Sensory Approach to Home
So we’ve talked about sensory processing in previous posts; But we wanted to add some tips for different situations parents may be experiencing!
This is applicable to:
Autism Spectrum Disorders
SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder)
ADHD, Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Delays
Motor Delays
Gifted and kids who are Twice Exceptional
Anxiety
Typical children
Just as an overview, kids should typically get a thorough evaluation, and/or neurology consult before being diagnosed. Many children who are SPD and are sensory seekers/cravers, or those with poor postural control may look like they have ADD/ADHD. The issue at times doesn’t stem from the attention. A lot of the times we think these kids are acting out, not listening, or not paying attention. We notice when they get sent to principal's office, trouble with virtual learning, or get labeled the “behavior kid.” But looking deeper into the underlying issue with the help of healthcare professionals will have a more thorough diagnosis.
In order to help children feel more balanced we can create a Sensory Lifestyle Previously termed a “Sensory Diet,” it’s how you incorporate the sensory tools that you have into every day life. Every child is different, so depending on the child’s sensory processing we advise activities and strategies, but its best to learn through trial and error what works best for the child you are working with.
How does Sleep affect your Child?
Sleep can be very important, keeping consistent bedtime routines, comfortable bedding. You can add some calming music or lights, try to have them sleep in their own bed, tents over the bed can be calming, as well as body pillows.
What about Diet?
You are what you eat. If you have concerns about your child’s limited food repertoire or “picky eating” seek out a therapist who is trained by Dr. Kay Toomey SOS Approach to Feeding. It’s suggested that children need at least 10 sources of protein, 10 fruits or vegetables, 10 other/starches for a total of at least 30 different foods
Dinner time tips:
Family style dinner
Make Eating Fun!
Try different textures, colors, smells
Have something preferred for after the child touches or tastes a new food
Always present a protein source, fruit or vegetable, and starch at every meal/snack, plus one preferred food
Don’t allow your child to “food jag” eat the same foods over and over again
If they have chicken nuggets on Monday, they can’t have them again until Wednesday
OT’s Role:
Among the psychosocial conditions, anxiety disorder is the third prevalent mental disorder affecting children aged 3-17 years (CDC, 2019). OT’s are a great resource for therapy for implementing evidence-based mental health promotion, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Yoga, etc.
Calming Strategies:
Taking Deep Breaths
Drinking through a straw
Sucking on hard candy
Taking a break
Lowering the lights
Calming music
Warm bath
Talking in soft voice
Slow linear swinging/rocking
Chewing gum
Deep pressure/hugs/weighted vests, blankets
Mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. This is used as a therapeutic technique. This is all about living in the moment and taking every moment just as important as your last.
Want to know more? Email us!
References
Aguilar, Del; Esposito, Phil (2019) “Sensory Processing Disorder and Praxis Skills in Children With Learning Disabilities” The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 73, No. 4 2. Liotta-Kleinfeld, Lorry; Beros, Lynsey; Boyer, Andrea; Boggus, Taylor; Ruff, Madeleine; Little, Mary; Sollman, Rachael (2020) “Incidence of and Relationship Between Tactile Sensitivity and SelfRegulation in Six- to Eight-Year-Old Children” The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2020, Vol. 74 3.
Lin, Mei-Ling PhD, OTR/L; Nasser, Alyse; Molina, Cayla; Smith, Emma; and Millar, Kristin (2020). “Mental-Health Benefits of a Mindfulness-Based Prevention Program on Elementary Schoolchildren” The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2020, Vol. 74, Supplement 1 4.
Mulligan, Shelley; Schoen, Sarah A.; Miller, Lucy Jane; Valdez, Andrea; and Magalhaes, Deborah (2019) "The Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale: Initial Studies of Reliability and Item Analyses," The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 4. 5.
Orley Templeton, OTD, OTR/L1, Lori Charney, OTD, OTR/L1, Heather Bennett, MS2, Molly Betz, MS3, Kelly Byrne, MS, OTR4, Jame Duffy, MS2 (2019). “The Effect of Sensory-Based Strategies and Social-Skill Training on Social Skills Among Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder” The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 73, No. 4
Clothing Preference for Sensory Sensitivity
Last week we spoke about how sensory processing may affect clothing choices; we want to go a little more in depth about it this week. As with many things, there is a spectrum of choices when it comes to the clothing we wear. Some like clothing fitted, others like them loose. Let’s go more in depth about those that enjoy clothing that are on the light side.
What do you mean by spectrum?
In terms of preferences for sensory processing; there is sensory seeking and sensory avoidant. In other words, there are some people that like clothing to feel like they're really present with extra pressure, and those that don't want to feel any pressure on their skin. Those are the two extremes, and most people fall within the spectrum that lies between the two.
Tactile Defensiveness
Have you ever had a child that cannot handle shirt tags? They find it itchy, and always feel like the tag is there, this is the sensitive end of the spectrum for sensory processing when it comes to clothing. They might also have difficulty with hair cuts, ticking may be overwhelming, they might be picky about certain textures, and they might like to keep their hands clean. Tactile defensiveness is basically an over-sensitivity to touch.
Some Tricks
This might make your child’s dressing routine difficult, and they might be repeating one item that is hanging on by a thread because it gets used so much.
One trick is to layer with the favorite fabric on the closest layer to their skin.
Depending on their preference, those with clothing sensitivities will like the light and soft type of fabric that makes it feel like it’s not on your skin.
You can also desensitize the specific areas that bother the child with deep touch, massage, or gently pressing around the area with a hand held vibrator.
Try second hand clothing that’s a little more worn in.
Moisturizing the skin may help, making the skin a little more sensitive.
Buying sensory friendly clothing with brands that understand clothing sensitivities
As always, we are here to help you with any questions. If this is a topic that you would like to explore more, email smplytherapy@gmail.com to speak to us!
Sensory Processing Relating to Clothing
We’re talking about something that everyone deals with to some degree, but may have not taken much notice… sensory processing as it relates to clothing! Just like picky eating relates to how we process our environment- the texture, flavor, or color choices in food; children may be picky about the clothes they wear.
If we’re being honest, most of us choose clothing differently whether it’s based on texture or how it makes you feel, and may be able to think back to their childhood when it was a little more “picky.” But for some kids, it may go to the extreme due to sensory processing difficulties.
Prevalence
Sensory processing disorder affects about 8.3% of 8 year olds internationally (Jussila et al., 2020), and 1 in 20 to 1 in 6.25 in the US (Ahn et al., 2004; Ben-Sasson et al., 2009), some experts say as much as 10% of kids. For children with ADHD; it’s as much as 40-60%, so children on the Autism spectrum and those with ADHD may be at higher chance of having difficulty with sensory processing.
Many children may not get a diagnosis, or have issues with sensory processing that affects their ability to perform daily activities. It may just be a quirk that allows them to function in society without too much difficulty, but clothing can still be something that assists feeling more balanced. Some children prefer tighter clothing, others want clothing to feel very light. With this; parents may find a pattern with their clothing shopping if their sensory processing takes priority over different styles and trends.
If your child is having trouble with tolerating clothing, and it’s affecting their participation in school or daily activities; We’re happy to help you understand and talk to you about it. Please feel free to email us at smplytherapy@gmail.com
References
Jussila K., Junttila M., Kielinen M., Ebeling H., Joskitt L., Moilanen I., et al. . (2020). Sensory abnormality and quantitative autism traits in children with and without autism spectrum disorder in an epidemiological population. J. Autism Dev. Disord. 50, 180–188. 10.1007/s10803-019-04237-0 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
Ahn R. R., Miller L. J., Milberger S., McIntosh D. N. (2004). Prevalence of parents’ perceptions of sensory processing disorders among kindergarten children. Am. J. Occup. Ther. 58, 287–293. 10.5014/ajot.58.3.287 [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]