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SAI, is it sensory or is it attachment? What is the purpose of the behaviour you are seeing?

Our behavioural responses arise out of our experience of our self, others and our environment. As Occupational Therapists, we may be trained to look for the sensory needs/challenges and find ways to meet or accommodate for them, however, if we do so out of context of relationships and attachment, we may miss the true meaning of the behaviour.

  • Our attachments have a direct effect on our Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system.
  • How we respond to stress and trauma is impacted by our attachment strategies.
  • Dysregulation can often be a cue for insecure attachment.
  • Our attachment strategies form at the same time as our regulatory strategies.

Take the time to stop and notice and see the “REAL” need the child has.

Megan Land McCarthy, Occupational Therapist, Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioner.