Sensation is: the raw material which mediates the formation of our earliest relationships; key to the development of self-regulation of emotion and behavior; and central to the construction of knowledge. All of which are core components of Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health (I/ECMH). This presentation discussed the developmental links between these core components of I/ECMH, regulation, and sensory processing.

The clinical presentation of Sensory Processing Disorders (SPDs) was examined through sensory integration (SI), regulatory and psychological lenses addressing the potential impact SPDs can have on regulation, perception, behavior, parent-child relationships, and mental health.

From an applied perspective, this presentation aims to assist mental health professionals become more aware of: 

• The signs of possible Sensory Processing Disorder 
• How to screen and whom to refer to
• Occupational Therapy treatment using the “SI” approach 
• Sensory processing/SI implications for regulation, relationships, and mental health
• Sensory processing “take-away” strategies that might be applicable and appropriate to support regulation and relating within infant/early childhood mental health treatment.