How to Determine your Child's Sensory Needs and What to Do?

Sensory self-regulation refers to the ability to effectively process and respond to sensory information in the environment. It involves managing and adapting to sensory input in order to maintain an optimal level of arousal and engagement. In the case of autistic children, sensory self-regulation can be challenging due to differences in sensory processing.

Autistic children may experience sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors. Sensory sensitivities can manifest as an over- or under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli. For example, they may be hypersensitive to certain sounds, textures, lights, smells, or tastes, leading to discomfort or distress. On the other hand, they may also seek out sensory stimulation, such as spinning, rocking, or flapping their hands, in order to regulate their sensory experiences.

Difficulties in sensory self-regulation can have various impacts on a child's functioning and behavior. They may result in sensory overload, where the child becomes overwhelmed by sensory input and exhibits avoidance behaviors or meltdowns. Alternatively, a child may experience sensory seeking, engaging in repetitive or intense sensory-seeking behaviors to fulfill their sensory needs.

To support sensory self-regulation in autistic children, it is important to understand their individual sensory profiles and provide appropriate accommodations and strategies. Here are some approaches that can be helpful:

👉🏻 Sensory accommodations: Creating an environment that minimizes sensory triggers or provides necessary sensory input can be beneficial. This may involve adjusting lighting, reducing noise levels, using visual supports, providing sensory breaks, or offering sensory tools like fidget toys or weighted blankets.

👉🏻 Sensory diet: A sensory diet is a tailored set of activities or exercises designed to meet the sensory needs of the child. It may include activities that provide sensory input, such as swinging, jumping, or deep pressure touch, to help the child regulate their sensory experiences throughout the day.

👉🏻 Sensory integration therapy: This type of therapy involves structured activities that aim to improve sensory processing and integration. It is typically conducted by occupational therapists who use specific techniques to address sensory challenges and help the child develop more effective self-regulation strategies.

👉🏻 Gradual exposure and desensitization: Introducing sensory stimuli gradually and systematically can help the child become more accustomed to and tolerant of certain sensations. This approach involves gradually increasing exposure to sensory triggers while providing support and reinforcement.

👉🏻 Collaborating with professionals: Working with occupational therapists, sensory specialists, or other professionals experienced in sensory processing can provide valuable guidance and expertise in developing strategies to support sensory self-regulation.

It's important to recognize that each autistic child's sensory experiences and needs are unique, so a personalized approach is crucial. By understanding and addressing sensory self-regulation challenges, it is possible to create an environment that promotes the child's comfort, engagement, and overall well-being.

How to develop a sensory diet?

Developing a sensory diet involves creating a structured plan of activities and strategies that address an individual's sensory needs. Here are some steps to consider when developing a sensory diet:

👉🏻 Observe and assess: Start by observing the individual's sensory preferences, sensitivities, and seeking behaviors. Note down specific situations, triggers, or activities that impact their sensory regulation. You can also consult with professionals, such as occupational therapists, who can provide assessments and guidance.

👉🏻 Select sensory activities: Based on the individual's sensory profile and goals, choose a variety of sensory activities that provide the desired sensory input. These activities can be categorized into three main types:

👉🏻 Calming activities: Activities that provide deep pressure, rhythmic movements, or slow, gentle input to help promote relaxation and reduce arousal. Examples include deep pressure touch (using weighted blankets or compression clothing), slow swinging, or rocking. 👉🏻 Alerting activities: Activities that provide quick, intense, or novel sensory input to increase alertness and attention. Examples include jumping on a trampoline, using a therapy ball for bouncing, or engaging in brisk walking or running.

👉🏻 Organizing activities: Activities that promote sensory integration and coordination. These activities often involve bilateral movements and heavy muscle work. Examples include crawling, climbing, playing with resistance bands, or engaging in sports activities.

👉🏻 Establish a schedule: Create a schedule or routine that incorporates sensory activities throughout the day. Consider the individual's needs and preferences, and distribute the activities in a way that promotes optimal sensory regulation. It's important to strike a balance between activities that help calm and focus, and those that provide alerting or organizing input.

👉🏻 Monitor and adjust: Regularly monitor the effectiveness of the sensory diet and make adjustments as needed. Observe how the individual responds to different activities and modify the plan accordingly. It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of activities that work best for the individual.

Keep in mind that a sensory diet should be tailored to the individual's specific sensory requirements. It's critical to keep a cooperative and adaptable mindset, continuously modifying the sensory diet in response to the person's development and evolving needs over time.

When to use a sensory diet?

👉🏻 Sensory processing challenges: If an individual has difficulty effectively processing and integrating sensory information, leading to sensory sensitivities, sensory-seeking behaviors, or difficulty maintaining an optimal level of arousal, a sensory diet can help address these challenges.

👉🏻 Sensory overload or under-stimulation: When an individual becomes overwhelmed or withdrawn due to excessive sensory input or insufficient sensory input, a sensory diet can provide appropriate sensory input to regulate their arousal levels and promote a balanced sensory experience.

👉🏻 Self-regulation difficulties: If an individual has difficulty self-regulating their emotions, attention, or impulses due to sensory processing differences, a sensory diet can provide strategies and activities to help them manage their sensory experiences and promote better self-regulation.

👉🏻 Transition periods: During times of transition, such as moving from one environment to another (e.g., home to school) or transitioning between activities, a sensory diet can assist in promoting smoother transitions and reducing potential sensory-related challenges that may arise during these periods.

👉🏻 Specific sensory needs: If an individual has specific sensory needs or preferences, a sensory diet can be implemented to provide the appropriate sensory input that helps them feel comfortable, engaged, and regulated.

The efficiency of the sensory diet must also be frequently reviewed, and any necessary alterations must be made. The sensory diet should be modified over time to meet the person's evolving needs, and advice from specialists and carers can assist ensure that it remains effective.

What can be a sensory tool?

Sensory tools are objects or devices designed to provide specific sensory input and support sensory regulation. These tools can be used to address sensory needs, promote self-regulation, and enhance sensory experiences. Here are some examples of sensory tools:

👉🏻 Fidget toys: These small handheld objects provide tactile and kinesthetic sensory input. Examples include stress balls, tangle toys, fidget spinners, or textured sensory balls. They can be squeezed, twisted, or manipulated to help individuals focus and self-regulate.

👉🏻 Weighted objects: Weighted sensory tools provide deep pressure input, which can have a calming and organizing effect on the nervous system. Examples include weighted blankets, lap pads, vests, or stuffed animals. The added weight provides a comforting sensation and promotes relaxation.

👉🏻 Compression clothing: Compression garments, such as compression shirts or vests, provide a gentle, consistent pressure to the body. The pressure can help individuals feel grounded and increase body awareness, promoting self-regulation.

👉🏻 Sensory brushes: These brushes have soft bristles and are designed to provide deep pressure input to the skin. They are often used in a technique called deep pressure brushing or Wilbarger Protocol, which can help individuals with sensory sensitivities or self-regulation difficulties.

👉🏻 Noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders: These tools help reduce or block out excessive or overwhelming auditory input. They are particularly useful for individuals who are sensitive to noise and find it challenging to filter or tolerate certain sounds.

👉🏻 Visual supports: Visual supports, such as visual schedules, timers, or cue cards, can provide a predictable and structured visual representation of tasks, routines, or expectations. They help individuals understand and anticipate what comes next, promoting a sense of security and reducing anxiety.

👉🏻 Chewable or oral sensory tools: Chewable tools are designed for individuals who benefit from oral sensory input. They provide a safe and appropriate outlet for chewing, helping to reduce oral seeking behaviors or self-stimulatory habits. Examples include chewable necklaces, bracelets, or pencil toppers.

👉🏻 Sensory swings or hammocks: Swings and hammocks provide vestibular (movement) input, which can have a calming or alerting effect depending on the type of movement. They can be used to regulate arousal levels and improve body awareness.

These are just a few examples of sensory tools, and there are many more available based on individual sensory needs and preferences.

The selection of sensory tools should be based on the specific sensory needs and goals of the individual.

Reach out to us if you need more guidance in selecting sensory tools or want to understand your child's sensory needs better. We can be reached at contact@tareducationinmotion.com

Leave a comment if you liked the information :)

Warmly,

Pia