- By Aima Abid 16-Dec-2022
- 298
Sensory processing issues can be incredibly challenging for both children and their parents. When children are faced with situations that trigger a strong reaction, it can be difficult to know how to respond. This blog post will explore strategies and tips on how to deal with the strong reactions associated with sensory processing issues. We will look at how to recognize these reactions, how to provide support and comfort, and how to create a safe environment for your child.
Introduction
Sensory processing issues can be incredibly challenging for both children and their parents. When children are faced with situations that trigger a strong reaction, it can be difficult to know how to respond. This blog post will explore strategies and tips on how to deal with the strong reactions associated with sensory processing issues. We will look at how to recognize these reactions, how to provide support and comfort, and how to create a safe environment for your child.
Understand What's Going On
Understanding why kids with sensory processing issues have such strong reactions can be a difficult process?
To get a better idea of what’s going on, it’s important to look at how the senses work and how they are interpreted by the brain.
When the senses are functioning normally, the brain can interpret sensory input accurately and respond appropriately. In individuals with sensory processing issues, however, the brain has difficulty interpreting and responding to sensory input in a way that is meaningful and appropriate. This means that a seemingly minor event can cause a much larger reaction than normal.
For example, a person with sensory processing issues may become overwhelmed by a loud sound or even a light touch. On the other hand, someone without sensory issues may not even notice either of these stimuli.
Similarly, while a person without sensory processing issues can filter out certain noises, a person with this issue may be unable to ignore background noise and distractions.
It’s important to remember that these strong reactions are not intentional; they are simply the result of the brain’s difficulty in interpreting and responding to sensory input. By understanding why kids with sensory processing issues have strong reactions, it is possible to better understand their behavior and develop strategies to help them manage their responses.
A common strategy for addressing these types of reactions is creating a plan before an activity. Depending on the child's needs, parents can help create a plan for dealing with various types of situations.
For instance, parents might make sure that lights are turned off when there's too much flashing from video games or television screens to prevent overwhelming stimulation. Likewise, parents might make sure headphones are available so kids who need some music to calm down before bedtime have something to listen to.
Another strategy for managing strong reactions is breaking tasks into smaller steps and making use of “quiet spaces” where children can go if they need time away from any type of stimuli. Having specific places where kids know they will feel safe and calm can be very beneficial.
Be aware that every individual is different so one size does not fit all! The key point is taking things slow and steady because "all" children can benefit from this type of intervention but not every single one will respond positively.
Some won't have an issue at all while others might never show improvement. Parents should keep in mind that there are plenty of successful people with severe cases of SPD; don't allow the stigma to discourage you from seeking help.
If your child has already been diagnosed, start by making small changes like playing music while cooking, removing distractions during meals, and checking out books on CDs at the library.
Don't React to the Reaction
If your child has sensory processing issues, you may be familiar with how they can react strongly to certain stimuli. This can be a challenge for both parents and children, as the child may be overwhelmed by their emotions and the parent may not know how to handle the situation. It’s important to remember that reacting to the reaction is not the best way to respond.
When your child has a strong reaction, try not to overreact. Your initial impulse might be to scold or yell at your child for their behavior, but this will only make matters worse. Instead, focus on providing support and understanding. Be there to listen and show that you care about their feelings, even if they seem irrational to you.
It can also help to take a step back and observe the situation. Is there something in the environment that could be triggering the reaction? Are there any coping techniques that could be used? Taking an objective look at the situation can help you develop a better plan for responding in the future.
Above all, remember that your child’s strong reactions are coming from a place of fear and uncertainty. Responding with patience and compassion can help your child manage their emotions more effectively.
Help Them Understand Their Senses
Kids with sensory processing issues often have trouble understanding their senses and the sensations that come with them. This can lead to strong reactions when faced with everyday stimuli. While these reactions may seem overwhelming, some strategies can help parents and caregivers manage them.
The first step is to understand the different types of sensory processing issues. For example, children who are hypersensitive to touch may be scared of certain textures or fabrics, while those who are hypersensitive to touch may not be able to feel when things are too hot or too cold. Knowing what type of sensitivity your child has can help you better understand how to respond.
Once you understand the type of sensitivity, it’s important to provide a safe environment where your child can explore and experiment with different types of stimuli. If a particular stimulus causes a strong reaction, talk to your child about why they might be feeling that way and provide alternative solutions.
One way to do this is by providing sensory tools like weighted blankets or fidgets that can help your child regulate their feelings. Other tools such as visual schedules or noise-canceling headphones can also help create a calmer atmosphere for your child.
Finally, it’s important to provide reassurance and understanding when your child is feeling overwhelmed by their senses. Letting them know that it’s okay to express their feelings, even if those feelings are difficult to understand, will give them the space to safely explore and learn about their senses without fear of judgment or criticism.
Use Distraction Techniques
When it comes to dealing with strong reactions from kids with sensory processing issues, distraction techniques can be a great way to help. Distraction is a valuable tool in helping children cope with sensory overload, as it can help them to focus on something other than the sensation that is causing them distress.
There are many ways to use distraction techniques when dealing with sensory overload. For example, you can offer children a favorite toy or activity that they can engage with. This could be anything from playing with a ball, coloring with crayons, or building a tower with blocks. Whatever it is, engaging their attention away from the source of the overload can help them to relax and regain control over their emotions.
In addition to toys and activities, using calming music or aromatherapy can also be effective for distraction. You can use soft music to soothe your child, or even gentle scents like lavender to help them relax. Talk therapy is also a great way to help your child process their feelings and understand what is causing their reactions.
Overall, distraction techniques are a helpful tool in managing strong reactions from children with sensory processing issues. By engaging their attention away from the source of their distress, you can provide them with a sense of calm and control over their emotions.
Try Calming Activities
For parents of children with sensory processing issues, it can be difficult to deal with the strong reactions they may have in certain situations. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there are ways to help your child cope. One strategy to try is calming activities.
Calming activities can help your child relax and decrease the intensity of their reaction. Examples of calming activities may include deep breathing exercises, yoga poses, mindfulness activities, art therapy, or listening to relaxing music. Other ideas could be reading a book together, going on a nature walk, or playing with a calming toy like a weighted blanket or stress ball.
These calming activities should be tailored to meet your child’s individual needs. For example, if your child has trouble with loud noises, then listening to relaxing music might be a great calming activity for them. Alternatively, if they find solace in physical activity, then doing some yoga poses may be the best option.
It’s important to remember that calming activities should be incorporated into your child’s daily routine so that they can learn to manage their reactions over time. If your child has difficulty transitioning between tasks or locations, it can also be helpful to create a calming routine for them to follow.
This could include having them take several deep breaths before transitioning or taking a few moments to focus on the task at hand before continuing.
No matter what calming activities you decide to try, it’s important to be patient and supportive of your child as they learn to manage their reactions. With a little bit of practice and guidance, your child can develop healthier ways of responding to their environment.
Seek Professional Help If Necessary
