HEALTH
5 Ways to manage your Child’s Sensory Processing Disorder
Over the years, sensory processing disorder has become a major health concern. This neurological disorder is when you become over-sensitive to things in your immediate environment. As a result, you tend to bump into things, find it hard to engage in a conversation, be unable to determine where your limbs are and are uncoordinated.
While sensory processing disorder is commonly diagnosed in children, it can also affect adults. In this post, we will look at the various ways to help manage your child’s sensory processing disorder Southlake.
Create a Safe Space
Is your child easily overwhelmed by the things in their immediate surroundings? Then you need to consider creating a place where they can relax and feel comfortable. For example, if your child is distressed by bright lights, you can include soft lighting in their safe space. If loud noises are a possible trigger, you need to choose a naturally quiet location and include sound-absorbing materials such as pillows and blankets.
It is also advisable to include a pair of noise-canceling headphones in your child’s safe space. To make your child’s safe space more effective, you can include them in designing their safe areas, as they can customize this space to their own needs and preferences.
Incorporate a Comfort Kit
Comfort kits are essential if your child craves to be constantly engaged. These kits usually contain certain tools to help your child remain calm and feel more comfortable in their safe space. A canvas shopping bag makes the perfect comfort kit by allowing you to include your child’s favorite tools, such as earplugs, toys, dolls, chewing gum, or headphones, to help them cope with the environment. This comfort kit should also be easily accessible, especially when you are away from home, to make life easier for your young one.
Be Patient
Children dealing with sensory processing disorder often struggle with sudden transitions. That said, you are advised to give your child adequate time to adjust to new experiences and places fully. If you plan on exposing your child to a new situation, you should provide enough information beforehand to prepare them well.
Create a Signal
If your child is suffering from sensory processing disorder, you need to devise a certain signal that they can use to notify you when they are starting to feel overwhelmed by their environment. This signal should be simple to understand and silent for effective use- a hand signal or a special wave will do the trick. This signal allows your child to easily communicate when they need your help.
Find Suitable Alternatives
If your child craves regular movement and touch, you can provide them with fiddle objects, such as rubber bands, to help them fulfill their need for sensory stimulation. If your child is overwhelmed with loud sounds but enjoys listening to music, you can provide them with a device they can use to control the volume. This activity is relatively challenging as it involves plenty of experimentation and creativity to determine suitable alternatives for your child.
Manage your Child’s Sensory Processing Disorder with Expert treatment.
One of the most recommended treatments used by medical experts is sensory integration therapy. This treatment involves assessing your child’s response to body movement, touch, sight, and sound. This will help your therapist create personalized treatment solutions for your sensory processing disorder. Additionally, with professional assistance, you get to enjoy various medical assessments for a more accurate diagnosis of your child’s sensory processing disorder. Get started today and contact your occupational therapist to help manage your child’s sensory processing disorder.
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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