QST works in several ways:

• It improves the circulation to the skin and helps to improve touch and pain responses

• It activates the part of the nervous system responsible for self-soothing, allowing the child to learn to calm down and self-regulate

• It improves the health and vitality of the body, to improve digestion and growth

Benefits for your child and you:

• Improving settling to sleep and sleeping for longer

• Helps to normalise the digestive system if a child is constipated or has diarrhoea

• Toilet training becomes easier with greater body awareness

• Reduces sensitivity to touch in those children who experience oversensitivity and increases awareness of touch in those who are less aware of their body

• Reduces sensory challenges with self-care skills such as tooth brushing, hair brushing, nail cutting, dressing, and bathing

• Improves the ability of children to calm themselves, reducing meltdowns and aggressive or self-injurious behaviour

• Transitions become easier

• Both receptive and expressive language skills improve

• Increased ability to interact socially – more affectionate with families and more comfortable and connected to others in social situations

• Reduces parental stress – as parents become less stressed and children become less reactive and more engaged, there is more meaningful social connection, family life becomes easier, and the family thrives.

• Over time, these changes enable the child to become more aware of their body, supporting gross and fine motor skills and improving attention and concentration for learning.