Breaking Down Barriers - The three critical things you must do to boost engagement for your paediatric clients

• Understand sensory needs 

• Multifaceted communication 

• Use the engagement superpower that is exercise. 

Engaging paediatric clients can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavour. As healthcare professionals, therapists, and educators, our ultimate goal is to create an environment where children thrive, learn, and grow. However, certain barriers may hinder effective engagement, making it essential for us to develop strategies that break down these obstacles. We will explore the three critical things you must do to boost engagement for your paediatric clients and lay the foundation for their success.

1. Understand Sensory Needs:

Download our sensory Checklist 

The sensory system plays a fundamental role in a child's development and behaviour. Every child has unique sensory preferences and sensitivities, and understanding these needs is paramount to fostering engagement. Are they hypo or hyper sensitive, some children may seek sensory input, while others may become overwhelmed by certain stimuli. By carefully observing and listening to each child, we can tailor our approach to create a sensory-friendly environment that supports their individual needs.

Incorporating sensory activities into sessions can also be a powerful tool for engagement. Activities that provide deep pressure, vestibular input, or tactile experiences can help children regulate their sensory systems, leading to improved focus and participation.

2. Multifaceted Communication:

Communication lies at the heart of engagement. To effectively connect with our paediatric clients, we must adopt a multifaceted communication approach. This means tailoring our communication style to suit each child's unique preferences and abilities.

For some children, verbal communication may be challenging, necessitating the use of alternative communication methods such as visual supports, sign language, or augmentative and alternative communication devices. Visual schedules, social stories, and visual cues can also enhance understanding and reduce anxiety during activities.

Additionally, building strong relationships with parents and caregivers is vital. Collaborating with families ensures consistency and reinforces the child's learning and development outside of therapy sessions.

3. Use the Engagement Superpower that is Exercise:

Pilates is a potent engagement superpower that taps into a child's innate curiosity, creativity, and sense of fun. Incorporating purposeful and enjoyable physical activities into therapy sessions can create a positive and motivating experience for paediatric clients. Our EXERCISE DATABASE provides you with engaging dialogue specifically designed for children. 

Exercise has a profound impact on multiple aspects of a child's development, including sensory processing, cognitive function, motor skills, and social-emotional well-being. Activities like obstacle courses, interactive games, and movement-based play can enhance engagement while supporting overall growth.

By using exercise as an engagement superpower, we can unlock the full potential of each child, nurturing their strengths and building essential skills.

Boosting engagement for paediatric clients requires a thoughtful and holistic approach. By understanding sensory needs, adopting multifaceted communication strategies, and harnessing the power of exercise, we can break down barriers and create meaningful and impactful experiences for the children in our care.

Let's embrace the journey of fostering engagement and celebrate the progress and successes that come with it. Together, as passionate and dedicated professionals, we can empower our paediatric clients to reach their full potential and build a brighter future for every child.

We want to know how you engage children and what works for your clients? Contact us at [email protected] to let us know.