Learning about Sensory Integration because of my special needs child Aidan has been very useful for me -- I wish I had known more about it before because I think I would have understood my older children better. Some of the things that looked like personality quirks or learning difficulties might have been partly related to sensory needs that I could have addressed more intentionally.
As a toddler, in certain situations, Aidan used to become tenser and tenser and finally go into "meltdown" mode or even "blinded by stimulus" mode where he would rush around like a chicken with its head cut off. I eventually learned that if I hugged him and then tilted him upside down for a few moments it helped him immensely to stabilize. Jumping on a trampoline with him helped too.
Paddy has a tendency to get overstimulated too. They call a need for sensory input "sensory seeking" -- but I've noticed that with my kids, at least, they often need extra physical input when they are visually or auditorially overstimulated. So it seems to be a balance they crave. After watching his siblings playing an exciting video game, Paddy will often have a soaking wet sleeve because he has been chewing on it absentmindedly the whole time. When he has been sitting for a long time doing school or listening to a story or watching a video -- where his vision and mind is activated but his body has been still -- he'll often start jostling his siblings or pick a battle with one of them.
For these types of reasons, it's very useful to have a chart like this one accessible. Paddy loves interaction and games so we play a "battle" game. We take turns calling out the name of the battle -- "The Hugging Battle!" "The Squeezing Battle!" "The Back-Patting Battle" "The Light Saber Battle". The point is that it is physical and friendly (except that Paddy insists on winning) and helps stabilize his sensory system.
Here's another list of possible activities. Every child is different, so it takes some trial and error to find things that work. One of my older kids was sensory avoidant -- certain textures, sounds and smells drove him crazy -- so what works for my younger two would have caused stress for him.
We had similar issues with Pamela when she was young. Assessing her sensory needs and helping her cope (or getting her out of dodge) has enabled her to handle a wide variety of situations that she could not handle when younger!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how two children with sensory integration issues can react in completely opposite ways!
Dear Willa,
ReplyDeleteWas sleeve chewing the only indicator with Paddy? We have one who does this, none of our other children have and I have been wondering about him since looking at this with Moran.
I would say Moran is a sensory avoider like your older children. I am still waiting on the "offical" diagnosis. We still have a cognitive assesment and another OT appointment to finalise befor she can be diagnosed by the professionals.
I know I need to research more myself. Did you ever find this was physically and mentally exausting on top of all the other things you do?
Blessings
Hi Gae -- yes, definitely it is sometimes overwhelming! It literally brings me to my knees-- which after all, is where I too often forget I should be.
ReplyDeleteI am having some exhaustion moments these days and will remember to pray for you and Moran when I'm feeling the stress.
It helps me to remember that a lot of what the therapists do is just good Mom sense. You have probably already been doing many, many good things with Moran without knowing it. The therapy helps you be more intentional and informed about building on what you are already doing.