How Can I Help my Child Struggling with Sensory Processing?

Sensory Processing Disorders can be so confusing to parents as well as the child. Sometimes they can be very obvious such as when a child frequently covers their ears with their hands or refuses to eat certain textured food. Other times, it may not be as obvious to a caregiver because they see meltdowns, refusals, and tantrums that seemingly come out of nowhere and may seek out an evaluation for behavioral issues first.

To make SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) more confusing, children can experience as either hyper-sensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hypo-sensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory stimuli. This is also called “sensory-seeking” and “sensory-avoiding”. These sensitivities can reduce a child’s desire for ordinary social interactions, learning, and other regular activities that help a child develop their social-emotional well-being. This is why it’s so important to understand and manage sensory sensitivities.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory sensitivities occur when the brain has difficulty processing sensory information from the environment. This can involve any of the five senses: touch, sound, sight, taste, and smell. Children with sensory sensitivities may experience:

Hyper-sensitivity: Overwhelmed by sensory input, such as bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or certain textures.

Hypo-sensitivity: Under-responsive to sensory input, leading to a craving for intense sensory experiences or appearing oblivious to stimuli.

These sensitivities can be associated with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), but they can also occur in children without these diagnoses.

Identifying Sensory Sensitivities

Recognizing signs of sensory sensitivities can help you understand your child’s unique needs. Common indicators include:

- Touch: Avoiding certain fabrics or clothing, disliking being touched, or seeking constant physical contact.

- Sound: Covering ears in response to everyday noises, difficulty focusing in noisy environments, or showing a preference for quiet spaces.

- Sight: Squinting or shielding eyes from bright lights, difficulty with eye contact, or being drawn to moving objects.

- Taste: Strong preferences or aversions to certain foods, gagging or refusing to eat specific textures.

- Smell: Reacting strongly to smells, avoiding certain places due to odors, or constantly sniffing objects.

How Can I Help My Child?

1. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment

• Visual: Use soft, natural lighting; minimize clutter; provide a quiet, dimly lit space for relaxation.

• Auditory: Reduce background noise; use noise-canceling headphones; establish quiet zones in the home.

• Tactile: Offer a variety of textures for exploration; avoid clothing with irritating tags or seams; provide weighted blankets or sensory toys.

• Gustatory: Gradually introduce new foods; respect food preferences and aversions; consider texture modifications.

• Olfactory: Use unscented products; be mindful of strong odors; create a scent-free zone.

2. Develop a Sensory Diet:

• Work with an experienced sensory therapist to create a personalized sensory diet (a structured schedule of activities designed to meet your child’s sensory needs). This may include physical activities, sensory breaks, and specific exercises to help regulate sensory input.

3. Encourage Self-Regulation Techniques:

• Teach your child strategies to manage sensory overload, such as deep breathing, visualization, or using fidget tools. Encourage them to communicate their sensory preferences and needs.

4. Foster Predictability and Routine:

•  Establish consistent routines and prepare your child for changes in advance. Use visual schedules or social stories to help them understand and anticipate transitions.

5. Provide Emotional Support:

•  Validate your child’s feelings and experiences. Offer reassurance and patience as they navigate their sensory sensitivities. Celebrate their strengths and progress.

6. Collaborate with Educators and Therapists:

• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and other caregivers to ensure a consistent approach to managing sensory sensitivities across different environments.

Conclusion

Every child with sensory sensitivities is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. By understanding your child’s specific sensory needs and implementing tailored strategies, you can create a supportive environment that fosters their growth and well-being. Patience, empathy, and collaboration are key to helping your child thrive.

For further guidance and resources, consult with your child’s pediatrician, seek out an evaluation from an occupational therapist, or reach out to STAR Institute for Processing Disorders.