The Lost Art of MESSY Play 03/11/2012
 It seems as though the art of messy play is lost. From my experience, the typical American home and lifestyle does not offer messy play as a part of early childhood anymore. Now if you let your 10 month old smear the spaghetti all over the highchair tray and in their hair and you let your 2 year old sit in mud puddles, and you encourage some type of messy play each and every day... then you don’t need to read another word of this post. Now if you fall into the other category….then keep on reading... In our super-hygienic and academic-focused world, messy play and mud pies are words not known by children. Messy play is a crucial sensory stage of development for the tactile system and the nervous system for gross and fine motor development, body awareness, bilateral integration, left/right discrimination, and self regulation…just to name a few. Encouraging messy play on a DAILY basis will "do the body good". Let your child know it is ok to get messy, show them how to dress for the mess.
Add Comment An interview with Angie Voss, OTR/L 03/06/2012
 Angie Voss, OTR/L at Sensory Solutions, PLLC Interview Questions by Karla Barnett from DynamicMOM.com 1. What are the causes of sensory integration issues and sensory processing disorder? The causes of SPD are variable and often of unknown etiology. The exact cause has not yet been identified. Research suggests a few possible links: prematurity of birth, prenatal or birth complications, environmental factors (such as drug or alcohol use during pregnancy or sensory deprivation in an orphanage), and also a possible genetic and inherited link. 2. What advice would you give to parents whose child just received a SPD diagnosis? I recently wrote a comprehensive blog post on this topic specifically. Please refer to this article for in depth information and advice. http://www.understandingspd.com/1/post/2012/01/my-child-has-sensory-processing-disorder-spdnow-what.html 3. What should you look for in an occupational therapist if you child has SPD? This question is also answered in the blog post above along with other useful information for those new to the world of SPD and OT. 4. What techniques would you recommend to drill down and determine which therapy resolves a specific sensory issue? I truly believe and have witnessed over and over again…the success to sensory integrative treatment and overall progress and success, is the daily carry over of a comprehensive sensory diet, a sensory enriched life, and respecting a child for exactly who they are and the sensory signals in which they present to you. 5. Based on the severity of the issues, which sensory areas should you address to yield the best benefit for your child? For example, if a child has vestibular, proprioceptive, and oral defensiveness, should you work on vestibular prior to assisting with feeding issues? I discuss this topic in “Your Essential Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder” in Chapter 3 : The Power Sensations. Working on the sensory foundation skills of vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile input are actually helping the entire nervous system process more efficiently and effectively. These 3 senses in turn are considered the power sensations…in the skyscraper of life and development... without a sturdy, stable, and strong foundation, you will see delays, deficits, and difficulties in many areas. 6. How do you manage feeding issues and oral defensiveness? I discuss this topic in both of my books, going over specific sensory signals related to oral sensory differences and signals a child will give you in "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals", as well as a chapter in “Your Essential Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder” on oral sensory needs and differences and the primitive and crucial link oral sensory has in development and self-regulation. 7. What issues do Sensory kids have with potty training? Quite often sensory children under-register sensory information, specifically proprioception. The interoceptors, which are sensory receptors in the gut and internal organs, are like proprioceptors. The interoceptors register the feeling of needing to go to the bathroom as well as other internal sensations such as being hungry or full. Other issues that play a part in potty training can be the different sensations which go hand in hand with switching from diapers to the use of the toilet. And sensory kiddos are often resistant to change, where as potty training is a HUGE change and can be a challenge simply for that reason. 8. Discuss the importance of a daily sensory diet. An enriched sensory diet is crucial for all of our brains for self-regulation, adapting and processing sensory input, and for children with SPD it is just as important as food. The sensory nutrition is essential for development. 9. What sensory tools should parents have in the home? Here is a list of the essentials:
Prior to age 3, the brain has a great amount of neuroplasticity…this is when it is ideal to help the brain hard wire and learn to process sensory information correctly. As the child ages, this becomes more and more difficult to actually change the brain and how it processes information. Research suggests after approximately age 10, it is extremely difficult to change how the brain processes. At this point, the focus of OT becomes teach coping skills and sensory strategies to help a child throughout life. 11. How do parents with sensory kids educate family, doctors and educators on SPD? I have created free printable handouts just for these scenarios and they are available on my website. I suggest bringing the appropriate handout to doctor’s appointments, your child’s teacher or daycare provider, etc. And there are also handouts for dentist visits and hospital procedures. The handouts promote awareness and understanding as well as provide sensory recommendations for the presented situation. http://www.understandingspd.com/request-for-diagnosis.html 12. What advice would you provide parents who sit their sensory kids in front of the TV or allows them to utilize electronic devices because it keeps them calm? I recently wrote an article on this as well. Please visit this link for further information. http://www.understandingspd.com/1/post/2012/02/little-house-on-the-sensory-prairie.html 13. What was your greatest accomplishment as an occupational therapist? I have always been told I have a gift in how I connect with children and understand their sensory differences and sensory signals. There is no greater feeling as an OT then when you connect with a child who is often misunderstood and judged and not accepted for exactly who they are. This is without a doubt my greatest accomplishment. Angie Voss, OTR/L Angie Voss, OTR/L is a registered and licensed occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children with sensory differences. She is the owner of Sensory Solutions, PLLC located in Boise, Idaho. Angie's scope of practice also includes extensive experience as a presenter of sensory workshops for parents as well as sensory training for various organizations and businesses including educators, therapists, physicians, and other medical professionals. Angie has published an information based brochure to promote sensory awareness and understanding with emphasis on early intervention, and sensory signals and red flags in infancy. She has published two books: “Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Signals” and “Your Essential Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder”. Her third book will be released on March 16, 2012 “The Survival Guide for Travelling with a Sensory Kiddo”. She is the owner of UnderstandingSPD.com, a membership and resource based website with a focus on promoting awareness and respect for sensory processing disorder (SPD). A special thanks to Karla Barnett with DynamicMOM.com. Karla is a sensory mom and wonderful advocate for SPD and offers support and resources for parents of children with special needs.  Little House on the SENSORY Prairie! 02/22/2012
 I have been fighting the good ol winter respiratory bug, so unfortunately over the last few days I have spent more time than usual in front of the TV. A couple things that sparked the idea of this post were watching a few episodes of my favorite show, Little House on the Prairie, and also a commercial that absolutely blew me away (not in a good way). The commercial was the so called public service announcement about "get up and play/move ONE hour a day". I am cringing as I type this! ONE hour? Really...ONE hour? Is this what our society has come to? A public service announcement to get away from a screen for one hour?! We are really in for some trouble at this rate. This just about sums it up in what I preach up on my sensory soap box on a daily basis. Here are some big facts and pointers I want to bring to attention first....
Gosh I wish I lived during that era. I am so much like Laura Ingalls. Spending hours and hours outdoors climbing trees, playing at the "crick", exploring, catching frogs and tadpoles, helping Pa with the farm animals, milking cows, and then walking a mile or two to go to school everyday. If we could only turn back time.... I have thought about this many many times over my career as an OT...Our brains are the same brains that existed on Little House on the Prairie...where no doubt one had a very enriched sensory diet every single day. Tons and tons of tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular input. Children played like children should play! This is how the brain develops and lays down a foundation for learning and being prepared for the world. The problem is, our brains haven't changed, but we have. Our society has changed soooooooooooooo much and at such a rapid pace, simply leaving no room for the basics and the important stuff for the brain. With technology simply taking over our lives (as I sit here writing a blog post to then post on my website and share on Facebook) the important sensory input is pushed aside. And as adults we can tolerate and handle this better...because our brains are finished developing...but our children on the other hand...they need to be on the prairie!!!! Since I don't have a magic wand to get us back to the prairie, here are my suggestions to help our children.
Tummy time! Great for ALL of us! 02/11/2012
 One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to provide a dose of organizing and regulating sensory input "prone on elbows", also known as tummy time! This is a developmental position first encouraged for infants and should be encouraged throughout life...even as adults. Let me explain why.... First of all "prone on elbows" is when one is on their belly on a flat and firm surface like the floor, and propped up on the elbows (pictured above), supporting the upper body and neck/head with the use of the shoulder girdle and back muscles (not resting the chin on the hands or the floor). When in this position the neck is in extension which activates the brain stem, and this is very regulating for the nervous system. It also promotes prone extension which is one of the two most important developmental patterns for sensory integration. Another great benefit is this facilitates shoulder girdle strength and stability which is essential for fine motor and visual motor development. And one other therapeutic benefit is ocular motor development. So you simply can't go wrong with tummy time! You want to encourage it often throughout the day and for any length of time...some children can only stay in true prone on elbows for a minute or two...then take a little break resting the head and shoulders on the floor, and prop back up again. Here are some great activity suggestions for incorporating tummy time into the day for your child and for yourself! I would suggest doing this with your child, as it really encourages and promotes more participation, and as I mentioned earlier...it is great for all of our nervous systems!
 Pillow caves and squish boxes...these are two ideas I came up with using household items since over the years, recommending expensive items from the therapy catalogs just wasn't feasible for most families. And me myself being a deep rooted "always want to get a good deal and clearance shopper", it was very fulfilling to me to come up with an idea that worked and was inexpensive! I did name the "pillow cave", but the squish box was already named in the therapy catalogs. You indeed can buy a fancy and cute squish box if you feel like it, they are out there. :-) Alright...back to business.... A sensory retreat, which I recommend many times in "Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals" and in "Your Essential Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder", is a crucial component of a sensory home program and as a sensory tool for our sensory kiddos. Here are some sensory benefits of the pillow cave and/or the squish box....
HOW TO MAKE A PILLOW CAVE MATERIALS NEEDED: 1. A twin size duvet cover (not any bigger) or two twin sheets sewn together leaving one of the short ends open. 2. Lots of throw pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, etc The key to making the pillow cave is to be sure it is STUFFED, you then simply fluff it up in the corner of a room and your sensory kiddo can climb in it, on top of it and get cozy in it like a nest, they can go under it for some deep pressure and weight, or it can be used as a landing pad! It is also fun to add some sensory tools inside (for when it is not being jumped on) such as a flashlight, oral sensory tools, a vibrating pillow or toy, fidget toys, etc. (Or a dog) hehe  HOW TO MAKE A SQUISH BOX MATERIALS NEEDED: 1. A plastic tote or laundry basket 2. Pillows and blankets The key to the squish box is the "squish" factor. But you also want it cozy and comfortable. You want your child to squish into the box with their body in full flexion (body tucked in a ball) for the maximum benefit. Full body flexion is very calming and regulating for the nervous system. You can also add a weighted blanket or lap pad as well.  The Winter Sensory, Slippery Slope 01/16/2012
The winter months can often be very difficult for sensory kiddos due to the increased amount of time spent indoors, and decreased amount of time outdoors. Typically this is due to the shift of sensory input from an increase of visual and auditory input and a decrease of the essential and crucial types of sensory information….vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile input. Winter time often goes hand in hand with more sensory meltdowns, more sensory dysregulation, and more overall stress in the home. There are many factors that come along with winter which contribute to this winter, sensory slippery slope....
Shoveling, Digging a Snow Cave, & Sledding! Excellent proprioception, great for all ages! Even 5 minutes of these activities can have an hour of benefit for the brain! It gets your kiddo outside and will promote self-regulation and is calming for the nervous system.  He really is ok! An Indoor Swing and additional Vestibular Input This is crucial for sensory kiddos all year round...it will just likely get much more use in the winter. Install from a single point suspension for various planes of movement. There are also tension rods that can be used in door frames if you are unable to drill into the ceiling. If your child is small, swinging in a blanket with an adult holding the blanket at each end. Vestibular input is essential. Other options if a swing is not feasible: hippity hop ball, BOSU ball, therapy ball, indoor trampoline, scooter board, etc.  Cuddle swing from Southpaw Enterprises  Awesome Hammock Swing!  IKEA swing Make time for indoor obstacle courses and indoor fun such as wheelbarrow walking races or having your child pull someone or be pulled on a blanket! Stair surfing is great too...but BE CAREFUL! Be sure to include a nice soft landing pad at the bottom of the stairs and supervision is required! Also, if you have a big beanbag or other large soft landing pad, encourage jumps from an ottoman or the bed or BOSU ball.   And don't forget about that ever so important cozy sensory retreat...maybe a pillow cave, or a squish box in a quiet place, or a play tent with cozy blankets and pillows, or just a big cozy pile of blankets and pillows. Our sensory kiddos need a place to help self-regulate, and this is especially important in the winter.    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.  Over the years as a therapist I have worked with many kiddos with multiple diagnoses under their little belts. Over time as I learned more and more about SPD and understood each individual child and their own unique sensory story...I started to see a pattern...many or most of the kiddos I worked with also had a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, OCD, and/or generalized anxiety disorder. In my professional opinion and many colleagues agree, these other diagnoses are often just the symptoms, and as I like to call "side effects" of SPD. I realize that in our society that a recognized diagnosis is often necessary for insurance reimbursement and to qualify for services through the state. Thank goodness finally the diagnosis of SPD is getting recognition, making significant head way, and hopefully in the near future with have its own ICD -9 code! BUT, when we put this part aside...I think it is detrimental as well as overwhelming for a parent and the child to carry the burden of all of these labels. It is unnecessary and often causes pre-judgement and people jumping to conclusion especially in the school system. Not only that, the pushing of medication to address the diagnoses is just tragic in my eyes. Here is my rationale and my professional opinion and explanation of these "side effects".... Almost all sensory kiddos have difficulty with self-regulation and modulating (processing) the ever changing sensory input coming into the brain on a constant basis. This can be very unpredictable, scary, painful, and uncomfortable for the child. So for starters, anxiety is almost always going to be a factor. It is a very reasonable symptom and a result of the difficulty in processing sensory information...wouldn't you be anxious if being touched or a loud unexpected sound or loud voice/laugh was painful and caused a fight or flight reaction? I sure would be!!! This is what is happening with our sensory kiddos...and it creates a generalized anxiety response to their little world. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms are also quite common. The way I see this and correlate this to sensory is via "sensory anchors" (Refer to previous blog post on this topic). When a child is dysregulated and feeling disorganized, sensory anchors are used to help the brain feel good and feel a sense of control. This is when you will typically see OCD symptoms at their finest. So a child will do something that feels good to the nervous system such as lining up toys or counting things out in repetition because their little world is so unpredictable and they do not feel in control of their body or brain, and especially the environment...so they do something they CAN control. And ADD/ADHD is probably the most misdiagnosed and over diagnosed and medicated diagnosis out there. The components of ADD/ADHD go hand in hand with sensory processing disorder. If a child's brain is unable to sort or irrelevant sensory stimuli then OF COURSE they will be easily distracted and have trouble attending! And...if the child's brain is under registering sensory input and not getting the necessary and proper sensory nutrition in which the brain needs to attend and maintain a ready state for learning, behavior, and social skills...OF COURSE they will also be so called "hyperactive"! They are trying to get sensory input on a constant basis! So there you have it...that is my take on the "side effects" of SPD...take it or leave it. :-) The bottom line is it is necessary to address the root of the problem which is most likely an over or under registration of sensory input and when you get to the root of the problem and address the foundation of sensory development...the rest just falls into place! More in depth information on this topic can be found in "Your Essential Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder".  Fight or flight at its finest. :-) Dogs are amazing...ours always "senses" when something is wrong. In my last blog post I talked about meltdowns and fight or flight. Understanding what fight or flight looks like with a child is CRUCIAL in determining how we respond. The primitive and actual purpose of fight or flight is to divert blood from the brain to the muscles in order to respond quickly and with great strength as needed. For instance, you hear stories about the mom who lifted the car or tree off of her child...the mom was obviously in fight or flight to protect her child and the brain and nervous system responded accordingly. When the blood is diverted to the muscles instead of the brain, the brain is no longer in a cortical level of thinking or using executive functioning...it is simply in protective mode. This may sound a little scary, but somewhat like a wolf in the wild. They react and respond on instinct and survival...you can not rationalize with a wolf and ask it to sit for a treat, or to choose the raw steak over your arm. Ok, ok...I am getting a little graphic here, but my point is...this is the same type reaction our sensory kiddos have, but unfortunately their little nervous systems switch over to fight flight regularly, sometimes even daily. There has even been research done on this specific issue...the correlation between fight or flight and SPD. Here are some more examples of what "fight or flight" might look like for a child....
Here are some more guidelines in regards to the best way to respond....
 Same kiddo, same doggie :-) MELTDOWNS...Par for the Sensory Course 01/03/2012
 I think it is quite possible the word "meltdown" is the most frequently used term and struggle for parents of sensory kiddos. A meltdown can be referred to a child who is kicking and screaming and biting or spitting...or a child who simply can't stop crying....or a child reacting to a situation in a disruptive and aggressive manner...or simply losing all emotional control. As a sensory OT I think the biggest missing puzzle piece is in understanding WHY a child has a meltdown. Most parents, teachers, caregivers, etc simply have not been taught why the sensory child has a meltdown and how to help them. Unfortunately meltdowns often fall into the behavior category in our society. Yet in my professional opinion, there is a very very small percentage of meltdowns which warrant being considered behavioral, especially with our sensory kiddos! IMPORTANT SENSORY CONCEPT: Children inherently want to please, they do not want to misbehave or get in trouble. I think this concept is SO very important to remember when talking about meltdowns. The meltdown is often misunderstood for attention seeking or spoiled behavior or simply the child trying to get what they want out of the situation. This may be true in a few cases, but with our sensory kiddos it is often much more deep rooted than that. Here are some of the most common reasons a sensory child may have a meltdown....
HOW TO HELP! I truly believe most meltdowns trigger a "fight or flight" reaction for the child's brain, especially with sensory kiddos. Therefore the meltdown lasts longer and is difficult to manage. Here are my three recommendations... #1 Do not treat the meltdown as behavior. #2 Try to determine if there is a sensory trigger or lack of essential sensory input (too much screen time). #3 Follow the steps below in regards to "fight or flight". “Fight or Flight” Response Understanding and Addressing the Sympathetic Nervous System Research shows that children with sensory processing disorder and sensory processing differences have a greater tendency to switch from the PNS (parasympathetic nervous system) to the SNS (sympathetic nervous system) based on an adverse stimuli or an environment with new or a great amount of sensory stimuli. Parasympathetic nervous system: This is where our nervous remains most of the time and when we are at “ready state” for learning, social interaction, and alert and awake. Sympathetic nervous system: The state of “fight or flight”. This part of our nervous system is intended for safety and the ability to react to a perceived dangerous situation. Why do we See our Sensory Kids in “Fight or Flight”? Children with sensory defensiveness or sensory over-responsivity perceive their environment as dangerous and painful based on how they process sensory information. Therefore their nervous system switches to the SNS and displays a “fight or flight” response. A child who has a difficult time processing and modulating sensory input can also have the tendency to switch to “fight or flight”. And almost all sensory kiddos have a difficult time with self-regulation, in turn, a greater risk for “fight or flight” episodes. What Does “Fight or Flight” Look Like? There are many different manifestations of “fight or flight” but some common responses may be:
What Do You Do? How to Respond... #1 Do NOT treat it from a behavioral stand point; your efforts will be fruitless. The brain is not responding in a cortical manor (thinking, judgment, and reasoning), it has shifted to brainstem level during a “fight or flight” episode. I think this is the most important concept to grasp. #2 Remove the child from the adverse stimuli and decrease sensory stimuli to a minimum. #3 Provide a “sensory retreat” for the child, such as a play tent loaded with pillows with other calming sensory tools (soft music, vibration, chewy/oral sensory tool, weighted blanket, noise cancelling headphones, calming fidget toy) #4 Allow for the child to come out of the sensory retreat on their own terms. Their nervous system will know when it is ready. #5 Do not try to talk the child through it, calm, bargain, or rationalize. This in itself can be overwhelming and the child’s brain is not ready for that type of interaction yet.  |    
Angie Voss, OTR/L
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