Does your child have sensory processing difficulties? These seemingly small, but practical tips from occupational therapists in Sydney’s northern beaches could help your sensory sensitive to cope better at home, preschool and school.
1. If your child is sensitive to textures, remove tags from clothing.
2. Choose clothing made of natural fibres. It regulates temperature better and is more ‘sensory friendly’.
3. If your child is bothered by seams in socks, simply allow them to wear socks inside out.
4. Many sensory sensitive children struggle in brightly lit environments. Encourage the use of sunglasses to overcome this.
5. If noise causes problems for your child, monitor the ‘volume’ of environments you can control. For example, check the volume of the TV and car radio. Allow your child to wear noise cancelling headphones if they help.
6. If your toddler or young child pulls away from you, check your scent. The scent of perfume, deodorant, mouthwash or the smell of washing powder in your clothes could be overpowering for your child with sensory processing sensitivities.
7. If your sensory child is reluctant to try new foods, offer new choices that have a similar texture or consistency to their favourites.
Kids First’s experienced occupational therapists have helped hundreds of children with sensory processing difficulties to cope better at home, school and pre-school.
Contact us on (02) 9938 5419 to discuss your child’s needs or click in the link below to find out more about occupational therapy at Kids First.