Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Sensory Diet Auditory Therapy Toys For Children

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.

Sensory Diet Auditory Therapy Toys For Children

Jeanette Loftus

Children are always being exposed to a lot of sounds around them in their environment, from people chatting to cars beeping their horns. For most children, these sounds are just a regular part of their daily lives but for other children who have sensory processing disorder, these sounds can be overwhelming, cause them to feel anxious, uncomfortable, and even in pain.

Auditory processing is the ability to interpret and make sense of the sounds around us. It is an important skill that allows us to communicate, learn, and function.

Children with sensory differences may have difficulty processing and interpreting sounds, leading to sensory challenges in everyday activities.

Sensory processing disorder can affect how a child perceives and responds to different sensory inputs, including sound. For some kids, they may be hypersensitive to sound and may find it difficult to filter out background noise, while others may be hyposensitive and have a high tolerance for loud noises.

Children with auditory processing issues may have difficulty understanding speech, following directions and participating in a noisy or a busy environment. This can affect their ability to learn, socialize, and even sleep.
There are sensory auditory tools to help children cope with their auditory sensory differences. Sensory auditory tools are designed to help children with sensory challenges filter out unwanted sounds and improve their auditory processing skills. These tools can range from noise-cancelling headphones to more advanced technology like sound therapy devices.

A very common sensory auditory tool for children are noise-cancelling headphones. These headphones help block out background noise and allow the child to focus on the sounds they want to hear. They are particularly helpful in noisy environments, such as classrooms, where children may struggle to concentrate due to the constant background noise.

A noise machines produces a constant, soothing sound that can help mask other noises and promote a calm and relaxed environment. They are especially useful for children who have trouble falling asleep due to sensory differences.

Sound therapy devices, such as auditory integration training and The Listening Programs, are also commonly used to help children with sensory processing disorder. These programs use specially designed music to retrain the brain's response to sound and improve auditory processing skills. They can be done at home or under the guidance of a trained therapist.

These specialized auditory sensory tools are designed to provide auditory stimulation and can be used as a fun and engaging way to help children with sensory difficulties improve their auditory processing skills. These toys include musical instruments, sound puzzles, and talking books.

It is important to understand that while these tools can be beneficial for children with sensory processing disorder, they may not work for every child. It is important to always consult with an occupational therapist to determine the best approach for your child's specific sensory needs.

Sensory auditory tools can be valuable for children with sensory processing disorder, helping them to better process and respond to sounds in their environment. These tools can improve a child's ability to learn, communicate, and interact with others.

There are also other strategies that parents and caregivers can use to support children with sensory processing disorder. These include creating a quiet and calm environment, providing breaks from noisy or busy activities, and using visual aids to supplement auditory information.