How to Help With Sensory Deprivation in Children

Sensory deprivation is a serious problem. The lack of senses can make adults more susceptible to suggestions and creates problems in the mind, such as slower mental functioning and worse memory, according to an article in The Sunday Times in London. For children who experience sensory deprivation, further problems occur. The brain does not develop in the same way as children who are held, loved and provided sensory stimulation in early life. Depending on the child, he can become stunted in his mental abilities, end up feral if he grows up in complete isolation and have a lack of trust in humans. In many cases where there is neglect, but the children are not completely isolated, helping the child is possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Look over the child's history. The only way to help children who have suffered from sensory deprivation is by starting with their history. If the child is completely feral from living with animals, the methods will differ from the child who was neglected, such as those from orphanages or abusive families.

• 2

  Provide toys in a room and simply sit and observe as the child plays. Work slowly and within the child's comfort level. Allow the child to become accustomed to your presence and then gradually start getting closer to the child, stopping when she becomes nervous, scared or seems upset. Let her set the pace for socialization.

• 3

  Talk to the child. One of the skills children who are sensory deprived either lack completely or are limited in is the use of language. Talking will stimulate the mind and teach some language skills without getting too close to the child. Keep your voice calm and soothing and talk about any topic preferred.

• 4

  Work up to touch. The lack of touch from infancy is one of the reasons children become sensory deprived. In normal families, mothers, fathers and siblings cuddle, hold, hug and kiss a baby from birth. When a child is separated from his mother at birth, goes into an orphanage or otherwise does not have appropriate touch and lives beyond infancy, the child becomes distrustful and is unlikely to enjoy being touched. Allow the child to become comfortable with touches like a pat on the head and work up to hugs as the child becomes more comfortable.

• 5

  Expect the process of educating the child to take years. For children who have experienced years of isolation or neglect, do not expect normal speech or cognition. For children who have a short period of neglect or social isolation, they can recover completely as they are exposed to stimulation and re-educated.