 So you leave the doctor's office, the occupational therapy evaluation, or possibly just had an evaluation in your home by the early intervention program. You have been told..."Your child has sensory processing disorder". So many emotions flow through you, jumping from one to another...likely the first emotion is being overwhelmed and scared...then perhaps panic...then comes relief and possibly excitement that you have found answers and now have a path to follow! But then it may quickly shift back to fear again, and possibly the feeling of guilt that you somehow did something wrong as a parent somewhere along the way.... You get in the car heading home or the therapist leaves your home from the evaluation..... NOW WHAT???? I think perhaps the biggest mistake that is made is when a family or a parent decides that they are going to FIX this and make all of the problems go away. Diving into every type of therapy recommended and trying every new cutting edge technique to try to fix it all...with the goal being the smartest, most well adjusted, most well behaved, popular, and athletic child in the school and the neighborhood. Our sensory kiddos are perfect just as they are...yes, maybe some are a little quirky or need to wear noise cancelling headphones, or flap their hands when they are excited. So what. And yes, the meltdowns and the struggles with eating more than goldfish crackers and chicken nuggets are REAL and very much a challenge. Please do not think for a second that I am down playing the challenge! But if so much time is spent trying to change and fix the child...it is very possible to miss the day to day joys and accomplishments, and the strengths and the absolute cuteness found in every single kiddo out there. And most of all...the unique and perfect little person that they are and always will be. It is so important to find balance between therapies and just letting your kiddo be a kiddo! Here is my top 14 list of suggestions on how to survive and succeed in the journey of sensory processing disorder... #1 Find an occupational therapist who truly specializes and has experience with SPD. Unfortunately there is not a special certification an OT can get to be considered a sensory integration specialist. There is a test called the SIPT which requires certification, but the certification is only for that test. (But this definitely can be a real positive indicator that the OT knows sensory!) You MUST ask them about their experience in sensory integration, possibly ask what assessment tools they use, always go with your gut..if you feel the therapist is not the best fit for your child, or your child is not leaving therapy more organized and regulated then it is time to change! #2 Make sure the occupational therapist involves you as the parent in every therapy session, and each and every session the OT sends you home with sensory home program ideas and sensory diet recommendations! It is the daily application of sensory integration that can truly change the outcome and improve the quality of life for your child! It is not the once a week session with the OT. (I am allowed to say this since I am an OT) Believe me I have seen the dramatic difference between the families who followed through with my recommendations at home, and those who didn't! #3 Be your child's advocate in school, daycare, or preschool. Insist on the sensory tools and modifications to be used and followed through with on a daily basis. If needed, request a 504 plan in the school. Provide the teacher, daycare provider, or caregiver with tools to help them understand SPD and how to help your child. "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals" is an excellent, easy to understand handbook for teachers and caregivers and it provides very practical and effective quick solutions. #4 Educate yourself in regards to sensory processing disorder, learn all the big wordy words involved with SPD so you can feel confident and empowered next time someone asks you a question about SPD and your child. The book "Your Essential Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder" is a quick, easy to read workbook which explains SPD in a nutshell. #5 Surround yourself with family and friends who support you and your child's sensory differences. We all know it just takes one person at a party or at a family gathering who thinks "you are just spoiling your child or that the child just need more punishment and consequences"! #6 Wear your "sensory goggles" all the time. If you see your child through a sensory perspective you will likely find the sensory explanation and solution. With our sensory kiddos...when you ask the question sensory or behavior?...It is almost always sensory. The book "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals" breaks down over 100 sensory symptoms in easy to understand language and provides quick, practical solutions! #7 Refrain from medications if possible. Medications are so often prescribed to decrease symptoms of some sort. This is just a band aid, and in the long run can cause even more disruption in sensory processing. Most of the meds prescribed change the chemistry in the brain...an issue that our sensory kiddos are already struggling with at its fullest! Please note: I am referring to meds specifically given to address the sensory symptoms, such as lack of attention, or impulsive, or angry, or active (some tend to call it hyper). I am not talking about meds given for specific medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, seizures, etc. #8 Be sensory prepared! Whenever you leave home be sure you have the necessary sensory tools, even if it is a quick trip to the store. You never know when your child will need a sensory tool. For example: an oral sensory tool, earplugs or noise cancelling headphones, a fidget toy, vibrating pillow, or weighted lap pad. #9 Invest in the essential sensory tools for at home. You will indeed need them on a daily basis, and it will truly make a significant difference in the progress you see with your child.
Limit screen time! This is HUGE. This includes all screens...TV, video games, computer, handheld devices, etc. Two hours or less a day is recommended for all children. More than that, and you have deprived the brain of essential and necessary sensory input from the power sensations (tactile, vestibular, or proprioceptive). And ZERO screen time is recommended for under the age of 3. Sometimes parents say that TV or videos calm their child, which it is ok in small doses, but even if it appears to be calming, in the long run of the day, it can be the culprit to the meltdowns. #11 Be aware of what your child is eating. Sensory kiddos tend to be carb cravers; the one food group which tends to be stuffed with refined flours, preservatives, additives, and dyes. Encourage a protein rich diet and avoid dyes, preservatives, and additives. Sensory kids tend to be more reactive and sensitive to these products. #12 Every day can have a different sensory twist. This is one of the most challenging parts of SPD. One day your child may be sensitive to one thing, and not the next. Or they may crave something one day, and hate it the next. This is common, and expect it to happen...it will. #13 Be sure your child is getting the necessary amount of sleep. Disruption of the sleep/wake cycle is also a very common trait and challenge with SPD. Please refer to my previous blog post on sleep for further details and suggestions on how to help promote sleep. #14 Love, love, love, your sensory kiddo! Respect their sensory differences, and focus on their strengths. Help your child in the areas you can, be the advocate, provide the sensory tools and modifications they need...and validate how they are feeling. SPD is real. CommentsEva 01/09/2012 10:35
I LOVE how well written this article is!!! THANK YOU!!! We are just beggining this journey and i know first hand how overwhelming SPD can be.... Julie 01/09/2012 13:37
Thanks for this complete, yet concise list of marvelous points on SPD. Our son is 5 and we are trying our best to maintain a moderate approach to helping him and this list is a wonderful overview and place to start. Blessings! Nadeen 01/10/2012 05:48
my son is 12 and I still fight with teachers that have no concept of SPD. It is not taught in Education, ANYWHERE. Thanks for this article! Erika 02/27/2012 19:13
WOW! Thank you SO much for the amazing articles and tips here! Leave a Reply |    
Angie Voss, OTR/L
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