The inability to process the world properly through any one or more of the five senses is what leads kids to have sensory issues. For those who do not have any issues with their senses, it can be confusing or even scary to watch as kids have meltdowns or problems with things like light and sound. Finding clothing that feels good on the skin or bedding that is not scratchy can be impossible. And yet in the midst of all this, parents find ways to support their kids with sensory issues so that they are able to live as happy, normal, and comfortable life possible.
Sensory issues can look different for every child. The issues being experienced can be felt more or less intensely, which requires specific ways to be managed. Finding those ways to bring relief to kids with sensory issues may take some experimenting to get right. But once a sense of calm can be found in an otherwise chaotic world for kids, there is a sense of relief for both parents and kids alike.
Here is how to support kids with sensory issues.
What Are Sensory Issues?
Sensory issues are a newer area of study in comparison to other neurological disorders that have been identified in kids. This is because any sensory issues were always lumped in with other neurological disorders instead of being considered one of their own. As a result, the criteria to define sensory issues are still being developed. And because of this, the medical community is still working to fully grasp what sensory issues are.
According to the University of Utah, sensory issues are defined as kids being "sensitive to stimuli to the point where it is beyond normal childhood behavior." This behavior causes a "disruption" to not only their lives but to the lives of their parents as well.
Any one or all of the senses are responsible for the sensory issues being present. Per the publication, it can be sensitivity to light, textures, flavors, scents, or sounds, sometimes in conjunction with "poor fine motor skills" and trouble interacting with others.
The severity of sensory issues varies for every child. But any sensory issue can create a world of chaos for those it affects.
Signs Of Sensory Processing Issues
For those kids who have sensory processing issues, each may wear their issues slightly differently.
According to WebMD, signs that kids may have sensory processing issues include:
- Difficulty with sensations that have to do with sight, touch, sound, taste, and sight
- Be uncoordinated
- Be clumsy
- Have no sense of themselves in relation to other objects around them
- Difficulty with engaging others in conversation
- Difficulty engaging others in play
The degree to which kids deal with their sensory processing issues all has to do with where they fall on a spectrum. Some may have things that bother them but have developed a coping mechanism to deal with what troubles them. Others may not have the option to do this and instead, can find themselves struggling to get help so that they can learn to navigate the world in the safest way possible.
Ways To Support Kids With Sensory Issues
It goes without saying that parents want to support their kids who have sensory issues. But wanting to support them and knowing how to support them are two separate things.
According to Today's Parent, some ways to support kids with sensory issues include:
- Change their environment to reduce sensory issues as much as possible
- Create opportunities for sensory play
- Have fidget toys on hand
- Used weighted blankets
- Have a space for quiet time
- Use chewable jewelry
There are sure to be other ways to help kids with sensory issues. As such, parents should work with their kids, in conjunction with their occupational therapists, to find ways to make their lives as calm as possible. Especially when lives become full of chaos when sensory issues rear their heads.
What Causes Sensory Processing Issues
Unfortunately, there is not one specific thing that can be pointed to that causes sensory processing issues to occur. And with the condition being newer on the neurological development map than other issues, researchers and doctors are still working to determine the cause of sensory issues.
According to Understood, there are several reasons that sensory processing issues occur. Those reasons include:
- Genetics
- Birth complications
- Environmental factors
It should be noted that while it is common for ADHD and autism often go hand in hand with sensory issues, the conditions do not cause sensory issues. Therefore, until more research is done, it is still anyone's guess as to why sensory processing issues occur.
Treatment For Sensory Processing Issues
To treat sensory processing issues, the route most go is therapy.
According to FamilyDoctor.org, the different types of therapy include:
- Sensory integration therapy: Develops coping skills through play while in a controlled environment
- Sensory diet: Sensory activities to be completed at home or school
- Occupational therapy: For those who need assistance with activities of daily living, occupational therapists can help catch kids with sensory processing issues up by doing activities that strengthen motor skills, fine motor skills, how to get dressed, and more.
After assessing where kids are, therapists can determine what the best course of action is so that kids can work through their sensory issues via coping mechanisms. And once those ways of coping are found, the better life becomes for kids who were once completely ruled by their sensory processing issues.
Source: University of Utah, WebMD, Today's Parent, Understood, FamilyDoctor.org