April 13, 2016
Sensory Overload Disorder, and how to handle it
We live in a world of absolutely sensory OVERLOAD. Every single second of the day we are stimulated by something. Depending on how close you to sleep to your cell phone, even that can be affecting you while you sleep. As many as 15% of children who are attending school have sensory issues, and it can be incredibly challenging for them to deal with the world, and for us, as their caretakers, to support and nurture them.
“For such kids, the world is simply too much. Too loud. Too bright. Food is either too soft or too crunchy. The labels and seams on clothes too scratchy. These aren’t mollycoddled complainers who need to “toughen up,” but children with a genuine physiological condition that affects how their central nervous system processes input from their senses (sight, sounds, touch, taste, smell and movement), leaving them under- or over-responsive to stimuli. For them, everyday activities like eating and dressing pose an almost intractable challenge and an ever-present threat.” (todaysparent.com)
This article on todaysparent.com dives into sensory processing disorder with great detail, explaining what it is, how it affects a child’s behavior, ways to help treat it, and what we can do to help soothe and calm children when they’re particularly struggling.
First and foremost, it’s important to maintain empathy. These children, and subsequently adults, are processing the world in a way that is entirely different from you, and often times, in such a way that very small things—things you may never even think about—become profoundly overwhelming. They can’t, unfortunately, just “get over it.”
One way to help is to get them in to see an occupational therapist they like and trust. As the article explains, an OT can help teach your child a series of exercises that will help develop their capacity for stimulation. It’s true, their sensory disorder may never completely go away, but by learning special tactics for helping to deal with particularly overwhelming senses, they are better equipped to handle moments of sensory overload, which will allow them to lead a calmer, less anxious life.
There’s so much you can control at home, but what about at school? First thing’s first: let your child’s teacher know about their sensory sensitivity, and be sure to identify any sensations to which they are particularly sensitive. These tips for teachers would work very well at home, too!
“Managing SPD at school
Tips for teachers to make kids with SPD more comfortable in the classroom.
1. Listening to calming music
2. Fidget toys (even hair elastics) and inflatable cushions for long periods of sitting to help with focus and concentration
3. Chewable jewellery for oral cravings
4. Doing wall push-ups and jumping jacks for physical stimulation
5. Self-brushing in a bathroom stall to provide deep pressure
6. Stretching before and after periods of sitting
7. Scheduled walking and movement breaks
8. Ear plugs/muffs for fire drills and assemblies
9. Special place (front or end) when lining up
10. Classroom seating away from distractions like bright windows or
noisy radiators”
Does your child have any sensory issues, whether it’s just a small sensitivity, or full-blown sensory processing disorder? We’d love to hear how you and your family have approached this, what works best for your child, and any tips or tricks you have for making their lives easier.
