A child's learning style or sensory preferences are communicated by movement toward or away from specific activities or interests. A child who knows that the therapist listens, increases the frequency or consistency of expression. Active listening provides empathy, encouragement, and a feeling of acceptance. When children feel respected and understood, they are more willing to challenge the unknown. With a greater willingness to let go of the familiar and explore change, the child discovers more options for function.
Children are their own best experts.
Children have an inner, intuitive knowledge of their readiness for what the therapist or parent might introduce. When the adult moves with children and is in harmony with children's knowledge of themselves, they learn more rapidly. Observing a child's emotional and physical reaction to an activity is the best feedback of its appropriateness at each moment in time. We can observe a child's interests, activities that delight, and sensory areas that are pleasing or threatening. From these the therapist can choose appropriate activities or techniques that fit with a knowledge of the child's developmental readiness.