When someone has sensory processing issues, it means that their brain processes sensory information in a way that isn’t “typical”.
How to Help Children Cope with Sensory Processing Issues
How to Help Children Cope with Sensory Processing Issues
Whole Child Neuro
All children deserve to have an environment that works with their needs.
In our fast, ever-changing world, providing an environment that works for your child’s needs can be easier said than done. When children are in an environment that doesn’t work with their needs, they can behave in ways that might be confusing or upsetting. They might get upset and have meltdowns, or be overwhelmed easily in environments that don’t bother others. These are some clues that your child is dealing with sensory processing issues.
What are Sensory Processing Issues?
Our brains take in the sensory information that’s around us. Some of our brains work differently and don’t take in sensory information the same way that “most” people do. When someone has sensory processing issues, it means that their brain processes sensory information in a way that isn’t “typical”. Sensory processing disorder, as it’s known, is commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder, as many people with ASD experience sensory issues. However, it’s possible to have sensory processing disorder (SPD) without also falling on the autism spectrum.
Some children with sensory processing issues can be easily overwhelmed by the amount of sensory information, while others seem to not react at all to the sensory stimuli around them.
This is because there are two main types of sensory processing issues.
Some children experience increased sensitivity to sensory input, meaning that they are easily overwhelmed by the world around them. This is known as hypersensitivity. Others, however, experience a decreased sensitivity to sensory input, which means that they seek out additional sensory stimuli, like bumping into things. This is known as hyposensitivity.
Researchers estimate that 1 in 6 children have sensory processing issues.
What symptoms and behaviors do children with sensory processing disorder display?
Children who are struggling with sensory processing issues often spend a lot of time regulating their senses, which can mean that they don’t have the ability to also control their behavior. This means that they might act out in ways that are confusing or frustrating.
Hypersensitive children might have difficulty trying new foods, touching different textures, cleaning themselves, getting wet, trying new things, seeing bright lights, hearing loud sounds, wearing clothes with tags or certain fabrics.
Hyposensitive kids might seek out more sensory stimulation by running, jumping, crashing, using fidget toys, rocking, swaying, seeking out pressure, or touching objects around them. They might not react when their name is called.
Areas that might be difficult for children with sensory processing issues include:
Bathtime and other hygienic activities
Putting on clothes
Mealtimes
School
Socializing
Screen time
Bedtime
How are sensory processing issues diagnosed and treated in children?
Neuropsychological Assessment
Getting a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment can help you determine if your child has sensory processing issues. While SPD isn’t an official diagnosis, working with a pediatric neuropsychologist can help you pinpoint if your child is experiencing these difficulties, either on its own or as part of another disorder.
Occupational Therapy
Working with an occupational therapist is a common way to treat sensory processing issues.
Sensory integration therapy involves gradual exposure to sensory stimuli to help your child tolerate new sensory experiences in a safe environment. An occupational therapist will work with your child to help them feel more comfortable in different environments. They often utilize what’s known as a “sensory gym” with different implements like ball pits, cushions and mats, swings, climbing equipment, skin brushing, weighted vests, and so on.
Play therapy
Play therapy is another way to help children with sensory processing issues. Play therapy can help your child encounter new sensory experiences while in a safe environment. Sensory play therapy utilizes whole brain processing, and offers a chance for your child to build new neural pathways in their brain to improve sensory processing.
Can sensory processing issues change?
While sensory processing disorder isn’t something we know how to cure, there are ways to help your child experience relief from sensory processing disorder. Neuroplasticity, or our brain’s ability to make new connections, is a way that we can use our brain’s functioning to essentially re-train it. Over time, and with practice, it’s possible to build new connections in the brain that help improve sensory processing.
Many people think of sensory processing disorder as something that only affects kids, and that they’ll grow out of it. Sometimes, sensory distress lessens over time, but sometimes it doesn’t. Sensory processing issues in adults are usually less apparent, because they have learned to cope with and mask their difficulty.
How to navigate sensory processing issues with your child
Sensory processing disorder is fairly common, so what can you do as a parent to help your child when they’re experiencing sensory processing issues?
Explore which sensory inputs are overwhelming for your child
The more you understand about how your child is experiencing the world, the better able you’ll be to adapt their surroundings to help them be successful. It might be helpful to keep a journal or log of your child’s behaviors so you can pinpoint their triggers, especially if you’re just starting to notice there’s an issue. You can download a checklist to help you discover exactly how sensory issues are impacting your child.
Don’t force your child to attend activities that will be triggering
There are some activities that just won’t be enjoyable for a child with sensory processing disorder, and it’s important to not force your child into these environments if you can help it. Of course, there are things, like doctor’s appointments, that might be distressing to your child but that can’t be avoided. Other things, though, like sports games, concerts, movies, libraries, and waterparks, can be avoided.
Listen to your child when they tell you they’re overwhelmed
Being consistent with your child and listening to them when they tell you they’re overwhelmed is hugely important. Listening to them will help you both figure out what their triggers are, and it will help you intervene when they need extra support. It also helps build up the trust between you and your child - they’ll know they can count on you to be their advocate.
Create a sensory chill-out area for them
There are very few places where children can get a break from sensory overwhelm, so creating a sensory-chill out area can be helpful. This is a place where your child can go to help feel less overwhelmed. This area might include soft, cozy fabrics that you know they like, it might be enclosed or dark, it might include climbing equipment or a ball pit, weighted blankets, or other equipment that you know they’ll utilize when overwhelmed. Your child can go to their sensory area to calm down and get a break from the sensory overload of the outside world.
Explore ways to adapt activities
Since there is no cure for sensory processing disorder, it’s important to help make the world more accessible for your child. As their caregiver and advocate, you can help experiment with your child to find things that help them feel less distress in their environment.
One of the perks of living with the internet is that you can explore ways to make activities and day to day life more adaptable for your child. There are a ton of resources out there, for disabled folks and their caregivers, that can give you ideas for where to start. Think of activities that commonly overwhelm your child, and see if there are ways to mitigate the sensory input. Try headphones or earplugs, sunglasses, weighted blankets, baths vs. showers, and fidget toys, to name a few.
Work to find a routine that works for them
Children with sensory processing disorder thrive on routine, because they know what they can expect. It can be a source of comfort to know what’s coming and what’s expected of them, especially when they’re already overwhelmed. It can be helpful to, as part of their routine, offer them alternatives so they can feel some sense of control while still choosing between accessible options that work for them. For example, when getting dressed, you could offer them 3 different outfits, each made up of fabric that you know isn’t upsetting to them.
Take time to practice
Coping skills are most effective when they’re practiced during calm moments. Reinforcing the coping skills when your child is calm and not overwhelmed gives them a chance to learn the coping skills, so it will be easier for them to utilize when they’re in distress. Practice how to ask for help when they’re overwhelmed from teachers, group leaders, or other adults. It might also be helpful to practice advocating for themselves - saying things like, “It’s too loud, I need my earplugs,” so they know what to do in the moment.
Practice what to do in a meltdown
Meltdowns, where your child is overstimulated by sensory input and acts out by kicking, screaming, crying, throwing themselves to the floor, or being aggressive, are inevitable with sensory processing disorder. That doesn’t mean that you can’t prepare your child and yourself for what you’re going to do when they happen. It can be helpful to come up with a plan for you and your child so everyone knows what to expect. Your child will likely need your help and direction during a meltdown, because they’ll be so overwhelmed, but practicing what to do ahead of time can help you in the moment so you’re not stuck.
Don’t get upset with them for melting down
When they’re overwhelmed and melting down, it’s going to be very difficult to interrupt that. After all, their brains are still developing, and during a meltdown, they’re already over their limit. Reasoning won’t work, and neither will frustration. When talking to your child during a meltdown, use a calm, soft voice, so you are not escalating them further.
Advocate for accommodations with your child’s teachers
If there are accommodations that will help your child, it’s important that you speak with their teachers, as well as any other daily caregivers, to inform them. It can be helpful to explain what is triggering for your child, as well as how you handle things at home. They may have to go about things differently at school, but they should still be able to provide the accommodations that work for your child so they can feel comfortable in the classroom or during other activities. Providing headphones, fidget toys, or calming activities for when your child is overwhelmed may make a big difference.
If your child is struggling with sensory processing issues, we can help.
Here at Whole Child Neuro, we strive to help children unlock their full potential. We provide neuropsychological evaluations, counseling, parenting support, social skills groups, educational therapy, and school placement services. We work with people throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, including our neighbors in Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, and Beverly Hills. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation, and feel free to read more about our neuropsychological evaluations, counseling, educational therapy, and school placement services.