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!