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Children who struggle with sensory processing disorder can experience an overwhelming response to sensory input or the complete opposite to sensory input. This can lead to challenges in their daily functioning such as being regulated. Understanding your child's sensory processing can really help your child and give them a better quality of life.
Children with sensory differences can be hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory inputs. A child can also be both, seeker and avoider. These can lead to difficulties in many different areas of a child's life such as anxiety and regulation.
There are a lot of different symptoms of sensory processing disorder that could include overreacting to sensory input, seeking sensory input, difficulty with transitions or changes in their routine, struggles with motor skills and many more. It is very important for parents, teachers and therapists to understand a child's sensory needs and symptoms.
Sensory circuits are activities that are designed to stimulate, organize or calm a child's sensory system. Sensory circuits typically focus on three main functions alerting, organizing, and calming.
The alerting circuit is designed to increase sensory arousal and attention levels. This circuit is great for children who struggle with low energy or disengagement.
Activities included in an alerting circuit could be movement activities such as jumping on a trampoline, swinging in a sensory swing or dancing. Sensory alerting activities could include rolling, throwing or catching a ball. Interactive games such as tag or an obstacle courses with sensory stations to stimulate their senses.
These alerting sensory activities can improve a child's focus and readiness to learn or engage in their regular daily tasks. The important part of including sensory alerting activities into a child's day is to introduce dynamic movement that encourages a state of readiness, making the child more responsive to their environment.
Sensory circuits (alerting) Jumping on trampoline Exercising Dancing to music Scooter board Crash pad Crunchy snack Spinning Jumping jacks Loud music Hula hoop Bouncing on ball Running Swinging Skipping
The sensory organizing circuit is to help a child transition, organize and focus. This can be very helpful for children who experience sensory overload or disorganization.
Organizing circuit activities might include fine motor sensory activities, balance games, yoga or activities that require body awareness and movement. Sensory organising activities help support a child's self-regulation.
Sensory circuits (Organising) Stepping stones Simon says Bunny hops Obstacle course Wheelbarrow walks Balance board Rolling over peanut ball Blowing bubbles Resistance bands Wall pushes Catching a ball Throwing bean bags Crawling in sensory tunnel Jumping through hoops
The sensory calming circuit is very important for children who feel overwhelmed or anxious due to sensory overload. This sensory circuit helps to reduce sensory responses and calm a child.
There are many different calming activities such as deep pressure tools, rocking, yoga, sensory friendly environment with dimmed lighting or calming nature sounds. calming sounds for when a child is feeling overstimulated. Including a sensory calming circuit can really help a child with emotional regulation, decrease their anxiety and help a child feel some sense of control.
Sensory circuits (Calming) Compression clothing Stringing beads Weighted sensory tools Rocking Calming music Chewelry Coloring Reading Sensory bottles Hugging Nature walk Mindfulness Yoga Blowing bubbles Scented play dough
Understanding sensory processing disorder and sensory circuits can provide a child with effective strategies to manage their unique sensory needs. By creating alerting, organizing and calming circuits, parents and teachers can provide a calming, sensory friendly environment for the child.
Each child is unique and will require sensory circuits to meet their specific sensory preferences and needs. All children should see an occupational therapist to develop a sensory diet that is just for their child's needs.
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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.
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