Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Preparing a Child with Sensory Differences for Appointments

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

Preparing a Child with Sensory Differences for Appointments

Jeanette Loftus

Going to a doctor's visit, a dental check up or an occupational therapy session can often be very stressful for any child but they can be very challenging for children who struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

Having sensory processing disorder can make appointments overwhelming and can lead to anxiety, meltdowns and your child not wanting to go. With some preparation and understanding, these appointments can be much easier for your child and for you too.

Talk to your child and explain the appointment in a way that is easier for them to understand. Try using some different visual aids or read them a book that helps them understand what to expect when they go to their appointment.

Practicing different scenarios with your child can be a very helpful tool. Use toys to act like the doctor. Tell jokes and be funny, make your child laugh.

It is so important to pack your child's most used calming sensory tools for when they are out of your home like their fidget toys or noise-canceling headphones to keep them regulated.

Schedule the appointment at just the right time that works for your child. This would be a time when your when your child is most alert and rested.

You can request a quiet room or a separate waiting area when you arrive at your appointment. Some offices will have a more quiet area for you to wait with your child. It is worth asking.

Bringing a favorite toy or blanket for your child. This can provide some extra comfort during anxious moments while waiting to go into your appointment.

Give your child as much positive reinforcement as you ca. Praise your child for their bravery throughout the appointment and let them know how proud you are of them.

Talk to your child's doctor and let them know about your child's sensory processing disorder ahead of their appointment and their sensory triggers.

Try to schedule a short visit for the first appointment to minimize sensory overload. This will also help your child know what to expect for their usual appointments. It is okay to request different accommodations for your child to make their appointment go smoother.

Ask your child to help you plan their appointment. Involve your child and ask them to choose their favorite therapist or if they have a favorite room.

Try to find an occupational therapist that is experienced with sensory processing disorder and willing to adjust how they may do things to meet your child's needs to make their appointment go smoother for them.

Use visual aids and visual picture schedules to help your child understand therapy and what to expect while they are there. When they know what to expect it will minimize the anxiety they are feeling.

If your child is seeing an optician or dentist let them know about your child's sensory processing disorder and request a quiet time of day when the office is less busy.

Offer your child sensory breaks or let them know that they can leave the room if they need too. Sometimes when they get overwhelmed they need a break.

Try to always use positive language when speaking to a child about their upcoming appointments. Avoid using words that could be scary to them such as sharp or painful. Try to focus on positive words that are not scary for them such as gentle or helping.

Brining a reward such as a sticker or taking your child for an ice-cream can encourage positive behavior. Going for an ice=cream can be a little one-on-one time to talk about their appointment.

Be honest with your child about their appointment and listen to their concerns. They want their feelings heard and may be needing reassurance from you.

We need to understand that not every appointment will go perfect and that is okay. We need to have patience with our children because they are just learning and these are new experiences for your child.

Celebrate all your child's victories and successes no matter how small. Praise and reward their efforts no matter how little they tried. That effort may appear to be small for us but they could be very big for them.

Consider asking your child's occupational therapist or therapist who specializes in sensory processing disorder for some ideas that will make appointments go smoother for you and your child. They have the greatest ideas for kids.

Preparing your child who struggles with sensory differences for appointments is a process that will require time, understanding and patience. Working with your child's therapist, will help them navigate through these new experiences with confidence.