Run by
Susie from Skylarks
We are pleased to offer Sensory Story Sessions for children with complex needs delivered by our volunteer Susie. This takes place at Skylarks Hounslow and is for children and young people with PMLD of any age and their parent/carer. Our first session at
Skylarks Hounslow is in half term, on Tuesday 17th February between 11am and 12 noon. The whole sensory story session is expected to last about 30 minutes. T
here will be time first to settle your child and examine the sensory stimuli if necessary, and have a discussion before a very short story. Skylarks Hounslow is a fully accessible building. We have a fully-accessible toilet with child-sized hoist.
Why sensory stories for individuals with physical disabilities and cognitive and sensory impairments (PMLD)?
A wide range of sensory experiences and stimulation is necessary for brain development and maintaining our facilities – that is to keep the sensory system working. Without adequate sensory input, the sensory system and associated neural pathways can lose functionality.
What is the aim of the sensory story for this group?
This is not a therapy session nor teaching tool. It is a time for children/ young people with a high level of need and their parents or carers to come together for a fun, social activity, with a short, simple sensory story as the focus point.
The aim is to provide something for each child/young person, so that the experience is not only an inclusive group activity, but also a creative collaboration so that everyone participates in the story.
The sensory stimuli will be at the heart of the story, so we don’t have to focus too much on whether every word is fully understood. The aim is to make sensory stimulation accessible, so each child/young person is given the opportunity to experience the sensory stimuli, and then react and respond as suits them. Some stimuli will not elicit an obvious response and that is absolutely fine.
The group will be small and targeted to the individual children/young people, so we cannot include siblings. Parents or carers must remain on the premises and are expected to take part with their child.
What types of sensory stimuli will be used?
Sensory stimulation is the activation of our senses. Examples of stimuli that may be used include:
For sight: Bold colours, light-up wands, sparkly and shiny materials
For smell: Spices and flower or fruit scents such as nutmeg, lavender, rosemary or lemon
For hearing: Bells, rain stick, sound shakers, bird song
For touch: Autumn leaves, bubble wrap, cotton wool, water.
Movement may also be included.
Susie O’Kelly - Sensory Storyteller
Susie started working at Skylarks in 2014, including storytelling (from 2020) and sensory storytelling (from 2022). She received training in Live Inclusive Storytelling in 2023 and has worked with both adults and children with additional needs and disabilities, including PMLD, both in groups and individually. She is now a volunteer and aims always to provide an inclusive activity, inviting participation without pressure, to create a sensorily stimulating and fun experience for the parent and child together.
Questionnaire
To join our Sensory Story Session for children with complex needs, please complete the confidential questionnaire, so that we can try and make the experience as pleasurable as possible for your child/young person, and for the parent or carer who accompanies them. This needs to be completed before you attend.
