Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder is a newer condition to me.  Some terms used to describe people with this disorder—or are adjacent to it—are sensory seeking or sensory avoiding.  Just to keep things interesting, it is important to remember that an individual can both seek and avoid sensory input. Another thing I find true about any of these diagnoses is that almost everyone can relate to the feelings and situations described.  A diagnosis is appropriate when professionals conduct lengthy interviews and tests to perceive symptoms that are consistent and persistent and play a dominating role in a person’s work and school life.

We have one child who has been assessed by a professional who determined that SPD is quite strong in her.  We have two others who have not been assessed, but who behave in ways that lead us to suspect they would also be diagnosed.  They all have strong compulsions to touch anything and everything, even if there is a negative consequence (like being burned). They also have aversions to sensory input.  My kids specifically repel from noises that do not typically bother others. Certain types of clothes are a no-go because they are too uncomfortable.

We have a variety of toys, tools, and routines to help our kids function at their best.  First, we flat-out avoid situations that could get loud.  It is just not worth overstimulating them or causing them pain. We also talk about expectations and engage in role-playing before we have an event where sensory seeking (like touching everything) is not appropriate. 

We have an entire box of fidgets to pacify touchy hands.  Our Occupational Therapist suggested heavy work and different ways of moving to satisfy some of those compulsive needs.  So, when we see a kid starting to buzz, we have them carry random heavy things from here to there and back again as a game. It usually ends when she can no longer stand because she is laughing so hard. We tell them to move like bears or crabs on their way to wash their hands. It is a fun way to get chores done and helps them focus because of the work required to complete it. 

We have TheraBands to work muscles and give safe ways to exert themselves. We also have sensory brushes, weighted blankets, and a light machine. I would love to get one of those stretchy swings in the house, but I don’t know how to pull that off.  For now, we have a circular swing hanging off a tree branch that they can sit or stand on. 

And finally, there is the glorious play bath. The sensory play that can happen in a bath is varied and open-ended.  As long as they follow basic parameters, they are free to explore and discover on their own.  It’s marvelous, especially finishing with lotion, songs, quiet talk, and hair brushing.

I find that even our kids who don’t have SPD behaviors benefit from a lot of these practices.  We all get overstimulated, after all.  Have you tried any of these things to calm yourself or a child?  Anything I failed to mention?