Are you just beginning the sensory journey with your child?
Here are some important tips and steps you can take....
If your child will be seeing an occupational therapist for sensory based intervention in a private practice or outpatient setting, be sure the therapist has training and experience in the theory of sensory integration. Becoming a sensory specialist and sensory OT is achieved through extensive training via CE courses and workshops, specialized internships, independent learning, and experience outside of the college classroom. There is a test called the SIPT which requires certification, but the certification is only for that test. (This can be a good sign that the OT has sensory integration training!) Before you choose your OT, it is critical to ask questions about their experience in sensory integration and what extra training has been completed in the field. The most important part is in the application of the theory of sensory integration: It is a child led and directed approach...it is based on the theory that the brain responds best to meaningful and purposeful activity AND to never force a sensory activity...ever. There are many different frames of reference and specialties in the field of occupational therapy, so training and experience can be quite diverse.
The most important part of every private/outpatient/home-based OT session is parent education. At the end of each and every session, you should feel equipped and inspired to try the new sensory strategies and with a feeling that you understand your child's sensory needs and differences a little more each time. It is the daily application of sensory integration that can truly change the outcome and improve the quality of life for your child! It is not the once a week session with the OT. Believe me, I have seen the dramatic difference between the families who followed through with my recommendations at home, and those who didn't!
Be your child's sensory advocate in school, daycare, or preschool.
You are your child's voice. Be persistent and firm on the necessity of the sensory tools and strategies being used and followed through with on a daily basis. If needed, request a 504 plan in the school. Provide the teacher, daycare provider, or caregiver with tools to help them understand sensory and how to help your child. "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals" is an excellent, easy to understand handbook for teachers and caregivers and it provides very practical and effective quick solutions. Also be sure to visit this page for further school tips.
Educate yourself in regards to sensory processing disorder, learn all the big words involved with sensory integration so you can feel confident and empowered next time someone asks you a question about sensory and your child.
Surround yourself with family and friends who support you and your child's sensory differences. We all know it just takes one person at a party or at a family gathering who thinks "you are just spoiling your child or that the child just needs more punishment and consequences"! I have created a handout to help caregivers and family members develop more sensory empathy and to respect your child's sensory differences.
Wear your "sensory goggles" all of the time.
If you see your child through a sensory perspective you will likely find the sensory explanation and solution. When you ask the question sensory or behavior?...It is almost always sensory. Use this tool to help you. The book "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals" breaks down over 210 sensory symptoms (signals) in easy to understand language and provides quick, practical solutions! Visit this page for a list of common sensory signals.
Refrain from medications if possible.
Medicating our children for behaviors and sensory symptoms is a tragedy in my eyes. This is just a band aid, and in the long run can cause even more disruption in sensory processing. Most of the medications prescribed change the chemistry in the brain...an issue that our children with sensory differences are already struggling with at its fullest! Please note: I am referring to medications specifically given to address the sensory symptoms, such as lack of attention, anxiety, impulsivity, etc. I am not talking about medication given for specific medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, seizures, etc. Getting to the root of the situation is the key...addressing the sensory foundation.
Be sensory prepared when you leave home!
When you leave home, be sure you have the necessary sensory tools. Even if it is a quick trip to the store, a portable sensory tool bag is your best bet. Sensory input is constantly changing and unpredictable, be prepared to help your child at any given moment.
Invest in the essential sensory tools for at home. You will need them on a daily basis, and it will truly make a significant difference in the sensory progress you see with your child.
Limit screen time! This is HUGE.
This includes all screens...TV, video games, computer, handheld devices, etc. Two hours or less a day is recommended for all children. More than that, and you have deprived the brain of essential and necessary sensory input from the power sensations (tactile, vestibular, or proprioceptive). And ZERO screen time is recommended for under the age of 3. Sometimes parents say that TV or videos calm their child, which is ok in small doses, but even if it appears to be calming, in the long run of the day, it can be the trigger for the meltdowns.
Be acutely aware of what your child is eating.
Children with sensory differences tend to be carb cravers; particularly those with processed grains, refined sugar, preservatives, additives, and dyes. Avoid all processed foods, dyes, preservatives, additives, and refined sugars. Children with sensory differences seem to be more reactive and sensitive to these products. Consider eliminating all dairy and gluten. It is also important to rule out food allergies and intolerance, which can have a significant impact on behavior and self-regulation. Visit this page for more information on this topic.
Every day can have a different sensory twist.
This is one of the most challenging parts of sensory processing difficulties. One day your child may be sensitive to one thing, and not the next. Or they may crave something one day, and hate it the next. This is common, and expect it to happen...it will. Sensory modulation difficulty may also be the reason behind this.
Be sure your child is getting the necessary amount of sleep.
Disruption of the sleep/wake cycle is also a very common challenge for sensory kids. Please refer to this page on sleep for further details and suggestions on how to help promote sleep.
Love, love, love, your precious and perfect gem! Respect their sensory differences, and focus on their strengths. Help your child in the areas you can, be the advocate, provide the sensory tools and modifications they need. Take it one day at a time and one step at a time...
The most important part of every private/outpatient/home-based OT session is parent education. At the end of each and every session, you should feel equipped and inspired to try the new sensory strategies and with a feeling that you understand your child's sensory needs and differences a little more each time. It is the daily application of sensory integration that can truly change the outcome and improve the quality of life for your child! It is not the once a week session with the OT. Believe me, I have seen the dramatic difference between the families who followed through with my recommendations at home, and those who didn't!
Be your child's sensory advocate in school, daycare, or preschool.
You are your child's voice. Be persistent and firm on the necessity of the sensory tools and strategies being used and followed through with on a daily basis. If needed, request a 504 plan in the school. Provide the teacher, daycare provider, or caregiver with tools to help them understand sensory and how to help your child. "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals" is an excellent, easy to understand handbook for teachers and caregivers and it provides very practical and effective quick solutions. Also be sure to visit this page for further school tips.
Educate yourself in regards to sensory processing disorder, learn all the big words involved with sensory integration so you can feel confident and empowered next time someone asks you a question about sensory and your child.
Surround yourself with family and friends who support you and your child's sensory differences. We all know it just takes one person at a party or at a family gathering who thinks "you are just spoiling your child or that the child just needs more punishment and consequences"! I have created a handout to help caregivers and family members develop more sensory empathy and to respect your child's sensory differences.
Wear your "sensory goggles" all of the time.
If you see your child through a sensory perspective you will likely find the sensory explanation and solution. When you ask the question sensory or behavior?...It is almost always sensory. Use this tool to help you. The book "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals" breaks down over 210 sensory symptoms (signals) in easy to understand language and provides quick, practical solutions! Visit this page for a list of common sensory signals.
Refrain from medications if possible.
Medicating our children for behaviors and sensory symptoms is a tragedy in my eyes. This is just a band aid, and in the long run can cause even more disruption in sensory processing. Most of the medications prescribed change the chemistry in the brain...an issue that our children with sensory differences are already struggling with at its fullest! Please note: I am referring to medications specifically given to address the sensory symptoms, such as lack of attention, anxiety, impulsivity, etc. I am not talking about medication given for specific medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, seizures, etc. Getting to the root of the situation is the key...addressing the sensory foundation.
Be sensory prepared when you leave home!
When you leave home, be sure you have the necessary sensory tools. Even if it is a quick trip to the store, a portable sensory tool bag is your best bet. Sensory input is constantly changing and unpredictable, be prepared to help your child at any given moment.
Invest in the essential sensory tools for at home. You will need them on a daily basis, and it will truly make a significant difference in the sensory progress you see with your child.
- An indoor swing
- Something to bounce on such as a hippity hop ball, mini-trampoline, or BOSU ball
- A sensory retreat
- A large therapy ball
- Weighted blanket or compression clothing
- Variable items depending on the child's sensory needs...oral sensory tool, fidget toys, noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses or large brimmed hat.
Limit screen time! This is HUGE.
This includes all screens...TV, video games, computer, handheld devices, etc. Two hours or less a day is recommended for all children. More than that, and you have deprived the brain of essential and necessary sensory input from the power sensations (tactile, vestibular, or proprioceptive). And ZERO screen time is recommended for under the age of 3. Sometimes parents say that TV or videos calm their child, which is ok in small doses, but even if it appears to be calming, in the long run of the day, it can be the trigger for the meltdowns.
Be acutely aware of what your child is eating.
Children with sensory differences tend to be carb cravers; particularly those with processed grains, refined sugar, preservatives, additives, and dyes. Avoid all processed foods, dyes, preservatives, additives, and refined sugars. Children with sensory differences seem to be more reactive and sensitive to these products. Consider eliminating all dairy and gluten. It is also important to rule out food allergies and intolerance, which can have a significant impact on behavior and self-regulation. Visit this page for more information on this topic.
Every day can have a different sensory twist.
This is one of the most challenging parts of sensory processing difficulties. One day your child may be sensitive to one thing, and not the next. Or they may crave something one day, and hate it the next. This is common, and expect it to happen...it will. Sensory modulation difficulty may also be the reason behind this.
Be sure your child is getting the necessary amount of sleep.
Disruption of the sleep/wake cycle is also a very common challenge for sensory kids. Please refer to this page on sleep for further details and suggestions on how to help promote sleep.
Love, love, love, your precious and perfect gem! Respect their sensory differences, and focus on their strengths. Help your child in the areas you can, be the advocate, provide the sensory tools and modifications they need. Take it one day at a time and one step at a time...