Sensory processing disorder (also known as sensory integration dysfunction) is a nervous system condition whereby the brain does not always translate signals from the senses properly. Children with SPD often require a daily routine that incorporates various calming and organizing activities. Occupational therapists can arrange these activities into “sensory diets” that meet the individual needs of each child with the disorder.
Energy Too High
Heightened sensitivity to noise or even to the feeling of scratchy clothing may overwhelm a child with SPD and cause focusing problems and anxiety levels that seem out of whack. When faced with situations that their peers easily adapt to, kids with SPD can become ornery and oppositional. However, significant improvements in their behavior can occur with calming sensory activities.
Energy Too Low
At the other end of the spectrum, children with this disorder may have lowered awareness to one or more of their senses. They may become listless and have low energy. When this happens, sensory seeking behaviors such as head banging, odd vocal noises, or inappropriate touching could occur. Introducing activities that naturally offer increased sensory input can reduce these behaviors.
Levels of Energy Never Just Right
Many sensory children will experience both extremes of energy throughout the day and have trouble maintaining the suitable arousal levels necessary to perform age-appropriate tasks. As a result, performance in school and development of social skills may suffer.
Sensory Diets
A sensory diet is an activity plan designed for an individual child with SPD to help modulate his “engine” level. The following is a list of activities that may aid in fulfilling the sensory requirements for these children. Every child is different, so what works for one may not work for another. The idea is to try an activity and then evaluate it for its effectiveness.
Calming Activities
If a child is over stimulated, the following activities may help to calm him.
- Sucking yogurt through a straw
- Rocking in rocking chair
- Swinging
- Wrapping in heavy blanket
- Quiet space or tent play
- Rolling or kneading play dough
- Mixing in a bowl
- Listening to music on headphones
- Carrying books or other objects up and down stairs
- Washing windows, mirrors, or tables
- Eating healthy, crunchy foods like carrots
- Swimming, taking baths
- Bear hugging
- Painting with water
- Vibrating pillows/massagers
- Finding objects hidden in bucket full of uncooked beans or beads
Energizing Activities
When a sensory kid needs to be aroused, wake up his senses by trying some of these activities.
- Jumping on trampoline
- Pushing or pulling heavy items
- Sitting on a “wiggle” seat pillow (one of many sensory integration products available)
- Squeezing squishy balls with hand
- Bouncing on therapy or other large ball
- Spinning in rotating chair or on swing
- Eating chewy foods
- Chewing bubble gum (only if age appropriate)
- Pillow squishing, making child into sandwich
- Taking a shower
Other Organizing Activities
These activities may work in both cases, depending on the child.
- Doing handstands against wall or pushups
- Animal walking
- Climbing/pulling up on monkey bars
- Carrying heavy items
- Wearing heavy back pack
- Blowing bubbles
- Tumbling
- Sleeping bag rolling
- Pushing a cart or wagon filled with toys
- Lying on belly to watch TV or play video game
Parents of children with sensory processing disorder may suffer from a “Goldilocks syndrome” as they desperately search for ways to help their youngsters feel just right. Introducing a strategic mix of daily sensory activities can lessen tantrums, difficult behavior, and extreme mood swings. Moreover, sensory diets can help families with SPD children achieve what may have seemed impossible: days that end happily ever after.
Disclaimer: Parents who suspect that their children suffer from sensory processing disorder should always seek the guidance of a pediatrician before introducing any new activity or therapy.
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