Sensory Processing Disorder: Help for Sensory Seekers

Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological disorder in which a person can not properly regulate the information that comes in from their senses. Some kids are overly sensitive, and the slightest touch feels very painful - or walking into a normally lit room feels like the lights are 10 times brighter than they are. Other kids are sensory seekers and have to get as much stimulation as they can from their environment to regulate themselves.

Sensory seekers can be very hard to understand if you do not have an understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder. If you feel your child might have SPD seek an evaluation from your pediatrician, an occupational therapist, or a neurologist. The tips in this article are not meant to serve as a substitute for proper treatment.

Kids who are sensory seekers need to be stimulated by things in their environment to regulate themselves. They have a decreased sensitivity to sensory input and must increase activity and sensations in order to feel some sensation. These are the kids who play in the sandbox for hours or eat their mashed potatoes with their hands and squish the food between their fingers.

As a parent, you need to teach your child when it's appropriate to seek sensations and when it's not acceptable. If you don't mind that your child eats with his hands at the dinner table at home, then let him experience it. If your family has stricter meal time rules, then it's time to teach your child that proper utensils must be used for meal times. It's a good idea to offer substitutes for your child so he can get the sensory input during times when it's appropriate. While you are making dinner, you could give your child a bucket of rice or beans with small toys hidden inside and them them dig for treasures. Or you can pull a chair up to the sink and let them play in warm water with measuring cups. Both of these are a little messy, but easily cleaned and your child will not only be more open to eating with utensils, but will also most likely have a better outlook at the dinner table.

It's important to offer sensory play during other times of the day. Finger painting and play doh can be great indoor activities. When it's warm out, let your child paint outside with pudding or whipped cream. A sandbox can keep a sensory seeker occupied for an hour exploring and feeling the different textures.

Some sensory seekers are climbers and runners. This can be very unnerving for any parent! Instead of the constantly telling the child no, give some alternatives. Tell your child it's not OK to jump off the back of the couch, but he can do somersaults on the floor with help. When the weather is nice let your child run outside by playing kickball or just take a long walk. Try to help your child get stimulation before he reaches the point where he must self regulate. This will reduce a lot of frustration for both of you.

Some kids seek a lot of extra sensation orally. They will chew on toys and other household objects long after they should be through that stage. They love soda and sour candy. Instead of soda, you can give your child seltzer water flavored with a little lemon. If your child loves sour, there are sour sprays that are sugar free but give your child a burst of sour flavor. There are also special toys designed for older kids to chew that won't deteriorate causing a choking hazard.

If your child is out of control, rather than punish him give him heavy work to do instead. The sensation of the heavy items to carry will provide a sensory experience for him and help him regulate. It's important to give your child sensory exercises before he needs them or you will find yourself frustrated and so will he. This becomes an endless cycle and neither parent nor child is happy.

These suggestions are meant to help parents better deal with a sensory seeking child. Having a sensory seeker in the family can be disruptive and stressful for the entire family including other siblings. Try to remember that it's not your child's fault he must self regulate and may do this at inappropriate times. By giving him opportunities to get sensory play before he needs it, it will reduce a lot of stress in your family's lives.