This website uses cookies to ensure that you have the best possible experience when visiting the website. View our privacy policy for more information about this. To accept the use of non-essential cookies, please click "I agree"
Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.
Self-Regulation with Fidgets And Chewelry
Jeanette Loftus
It can be difficult for not only children but adults to sit still and be expected to accomplish goals. We all fidget at different times and may not even realize it. Some may chew their fingernails, while others are chewing gum or tapping their feet.
Throughout our lives we are always learning new ways to cope with stress, anxiety or sadness. We do our best when we are regulated. Self regulation is a set of skills and techniques that help us stay calm, control our emotions and behaviors.
Fidgeting is often a self regulation mechanism that helps us raise or lower our attention levels. Fidgeting either calms or energizes us. Fidgeting uses movement to help us focus and concentrate. The more we move, the more we are able to think, learn and boost our verbal memory.
When someone has A.D.H.D and they are bored, they get tired or worn down. This is why a stimulant medication works well for those who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as they need stimulation to feel focused and regulated.
There are different types of self regulation tools to assist us to feel calm, relaxed and improve our environments. These tools help us to stay regulated. Chewelry and fidgets are two sensory tools to keep us regulated. We are all seeking just the right balance to keep us comfortable.
Children and adults who have Sensory Processing Disorder, A.D.H.D or are autistic require sensory breaks in their sensory diets throughout the day to keep them regulated even when they are not displaying the need for it. We shouldn't wait until they are already dysregulated to accommodate their sensory needs. When you see your child having a meltdown, or they are hyper and not focused, this is a sign that they are dysregulated. This is usually because they are tired, overstimulated, stressed, anxious or frustrated.
Fidgets come in all shapes and sizes and not all fidgets are created equally. You may spend a bit of extra money trying to find the right fidgets. Some people may enjoy squishy fidgets while others enjoy tangle fidgets. There are so many types of fidgets including putty, stress balls, fidget foot bands and chewelry.
It is important to find classroom fidgets that are not distracting to other students because some fidgets are too noisy and some require more movement and can make kids more hyper. Consult with your child's Occupational Therapist (O.T) to determine which fidgets would be appropriate for your child while they are in class. You may be required to include fidgets and sensory tools in your child's Individual Education Plan. (IEP) The fidgets we use at home may be different than the fidgets we use in a classroom. At times, we need to advocate for our children to have these sensory needs met while attending school.
Everyone has different sensory needs that require different sensory tools or accommodations in their sensory diet. Children who have Sensory Processing Disorder require and need sensory input in their sensory diets. We should never use fidgets or sensory tools as rewards. We should always have sensory tools available for self-regulation. The more we accommodate a child's sensory needs by providing the right tools, the more calm and comfortable they will feel.
Chewelry is a great way to give children the oral and proprioceptive sensory input they need throughout the day to help them focus and stay calm. Sensory chew necklaces or chew pendants are a safe way for your child to always have their chewelry available when they need it. It is a necklace with a break away clasp and pendant that is easily available to them. Using a pencil topper chew is another more discreet way to give your child the sensory input they need in their classroom during school.
When we as parents are stressed, anxious or frustrated, our children feel and pick up on that. It is important to model calm behavior around our kids. Co-regulation is sharing our calm with them. When we, as parent are feeling escalated, we are unable to calm down our escalated children. Fidgets and chewelry are only two tools for self-regulation. There are thousands of self-regulation tools and activities for both adults and children.
Some children needs fidgets for chewing, others need fidgets for focus and some need fidgets to redirect behaviors such as picking. When a child is fidgeting you may notice they are twirling their hair, chewing on their clothing or tapping things with their fingers or they can't sit still. Fidgets are great sensory tools for self regulation. They can be calming and help your child with focus and attention. Fidgets have many different benefits. They can reduce stress and anxiety, increase muscle development and they're great for fine motor skills too.
The Benefits Of Fidgets
- increases focus and concentration - reduces stress and anxiety - improves learning - enhances hand-eye coordination - develops muscles in hands in fingers - promotes creativity - improves readiness for writing - calming self-regulating tool- offers deep pressure- provides sensory input- provides relaxation- improves fine motor skills- calms the nervous system
Children and adults who have Sensory Processing Disorder can often seek out oral stimulation. You may notice your child chewing on pencils, hair, fingers, clothing and other objects if they are oral seeking. This can also a symptom of Autism and A.D.H.D too.
If your child is putting objects in their mouth that is unsafe and not sanitary you may want to consider using some tools to help them. Often when children do this they will stain their clothing or ruin objects in your home or at school. Are they reaching for any and all objects to satisfy their overwhelming need to chew? Some will choose the option of chewing sugar free gum or sucking on a hard candy but for others they will have their child choose a sensory chew toy for oral stimulation. Some children may prefer one option over the other more. Sour gum or hot gum can provide the most oral stimulation. There's a wide variety of sensory chew toys that are available for your child's chewing needs that are safe and effective. They can be cleaned properly and save you a lot of money on shirts too for your child.
The Benefits Of Chewelry
- decreases stress - encourages healthy chewing behaviors - strengthens facial muscles - provides a sensory filter - assists with transitions - strengthens tongue and jaw - decreases anxiety - increases focus - regulates the sensory system - strengthens oral motor skills - increases attention- provides oral sensory input - reduces nail biting - provides self-soothing
Children may also chew because they are stimming. Self-stimulating behaviors. Some children may have oral hypersensitivity. Pica is not only chewing but eating nonfood items such as dirt, paper etc. If your child is not only chewing but eating the items too than please seek out professional help for your child. Often sensory chew toys are made for different chew strengths. If your child is chewing through chew toys you may need a stronger chew for them but if they are not than you could purchase sensory chew toys for mild to moderate chewers.
Supporting, learning, sharing and growing together.
DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional.
Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links on my website. Each of your purchases through links on my website for Amazon affiliation links or sponsored links support me but no additional cost to you so thank you. I appreciate it so much! I am not responsible should you buy anything from any links on this website.