Sensory therapy helps Emili week by week

The new, modern home of the MURID Centre for Early Intervention in Čakovec, Croatia is always bustling! Numerous children with various difficulties and their families receive essential therapies and support here. Among them is Emili (4), a cheerful and lively four-year-old girl. Her mother, Tihana, shared that she noticed difficulties with Emili when trying to give her water from a glass or introducing food that wasn’t in puree form but in chunkier pieces. It turned out that Emili had underdeveloped muscles in her jaw, oral cavity, and tongue, making it hard for her to swallow properly. Additionally, she experienced tactile sensitivity and sensitivity to loud sounds.

"All of this caused challenges during meals as she couldn’t tolerate certain textures in her mouth, touch certain foods, or have anything on her hands. She would wash her hands constantly—up to 50 times a day," said Emili’s mother, Tihana Kolarić. 

Recently, a sensory room was opened at MURID, one of seven sensory rooms equipped thanks to UNICEF's support with materials, didactics, and extensive training. That was a turning point for Emily, Tihana told us:

“Since we started attending sensory therapy here, Emili has been progressing continuously. Every week she tries a new food that she previously wouldn’t even touch. She is also improving in social interactions with other children, and her handwashing has decreased." 

Speech therapist and early intervention specialist Dora Stojko, who has been working at MURID for 11 years, attended the training that was provided by UNICEF:

"The training was beneficial and interesting but also demanding. It was divided into eight modules spanning two years. Throughout the training, we acquired knowledge and skills through theoretical and practical work. It was an intensive learning process for all of us involved. What I observe in conducting sensory integration therapy is that when a child's senses are balanced, unwanted behaviours diminish, and new skill learning pathways open."

"The availability of a sensory room—which we call a hall, due to its slightly larger capacity—is something that makes life much easier for both families and children. Now, they don’t have to travel to Zagreb, which is expensive, time-consuming and often children are tired after travel so they can’t benefit from therapy,” added MURID director Silvija Pucko. 

The availability of necessary therapies and support for children with difficulties and their families is essential.

"In those early years, with great effort, significant progress can be achieved. We are happy that here in MURID, in Čakovec, we have this sensory hall. I believe all counties should provide the necessary therapies for its youngest citizens," concluded Tihana.