Understanding and Supporting Children with Sensory Processing Disorders: A Guide for Parents and Educators

Sensory Processing Disorders: Understanding and Supporting Children with Unique Sensitivities

As a parent or educator, you may have noticed that some children seem to be more sensitive to sensory stimuli than others. Some children may react strongly to certain textures, smells, sounds, or visual stimuli in their environment. They may avoid certain activities or seek out others that provide them with sensory input they crave. These behaviors could be signs of a sensory processing disorder (SPD).

Sensory processing refers to the way our nervous system receives and interprets information from our senses (vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell) and how it organizes and responds to this information. In typical development, the nervous system filters out irrelevant sensory input while paying attention to important information for learning and daily functioning.

However, for some individuals with SPDs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders; emotional disturbances etc., their brains process sensory input differently from what is considered normal by society’s standards. For example,
– A child with an auditory processing disorder might struggle with understanding speech in noisy environments.
– A child who is hypersensitive to touch might feel distressed when someone touches them unexpectedly.
– A child who craves movement might fidget excessively during class or constantly seek out physical activity.

It’s essential that parents and educators understand SPDs so they can better support these children’s needs.

Common Types of Sensory Processing Disorders

There are three primary types of SPDs:
1) Sensory modulation disorders involve difficulties regulating the intensity or frequency of responses to different types of sensory input.
2) Sensory-based motor disorders involve challenges executing movements that require coordination between various parts of the body.
3) Sensory discrimination disorders involve difficulty distinguishing between different types or qualities of sensory input.

Some common signs associated with each type include:

Sensory Modulation Disorders
– Over-responsivity: Hypersensitivity to sensory input, such as textures, sounds, or lights that others can tolerate.
– Under-responsivity: Hyposensitivity or lack of response to sensory input that most people find stimulating.
– Sensory seeking: Craving excessive amounts of sensory experiences like touch, movement, sound etc.

Sensory-Based Motor Disorders
– Poor balance and coordination
– Difficulty with fine motor tasks
– Challenges with gross motor skills

Sensory Discrimination Disorders
– Difficulty distinguishing between different types of stimuli (e.g., colors)
-Trouble identifying the location of a stimulus (e.g., where a sound is coming from)

Supporting Children with SPDs

If you suspect that a child may have an SPD:
1) Observe their behavior and identify which type of SPD they might have.
2) Consult with an occupational therapist who specializes in treating children with sensory processing disorders.
3) Work collaboratively with the child’s teacher(s), therapists, and parents/caregivers to develop strategies for supporting the child’s unique needs.

Here are some general tips for supporting children with SPDs:

1. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Children with SPDs often struggle in environments that are too noisy, chaotic, or over-stimulating. Creating a calm and predictable environment can help them feel more comfortable and focused. Consider using noise-canceling headphones; providing fidget toys; adjusting lighting levels; allowing movement breaks.

2. Provide Opportunities for Sensory Input
Some children need more intense or frequent sensory input than others to regulate themselves effectively – this could include things like deep pressure activities e.g., rolling up tightly in blankets or on top of pillows). Providing opportunities for these types of activities throughout the day can help reduce anxiety and improve attention span.

3. Give Clear Instructions & Expectations
It’s important to provide clear instructions so children know what is expected of them in different situations. Offering visual aids like pictures or checklists can help children with SPDs understand and remember instructions better.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement & Praise
Children with SPDs may struggle with self-esteem and confidence due to their unique sensitivities. It’s important to offer positive reinforcement for good behavior, effort, and progress. Praising a child’s specific efforts and improvements can also help build their self-esteem.

5. Be Patient & Flexible
It takes time to learn how best to support children with SPDs – be patient as you experiment with different strategies that work best for each child’s individual needs. Being flexible in adjusting your approach based on feedback from the child, parents/caregivers, and other professionals involved is essential.

Conclusion

Sensory processing disorders affect many children today but are often misunderstood or overlooked by educators and parents alike.
Understanding the types of SPDs that exist; signs associated with these conditions; and ways we can support these children is critical in ensuring they receive appropriate care that meets their unique needs.
By creating sensory-friendly environments, providing opportunities for sensory input, giving clear instructions/expectations/praise; being patient/flexible in our approaches – we can make a significant difference in helping them thrive both academically and socially!