Baffling. Explosive. Irrational. Inconsistent.

Words often used by parents to describe their child’s sensory meltdowns.

Our kids sensory needs can leave us as parents feeling helpless. We want to understand and support our children, but without the tools, we’re usually left guessing as to how we can help our kids in their struggles. 

(If you’re wanting to be a confident sensory parent, check out the Sensory Parenting 101 course and start forming your family’s sensory game plan today.)

The good news is, there ARE reasons for your child’s behavior and with a few simple questions, you can start to discover the root cause of every seemingly strange struggle your child is dealing with.

Ready to be a sensory sleuth?

Here are the Three Questions to Ask of Every Sensory Behavior:

What Combination of Senses Might Be Involved?

There are typical six senses that can cause sensory issues. They’re not exactly the five you learned about in grade school.

• • Proprioception:
    

    Description: This sense tells the body where it is in space without the use of vision or touch. It provides body awareness. Input for this sense comes through the joints and the ligaments. 

    How to Get It: To get proprioceptive input, people need to do what is often referred to as “heavy work”. Jumping, pulling, pushing and more compacts the joints and ligaments, building up the desired sensations. 

    Significance: Proprioception is the KING of the senses because if someone is receiving adequate proprioceptive input throughout the day, they will be better able to handle all the other sensory struggles that come their way. It’s also one of the most straightforward senses. I have yet to see a case of someone being a proprioceptive avoider (barring some interaction with other sensory input they avoid like a tactile or vestibular influence. See below) .

    So, the more heavy work, the better. 

  • Vestibular: 
    

    Description: This sense is responsible for helping the body sense movement. It contributes to balance. Input for this sense comes from the inner ear. 

    How to Get It: To get vestibular input, people need to either move their head or be inverted (upside down). Keep in mind that there are multiple planes of movement, back and forth, side to side, up and down, spinning and inversion. 

    Significance: The vestibular system is the most finicky of the senses. The body can go from craving movement to despising it in the blink of an eye. Always be checking in with your child during vestibular input. When we use our sensory swing, I’m asking roughly every ten seconds how their feeling and if they want me to change the speed or direction. Often kids will prefer one plane of movement and hate another (ie, LOVE rocking back and forth, but despise spinning). Like I said, finicky!
    

  • Auditory

    Description: This sense is hearing. Input for this sense comes from the ear. 

    How to Get It: In general, auditory input is not a sensory need, though there are many sounds that can trigger avoidance.   

    Significance: While there typically aren’t auditory “seekers”, often times an auditory avoider will create noise to drown out other noises and maintain control of their environment

  • Oral

    Description: This sense is anything to do with the mouth, from taste to touch. Input for this sense mouth and jaw. 

    How to Get It: Eating and drinking obviously comes to mind, but don’t forget chewing, sucking and blowing non food items.  

    Significance: The mouth is a place where a lot of sensory factors interact. A texture issue may cause a food avoidance, while a desire for proprioceptive input (heavy work in the joints and ligaments) may be secured through engaging the jaw by chewing on a non food item.

  • Tactile

    Description: This sense is has to do with touch, including pressure, texture and temperature. Input for this sense comes from the skin. 

    How to Get It: Anything that comes in contact with the skin. The possibilities are endless. 

    Significance: A child is likely to have seeking AND avoiding tendencies based on the various tactile sensations. For example, they may crave strong touch, enjoy silky things, hate cold things, and struggle with constricting things. It’s rare to find someone that is a seeker in every tactile situation or an avoid of all tactile input. 

  • Interoception

    Description: This sense is has to do with internal sensation and awareness. Examples include awareness of hunger, thirst, sleep needs and toileting needs. 

    How to Get It: This sense is a bit different in the fact that mindfulness, curiosity and awareness are the best course of action to take if your child struggles in the interoception department.  

    Significance: Probably one of the most overlooked of the senses. But just consider your anxiety levels when you ignore your hunger needs or push off taking a bathroom break as a busy mom. 

Is Their Sensory “Bank” Depleted?

Children often respond to sensory issues differently on different days.

Socks might not be a problem on Tuesday, but come Thursday, they cause a full blown meltdown. 

Why do my child’s sensory needs change daily?

Think of your child’s sensory system as a bank.

Example:

Some days you’re making “deposits” that help your child respond well to sensory input. When you make a “withdrawal” (like having to put on those pesky socks) the body might not be thrilled, but it has enough “money” to spare. 

Other days, a child’s circumstances may be requiring numerous “withdrawals” that deplete the body of its ability to tolerate certain sensory input. When it comes time to put socks on, it triggers the fight or flight response from the sensory system because it’s become “bankrupt”.

Ask yourself:

• What sensory demands were made upon your child leading up to the meltdown or incident?
  Consider what “withdrawals” are being made and if you can prevent any of those. You might not be able to avoid socks in every circumstance, but you could turn off the TV that’s auditory drone is draining your child’s sensory reserves while you’re trying to get the socks on. 

• How much beneficial sensory input (like proprioception) have they been getting?
  If a child isn’t getting deposits into their bank, they’ll be perpetually running low. Or maybe they usually jump on the trampoline every day, but it’s been raining all week and haven’t been outside. This clues will help put the pieces together. 

What Non-Sensory Factors Are At Play? 

There are of course other non-sensory factors that can cause a sensory flare up.

1. Pay Attention to Your Child’s Sleep Patterns.

   Have you had a couple late nights in a row? Are they waking in the middle of the night?

   One good indicator that tiredness may be a factor is if the sensory behavior occurs around the same time everyday. I know I personally have the hardest time coping with auditory issues in the afternoon when I’m having an energy slump. 

   If you’re recognizing that sleep may be an issue, here’s a great article with advice on helping sensory kids get the rest they need!

2. Consider Their Nutritional Needs

   Food plays a huge role in how the body handles sensory information. When inflammation is rampant, or the body is overloaded with artificial substances, the nervous system can get all out of whack.

   When I find we are in a particular rough sensory season, I have to take a step back and evaluate our food intake. Often, I find I’ve got lacks in my standards and we’re paying for it.

   If you’re realizing that nutritional may be an issue, here’s a great article geared towards improving nutrition even when your child has sensory related picky eating. It explains the underlying issues, the best way to break out of the cycle, and even has supplement recommendations. 

3. Acknowledge Emotional Turmoil

   Sometimes the circumstances of life will bring sensory issues to a crisis point. Consider what has been going on in your child’s world that may be causing them distress or uncertainty.

   Kids with sensory processing disorder often feel like their world is out of control, so they grasp for anyway to control the situation around them. 

   Obviously events like moving, divorce, death, bullying and more can cause serious distress. But don’t forget that happy events can also send your child into a tailspin. The birth of a sibling, going on a trip, or a birthday party, can also spell a sensory disaster. 

Want to Become a Confident Sensory Parent?

Armed with these three questions, you will be able to start digging at the root of the sensory behavior you’re observing. Of course there is still more to learn that a simple blog post can’t hope to cover. 

If you’re wanting to grow in your confidence as a sensory parent, I highly recommend taking Sensory Parenting 101.

In a few short hours, you’ll be equipped to be an active advocate for your child and their sensory needs. 

Read what other parents have to say about how Sensory Parenting 101 has helped their families. 

The post How to Become a Sensory Sleuth (3 Questions to Ask About Any Sensory Behavior) appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Often times, we can see symptoms of an issue and just try to figure out the quickest way to get that symptom or behavior to stop.

But usually this ignores the root causes.

When our kids have alarming symptoms or behaviors, we should approach it from as many angles as possible. Considering the emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and sensory needs in play gives us a much better shot at addressing the underlying issues.

When your child is struggling in the sensory department, obviously it is good to learn about sensory activities and sensory toys. Understand how the sensory system works and why proprioception is essential.

But don’t ignore the rest of the body, especially the nutritional needs that might be adding to the issue. 

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here. 

What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?

Is Sensory Processing Disorder hereditary? SPD often seems to be inherited, passed down through genetics. You often see in running in families. Yet at the same time, we see environmental factors and lifestyle choices greatly affect outcomes.

What explanations are there for the causes of Sensory Processing disorder?

I like the theory of a famed neurobiologist that has helped countless people with sensory struggles. He suggested that the issue is both genetic AND environmental.

He believes that a genetic mutation of the MTHFR gene can be passed down from parents to kids. The MTHFR mutation causes issues in processing folate. This in turn leads to inflammation along the nervous system, often showing up as sensory issues.

But by supplementing with a bio-available folate, and working on calming inflammation, many of the symptoms of sensory processing disorder can be lessened. 

What Foods Should You Avoid If You have Sensory Processing Disorder?

Well, as you could probably guess, anything that causes inflammation. Most of the Standard American Diet (aka S.A.D.) is a no-no.

Red meats, fried foods, and artificial food dyes all can cause an overactive inflammatory response. Refined sugars affect the bacteria in your gut. 

Unfortunately, kids with sensory issues are usually picky eaters who tend to love the “SAD” diet. I understand the battle and the discouragement of knowing your in a downward cycle. Here’s some tips for improving the habits of a picky eater.

Because suddenly overhauling a sensory child’s diet can have disastrous effects, start in an area that is easier to make swaps. 

Easiest Nutritional Changes to Make for Picky Eaters

1. Eliminate Artificial Food Dyes
   For our family, our most basic nutritional rule is to eliminate artificial food dyes. It was one of the top culprits of behavior issues, known as a carcinogen and is banned in most European countries. It also doesn’t affect taste so picky eaters don’t seem to miss it too much. (Beware, artificial food dyes are in EVERYTHING! We even found RED food dye in a vanilla frosting!?!!)

    

2. Avoid Artificial Ingredients (Eat Natural, Homemade and/or Organic)
   The second step for our family was to avoid chemical additions to our food. The more natural, the better. Obviously, the labels get complicated and we aren’t perfect, but the closer to nature, the easier to pronounce the ingredients, the simpler and less processed, the better. 

    

3. Use Food Chaining to Add in Fruits and Veggies
   Occupational therapist use a method called Food Chaining to get kids to bridge the gap between a food they like, to another one that is healthier. Through changing just one thing (like texture, color, shape, smell, etc) you can gradually get a child to feel comfortable with a larger (and more healthy) variety of foods. Read this article to learn more.

    

4. Add Supplements to Reduce Inflammation
   – Our first addition was to get this lotion (hallelujah for not having to deal with picky eating for this supplement!) that has BioActive B6, B12, Methyl Folate, Vitamin D and K1. It’s pricey, but one bottle lasts for a couple months and I have three kids plus myself who use it daily! And it makes a noticeable different in sensory behaviors. 
   – A probiotic for gut health. These kid friendly supplements are from a trustworthy brand. Or try to introduce fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut etc. 
   – While not necessarily for reducing inflammation, DHA has helped our boys with cognitive function and sensory struggles. 

A Word of Encouragement

If you’re like me, it may feel overwhelming to attempt to change a picky eater’s diet. It can be tempting to think you have to be perfect. To think that it’s all or nothing. 

But here’s the thing: even small changes in the right direction can yield results. And getting out of a downward spiral will make the next change and the next change that much easier. 

So don’t ignore the underlying nutritional needs that may be making sensory issues worse. Pick one small thing to change and use that momentum as you help your child’s sensory regulation. 

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

The post Nutrition and Supplements for SPD to Help Alleviate Symptoms appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Snow… Sunshine…  Sweaters.

These and so many other things can keep sensory kids from wanting to go outside.

But the great outdoors is a treasure trove of beneficial sensory input that will actually help kids overcome their sensory aversions.

How can you help a kid with SPD enjoy the outdoors, for their own good?

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please see my full disclosure policy HERE. 

General Reasons Sensory Kids Stay Inside

Lack of Control

Kids with sensory issues already live in a world that can feel like it’s against them. Touch, smell, sound, movement and more can be perceived by their brain as a threat. Their body may feel like it’s always on alert, ready to fight or flee.

It’s natural for kids to cling to control when everything else seems so threatening. Not surprisingly, the outdoors are not easily controlled. The weather changes, plants grow, insects and animals meander, and people go about their business, unaware how they may be affecting your sensory kid.

(Dear neighbor, could you please stop revving your motorcycle’s engine??? Thanks!)

Anxiety

When children have a negative sensory experience, they often associate their surroundings with that awful feeling. A bee sting at a playground may cause a child to swear off parks entirely. The downtown fireworks display from the past summer may cause your child to get sweaty palms every time they see the skyline.

My boys have made a lot of progress with their sensory related anxiety once I took Natasha Daniels course on Crushing Anxiety. It’s meant to equip parents of anxious kids, with the tools they need to teach their kids how to fight those scary thoughts. I learned SO much and came away with a plan on how to come alongside my boys in this anxiety battle. Check out the details on the Anxiety Ecourse HERE.

Specific Reasons Sensory Kids Avoid the Outdoors

Tactile Issues

Nature is full of billions of sensations to delight, or upset, our tactile system. Wet or itchy grass can be a serious nuisance. Many sensory kids are super sensitive to the temperature, needing, like the baby bear in Goldilocks, for everything to be “just right”. Even if the temperature feels acceptable to you, remember that their body may be perceiving it differently. Give them grace in that. Even the glorious feeling of warm sun on the skin can feel too intense and even painful to some kids with sensory processing disorder.

Fear of Noise

Auditory avoiders are always on the edge of their seats, fearful of the next sound that will jar them from their sense of calm. As a parent, it can be very frustrating to take an auditory avoider outside because even the adult can’t shield them from all the noises coming their way.

Vehicles honking, buzzing insects, barking dogs and more can cause a meltdown. And don’t forget how wind can howl in the ears and cause a child to be disoriented.

Fear of Pain/ Wildlife Injuries

Nature is wild and free. And while that’s definitely one of the draws, it also means there is some risk involved. Kids with vestibular (movement) or proprioceptive (body awareness) issues maybe more prone to falls as they navigate uneven surfaces and heights. Bees, snakes, spiders and other animals can inflict pain and injury. And even the mere thought of that can produce anxiety in a child with SPD.

Like the Crush Anxiety course recommends, give your kids knowledge and options.

When my boys aren’t wanting to go on nature hikes because of poisonous snakes, we familiarize ourselves with the types of snakes in our area, so we know which ones are dangerous, and which ones aren’t. We also stomp as we walk so we don’t surprise any snakes. (Plus stomping is a great proprioceptive sensory activity!) While bees are still a big fear for my boys, they feel empowered knowing what scents and colors bees avoid. (Vanilla deters bees AND doesn’t bother my boys sensitive noses! Win-win!)

Hate the Appropriate Clothing 

When the weather calls for certain clothing, kids with SPD or tactile aversions can recoil at the thought of a sweater, or detest the feel of swimwear. Navigating clothing issues with sensory processing disorder is tough! Be as flexible as you can, picking your battles and remembering that what feels comfortable to them might look silly to the outside world and that’s ok! And ask questions in our sensory parents Facebook group (we’ve got some VERY creative problem solvers in there!)

How to Encourage Kids to Play Outside

Alright, so our sensory kids have a lot going against them when it comes to playing outside. But the benefits of playing outside are way too good for us to just give up and stay inside. Here are some ideas to help get kids outside.

Provide the Gear

Many of a child’s sensory issues can be alleviated by using some equipment. For an auditory avoider, try noise canceling headphones. Sunglasses and hats are a must for kids that can’t stand the sun in their eyes. Be patient as you trying different types of clothing to help your kids feel comfortable.

Go WITH Them

While parents of young kids are obviously right there with their kids when they’re outside, moms of older kids might be tempted to just tell their kids to play outside, without going with them. If your child is struggling with sensory issues, being asked to go outside while their parents are inside (legitimately trying to make dinner or write a blog post…) can feel unfair. Bolster their courage and help them see how very fun the outdoors can be!

DON’T Go All In

If your child is resisting the outdoors, I don’t recommend going cold turkey by going on a wilderness camping weekend. Instead, take small steps! First, show them they can do outdoor things without necessarily coming face to face with their fear.

If you go all in, your family pictures may look like ours! Bahaha!!

If a child hates the grass, get them back outside by playing with chalk on the sidewalk. If your kid fears insects, set your tent up in the backyard so they have a barrier between them and the bugs, while still being able to watch the clouds floating by. If the sun feels intense, see if swimming makes things more enjoyable.

The point is, just because one thing makes the outdoors unpleasant, doesn’t mean you have to completely give up on outdoor activities while they work through the fear.

Another great strategy is do give them something to DO outside that is so fun, they’re able to overcome their trepidation for a time. This is the basic science behind a lot of sensory activities: overcome the fear with fun! Try a new Nerf gun, or set up the sprinkler. (This is a MEGA list of sensory toys for kids to give you some ideas!)

Don’t give up sweet mama! There have been seasons in my life where I just wanted to throw in the towel and let my kids live in front of the TV. But with consistent work, your kids will find themselves more and more comfortable in nature. There’s rarely an overnight fix for these things. Take baby steps and just keep working in the right direction. Your kids will thank you for it!

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

The post When Sensory Kids HATE the Outdoors appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Walking into a public bathroom with your child can seem like walking into a minefield if your child has sensory issues.

Shockingly loud and unexpected noises await around every corner and the echo is disorienting.

Learn a couple tips and tricks that can alleviate some of the terror of the toilet room!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure here.

Earphones

Every parent of an auditory defensive avoider should have Noise Reduction Earmuffs handy at all times. I like these because they’re collapsible and fit easily in my purse.

The relief that comes over a child’s face when you put this over their ears is obvious. They can still hear you, but the intensity of everything will be lessened.

Fool the Automatic Toilet

This is a handy trick for those pesky automatic toilet that like to shock you with a surprise roar and an ill-timed flush.

Have Sticky Notes in your purse and take a sheet and place it over the sensor. This will buy your child plenty of time to do their business without the threat of premature eviction.

Carry a Towel

Electric hand dryers sound like a jet engine starting up! It’s ridiculous.

While you can’t keep other users from causing the ruckus, you can give your child an alternative by keeping a dry wash cloth or hand towel in your purse (now I finally understand why moms have such massive purses! LOL)

Avoid It Entirely

While it’s obviously not always an option, a little planning can help the public bathroom needs to be infrequent. Have your auditory defensive kid to go to the restroom at home before going out. When your child is potty training, how a portable kids potty in your car. It’s not glamorous, but neither is a sensory meltdown!

If a family bathroom is an option, that reduces the number of stressors because no one else is there making noise and there’s just one toilet!

Get Sensory Activities Beforehand

All the other tips have focused on helping your auditory avoider be really good at avoiding the auditory input of public bathrooms.

But you want to also be proactive in helping your child be prepared to handle unwanted sensory input.

Consistent sensory activities are the KEY! Especially proprioceptive input like heavy work and weight can help the brain regulate well during stress sensory moments.

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

The post Auditory Sensory Avoiders: Handling Public Bathrooms appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Sometimes you see it coming from a mile away. Other times it comes out of nowhere and knocks you off your feet.

Regardless of how it comes, when your child has a sensory meltdown, it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Though everything may seem to be out of control, there are things you can do to assist your child in regulating their system.

What NOT to do During a Sensory Meltdown

First off, don’t lose your calm.

I know it’s obvious, but I also know it’s hard. Dang hard!

Two things to keep in mind.

1.  It won’t last forever.
   There will be a calm after this storm. In the middle of these thing, it’s easy to lose perspective.
2. Emotionally distance yourself.
   Now I don’t mean, become a robot or don’t offer sympathy and love. But we as parents do have a tendency to see a current behavior and quickly envision a catastrophic future for our child.
   Instead, when you’re really in the heat of the moment, try and think of your child as someone else’s kid. You still care, you’re still invested in helping them, but you won’t be as tempted to rage or despair.

Secondly, don’t try and address behavior issues DURING a sensory meltdown.

When they are in a meltdown, your child is in a full blown fight or flight mentality. Reasoning with them is pointless.

Help your child regain control of their system and action, then discuss any behavior issues that happened before or during the meltdown.

What TO do During a Sensory Meltdown

Model Breathing

One of the most effective strategies for calming a child who is having a sensory meltdown is to try calming breathing techniques. But often times in the middle of sensory overload, a child will refuse to attempt to slow their breath, or may just insist that they can’t.

That’s the time to start the exercises yourself. It’s amazing how your loud but controlled and calm breathing can have an effect on a volatile situation. Give it a try!

Calm Down Bin

Offer a treasure trove of calming tools for your child. ( Here’s what we stock in our sensory calm down bin. ) Look for things that will help them get proprioceptive input, or relief from sensory input they want to avoid (noise canceling headphones are a must!).

Distraction

While not a guarantee, distracting your child can sometimes help them snap out of their spiral and regain control.

Now, you don’t want to give them something that they’re throwing a fit about (and if they’re crying just to get something they want, you’re probably looking at a behavior issue.) But you can offer them something totally unrelated. A cool bird outside, a funny clip on your phone, or even ask them to hold an ice cube!

Sneaky Proprioception

Proprioceptive input is the king of the senses because of it’s immense ability to calm and help regulate the entire body. This sense gets input through the joints and ligaments and provides body awareness.

While you might not be able to convince your child to do heavy work like jumping on a trampoline in the middle of a meltdown (though you can certain suggest it!), there are ways to sneak some proprioceptive input into a tense situation.

Be thinking of ways to add weight or pressure to your child’s body. Something as simple as a hug, or inviting them to “push a wall over” can defuse the situation.

Hang In There

This tips can help your child regain calm during a sensory meltdown, but they aren’t going to work every time. Just because they don’t work once, doesn’t mean they won’t work on another occasion.

Be understanding and sympathetic to your child while still maintaining authority and safety. Give everyone, including yourself, heaps of grace.

Navigate the crisis then move on with more resolve to get the sensory input your child needs throughout the day!

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

The post What to do DURING a Sensory Meltdown appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Ah winter… Tis the season for getting sick.

Your kids finally start to share… GERMS!

Plans are canceled.

Tears abound.

Sleep ceases.

It’s rough!

Before having kids, I was quite naive about how incredibly exhausting and heartbreaking it can be to have sick kids.

And if your child has sensory issues on top of it, things can be extra tricky!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE. 

Sickness and Your Sensory Kid

If you’ve suspected your child’s sensory issues are especially heightened when they’re under the weather, you’re not crazy!

Most common illnesses (cold’s, flu, allergies etc.) increase the child’s overall inflammation. This inflammation can hamper the nerves from doing their job of relaying sensory information to the brain.

You can learn more about the connection between inflammation and sensory issues HERE.

An overly sensitive child (an avoider) might be especially upset by certain input. A child that is under receptive to certain sensory input (a seeker) may be craving sensory input even more than usual.

Remember most kids aren’t just one or the other but a combination of avoiders and seekers. Read more about the most common confusion I see among sensory parents. 

Schedules and Rhythms for Sensory Issues

Most kids with sensory issues struggle with changes to their schedules. Because their sensory world feels out of control, they like to know what to expect and have a say in it.

When your child is feeling sick, try and keep things calm, comfortable, and familiar. Depending on how well they can function, try and follow your usual basic rhythm.

It may help to make a “Sick Day Schedule” that you can hang up somewhere for your child to see and interact with. You can include pictures or icons too if you find them to be helpful. There will definitely be some things that are non-negotiable on your schedule, but if you can let your kiddo pick some special things to do that they can look forward too, that can make all the difference.

Low Key Sensory Play

If at all possible, you want to continue to help your child get good sensory input, even on the sick days. There are ways to do that without being wild and crazy.

Calm sensory play ideas include sensory bins, play dough (there’s quite a bit of proprioceptive input in this activitiy), yoga, wilbarger brushing protocol, rocking chairs and swings, and animal breathing.

Try and avoid extra screen time as that’s usually a downward spiral. My oldest likes to listen to an audio book while being wrapped up in a weighted blanket.  (We LOVE Audible! Try it for FREE today and Get 2 Free Audiobooks)

Of course, be patient! When your kids are sick, you’ve just gotta do what you have to to survive. Do what you can to help your kids get better, and you can always make up for lost time!

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

The post Sensory Issues FAQs: Sick Kids appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Kids love to make liars out of their parents.

Just when you think you have them figured out, they’ll do the total opposite.

This is especially true for kids with big sensory needs.

You’ll see a pattern of behavior that will have you convinced they’re an avoider, then BAM!, they do something that is clearly a seeker tendency.

Reactions to sensory input can change from season to season, or even from one day to another.

It can be so baffling when your kid goes from hating anything sticky on Tuesday, to playing in a mud puddle on Wednesday.

What gives?

Scroll to the bottom for a VIDEO I recorded about this topic!

Sensory Seeker and Avoider Labels are Too Simplistic

The primary reason parents are confused by sensory behavior stems from a misunderstanding about avoiders and seekers.

Avoiders and seekers are NOT the two different types of sensory kids.

There are actually a large assortment of combinations, because kids can be seekers or avoiders in EACH of the different senses.

Your child might be a tactile avoider, an oral sensory seeker, a vestibular avoider and a proprioceptive seeker or any other combination!

See how complicated it can get?

And remember, sensory input rarely comes in only one isolated form.

Example: Swings are a great activity to help proprioceptive seekers, but it also is coupled with tons of vestibular input, so that might be met with resistance from vestibular avoiders that still crave proprioception.

Because of the complicated nature of sensory needs, it’s so important to have an occupational therapist involved. They are the ones that will help you sort through all the labels. If they oversimplify things, ask for further clarification so you aren’t in the dark about your child’s specific needs.

P.S. If you’re wondering what is THE most effective sensory activity to prevent meltdowns with your unique child, take this quick, free, informative quiz. I created it to help you get started in the right direction!

The Sensory Bank

Another reason sensory behavior can be unpredictable, rests in the fact that sensory input is not an isolated event.

All day every day, your child is receiving sensory input; some of it calming, some of it very upsetting to their bodies.

So one morning your child may tolerate putting on their jeans, and the very next day be repulsed by the same pants.

It’s the same sensory input, but the hours before may have been drastically different.

Think of your child’s body as a sensory “bank”.

Some days your child gets lots of beneficial sensory input from playing outside or doing specific sensory activities.

Their brain is getting what it needs and can regulate fairly well when an uncomfortable sensory situation comes up. Their bank is quite full, so a small withdrawal won’t be the end of the world.

Another day is full of disturbing and annoying sensory input: an itchy tag, a nauseating car ride, too much noise, etc.

Your child is doing their best to keep their composure and continue to function in the world around them. But their sensory “bank” keeps having “money” taken out and eventually, goes bankrupt. That’s when we see the meltdown.

So sometimes it might seem like a straw broke the camel’s back, but don’t forget to look at the whole picture of the day, and even the week!

Sensory input is always adding up, or taking away from the sensory “bank”.

Too Many Variables

If you lived in a sterile controlled lab, you MIGHT be able to predict your child’s sensory behavior, but this is the real world.

There is literally sensory input coming at your child from all sides!

Let’s say your 5 year old is having a meltdown every time they are in the car. It could be visual (sun in the eyes), tactile (the seat belt is bothersome), auditory (the high pitched sound of the tires), or vestibular (inner ear issues that cause disorientation) or who knows what else.

You have to become a bit of a sensory detective, guessing what “small” sensory factor might be contributing to their discomfort.

Remember to ask good questions of your child. They may respond with big emotions (“I just hate the car! I’m scared, mad, bored etc.”) , but help them pinpoint what their body is feeling. (“What does your skin feel when you’re in your seat? How do your ears feel? etc”)

Don’t give up. While sensory needs are seemingly unpredictable, you can get clarity and gain confidence!

See the other resources we’ve created for you below.

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

Sensory Parenting 101 will give you the most in depth understanding of all things sensory. You’ll be equipped like never before!

Don’t miss my Facebook Chat with other sensory parents about how SPD keeps us on our toes! Play the video below!

The post Sensory Issues FAQ Why so unpredictable? appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

In hindsight, it’s obvious that they all struggled with sensory issues, even as infants. Never able to sleep unless moving in a car, or strapped tightly to my chest. Never able to self soothe. Never able to stay asleep more than an hour or two for YEARS!

Now that they’re older and I understand the role that sensory needs have in everyone’s life, I am better able to meet those needs and have a decent shot at a full night’s sleep.

Scroll to the bottom for a VIDEO I recorded about this topic!

So if you’re looking for sensory solutions to poor sleeping habits, give some of these a try!

A Good Night Starts with a Good Morning

If your child isn’t getting the sensory input they need throughout the day, they may make a last ditch effort before sleep to get it. That will make everyone miserable.

(Here are eight great ways to help a sensory seeker get their energy out.)

When bedtime rolls around, be sure to stick to a routine.

As a sensory family, this might look a little different. Since bath time is a battlefield, we don’t do that in the evening. And before the “calm down” part of bedtime, we try and get tons of proprioceptive input, usually in the form of trampoline jumping. Then we pick a lulling vestibular activity, like gentle rocking or swinging (not spinning).

After that, we do the normal things like bedtime stories, prayers, and singing.

Set the Scene

Make their beds a sensory oasis.

Weighted blankets and the proprioception they provide has been known to make a HUGE difference for kids.

(I suggest one that’s washable, like THIS, or you can make your own!)

Or maybe your child would prefer a “SnugBlanket” which is great if weighted blankets are too hot. There are even bed “tents” that help kids feel secure and block out unwanted input. Don’t forget to get them in comfy clothes. (See the lesson on clothing issues for a reminder.)

Create a comfortable amount of light for your child. Some like it bright, some like it pitch black. Listen to their needs.

Give Them Control

Kids with sensory issues are living in a world that seems threatening and out of control.

Sometimes what will seem like a ridiculous bedtime request becomes less outlandish when you think of it as giving your child a bit more power over their world.

Let them pile all their stuffed animals on top of themselves.

Let them fall asleep with the bright overhead light on.

Let them sleep in the same jeans they didn’t want to wear in the morning and now can’t bare to take off.

Keep them safe, but pick your battles.

STAYING Asleep

After all that work to get kids to sleep, there’s nothing more defeating than hearing them wake up again long before morning. Try these ideas to limit those nighttime wakings.

• Use white noise or relaxing music
• Get super comfortable noise canceling headphones (like CozyPhones that look delightful, or these more classic pair.)
•  
• Diffuse essential oils that promote sleep (like Lavender, Roman Chamomile and my personal favorite, Vetiver)
• Try a vibrating mattress
• Consider supplements or diet changes (See a doctor for advice, but cutting out everything artificial is a good place to start! I’m also a fan of adding THIS to my kids’ baths. It’s readily absorbed through the skin and no need to fight with a picky eater!)

Hang In There

Sensory related sleep issues, aren’t typically fixed overnight (sorry for the pun). I encourage you to keep fighting the uphill battle one day at a time. Try not to go further down the spiral of bad sleeping habits, but take mini steps in the right direction.

And ask for help. There’s nothing wrong with waving a white flag and taking a nap when a neighbor or friend offers to help.

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

Don’t miss my Facebook Chat with other sensory parents about Sleep and Sensory Issues! Play the video below!

The post Sensory Issues FAQs: Sleeping Struggles and SPD appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

There have been little clues and symptoms that there might be a sensory issue at play but you’re just not sure what to do with your suspicions.

Scroll to the bottom for a VIDEO of me discussing this important topic!

I remember that helpless feeling. I will always remember the moment I was finally convinced my son’s struggles went beyond the scope of “normal” and I needed to do something about it.

We had had months of battles over every little moment of life. From the moment he woke up until he finally fell asleep at night (and all the wake ups in between) nothing was done without a fight.

I tried to justify it.

Terrible twos, new baby brother, a major move, poor parenting (do you know the crushing guilt I’m talking about?). I wanted to believe this was a phase, something that would magically disappear.

But then he wouldn’t leave the house for ice cream. Ice cream, his absolute favorite treat, brought on a full fledged meltdown for one solid hour. I couldn’t pass this off as bad behavior or toddler crankiness.

My son was miserable and so was I.

My mom’s pleading words came back to me with force. “You need to get him evaluated for sensory processing disorder.“

She’s an Occupational Therapist Assistant and had worked with tons of kids with sensory needs. She knew that when his sensory preferences were interfering with his ability to function, that professional advice was warranted.

Function. THAT is the key.

When you read through any list of symptoms of sensory issues, you’ll be convinced that every kid in the world has SPD.

That’s because everyone has sensory needs. It’s when those needs interfere with everyday life that you’ve got a problem like sensory processing disorder going on.

Only a medical professional can diagnosis sensory issues.

BUT there are things you as a parent should do to solve the mystery of your child’s baffling behavior and get them the help they need.

Here’s where to start.

1) Download this FREE printable list of sensory symptoms.

Then…

2) Keep track of incidents

This is huge.

If you don’t write down the behavior, I guarantee things will be more fuzzy, you’ll miss patterns, and you’ll be less convincing to medical professionals. 

If you don’t want your doctor to brush you off when you describe your child’s meltdowns over food, write it down. You’ll have much better luck if you’ve documented how few foods they eat, how severe, frequent and lengthy the meltdowns were and so on. (Or whatever the suspicious behavior is.) Numbers don’t lie.

Sensory Parenting 101 has a really helpful printable for you to keep track of behaviors and bring with you to your pediatrician or evaluation.

The course also has information on the steps to take to get a diagnosis, how to get family on board, how to educate yourself, and activities you can do at home to help your child thrive.

It’s everything a sensory parent needs to be confident in their new role. Check out Sensory Parenting 101 HERE.

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

Don’t miss our discussion on Facebook about Symptoms of SPD and Next Steps to take! Play the video below!

The post Symptoms of SPD: When to Worry about Sensory Issues appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

It’s a surreal experience; telling friends and family that something is wrong with your child.

When my oldest was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, I’d give people my typical spiel.

I’d tell them everyone has sensory needs, but my son’s brain doesn’t process that input the way most other people do, so he finds himself “flying blind” on occasion, desperate for some feedback from the outside world. His special needs affect everyday life more than you could ever imagine.

There’d be a long, awkward pause, and then, the eventual question,

“Well, will he outgrow it?”

As a sensory parent, I’m sure you’ve wondered the same. What does the future hold for your child?

As much as I’d like to give you a definite answer, the truth is, I don’t know.

But here’s what I do know.

Communication will Increase

Obviously a five year old has a larger vocabulary than a two year old. Just image how well an adult will be able to articulate and describe their needs to others. When my son was a toddler, the only way he knew to express himself was screaming, crying and yelling. Now, at the ripe old age of five, while his first instinct is still to blubber, he can now be coaxed to verbalize what he’s feeling and usually what caused the meltdown in the first place. This window into his world has been a game changer in helping calm him and prevent incidents.

Coping Methods will Mature

When sensory kids need extra input, they often get desperate and resort to unacceptable habits. They might flap their hands, start literally bouncing off walls, chew their fingers till they bleed. With time, most kids will replace this input methods with more socially acceptable ones like chewing gum, going to the gym, or tapping their foot. Depending on severity, adults may still struggle with compulsive desires to get input in “annoying” ways.

The key is to help your children as their growing up to replace one bad habit with a slightly better one. My son is a chewer. Biting his nails until there was blood running down his forearms was unacceptable. So we got him a chewie. Now he’s learned to get those needs met via chewy water bottles, gum, carrots; whatever gets his jaw working hard.

Understanding of Their Needs will Grow

In the beginning, you as the parent have to become the SPD expert. Your child is being inundated with input that they just can’t handle. They’re overwhelmed with unknowns and you’re the one trying to bring order to their chaos. But with time and training, you’ll begin to educate your kids about their own needs.

They’ll be able to see and recognize when they’re getting a little “off”, way before you ever will. They’ll no longer be perplexed by the world around them and how their body reacts to it. They’ll be equipped to help themselves.

I don’t want to be dismissive of your worries. I have them too, and they make my breath catch in my throat daily.

My son is not an adult. He’s barely a grade-schooler. I don’t know how this will all turn out. But I have seen him change for the better and I pray it will continue.

I have personal adult friends who have SPD. Some you’d never be able to tell. Others are clearly fighting to fit this world’s crazy mold. It’s given me great insight into my own parenting.

I’m not saying they won’t have SPD. But I am saying they will thrive.

Because they had you for a parent.

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

Desperate to be equipped to handle sensory parenting? Join hundreds of other parents taking the Sensory Parenting 101 Ecourse and become a confident sensory parent!

The post Will They Outgrow Sensory Processing Disorder? appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.