foster collaborative partnerships with caregivers and other professionals involved in the child's care. Emphasize the value of a team approach, where everyone works together to support the child's self-organization and holistic growth.

3. Language and Communication: Use clear and accessible language when discussing sensory integration therapy. Avoid jargon and focus on conveying the essence of the self-organized child to parents and caregivers. Provide concrete examples and stories that highlight the benefits of play-based sessions and the development of initiative, problem-solving skills, and independence.

4. Advocacy and Empowerment: Empower parents and caregivers to embrace their child's self-organization journey. Encourage them to trust their child's innate abilities, advocate for their needs, and actively participate in their development. Provide guidance on how to foster a supportive environment that nurtures initiative, problem-solving skills, and a balance of independence and interdependence.

5. Reflective Practice: Engage in ongoing reflection and self-assessment as professionals. Continuously evaluate our own practice, seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. Stay informed about current research and developments in the field of sensory integration therapy, ensuring that our interventions align with the principles of the self-organized child.

By embracing this challenge, we can optimize our practice and create a profound impact on the lives of the children we serve. Let's foster a paradigm shift that recognizes the power of the self-organized child, where play becomes the vehicle for growth, and initiative, problem-solving, and independence become the foundation for lifelong success.

TLDR: Sensory integration therapy goes beyond addressing sensory differences and incorporates a broader focus on supporting the child's self-discovery, self-expression, and active participation in their own development.