How to Help Your Child with Sensory Sensitivities

The Five Senses
The five senses—touch, hearing, taste, smell, and sight—are integral to how we experience and interact with the world. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), these senses can become overwhelming or unbalanced. To address sensory sensitivities, various therapeutic approaches are commonly used, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration therapy, and sensory diets.

1. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on teaching or guiding children through activities they might avoid due to sensory challenges. These activities involve the five senses—touch, hearing, sight, smell, and taste—to gradually reduce sensory problems. For instance:
- Activities might include textured play (sand, clay), listening to specific sounds, or tasting different food textures.

2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps design a "sensory diet" tailored to meet a child’s specific sensory needs. This could include:
- Activities like jumping jacks, running in place, or heavy work tasks.
- Using sensory aids such as weighted vests or sensory compression garments.

These activities provide the sensory input a child craves, helping them feel calm and regulated.

3. Sensory Integration Therapy
Both occupational and physical therapies often incorporate *sensory integration therapy*, which helps children process and respond to sensory stimuli more effectively.
The therapy teaches children to understand their sensory experiences and respond appropriately.
It helps them recognize how their sensory perceptions differ, enabling better adaptation to complex environments

4. Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is not about food but about a structured list of sensory activities that help children focus and stay organized throughout the day. It is personalized based on the child’s needs.

Examples of a Sensory Diet for School
Allowing the child 10 minutes of walking every hour.
Scheduling two 10-minute play breaks during the day.
Permitting the use of headphones during class for listening to calming music.
Allowing the child to use tools like bungee cords on chairs to move their legs while sitting.

By implementing these strategies, children with sensory sensitivities can feel more comfortable, balanced, and ready to engage with their surroundings effectively.

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