Childs Sensory Signals.... Holds It Together at School, Then Melts Down at Home Sensory Explanation: The school day is full of multi-sensory input, placing great demand and stress on the nervous system. This is especially difficult for those who struggle with sensory modulation and self-regulation. The child tries so hard to follow the rules of the classroom and to please the teacher and staff, as well as meet the social expectations of peers. When the child returns home from a long day of stress on the nervous system, a child may simply need to melt down to let it all out in an environment where the child feels safe, is not judged by others and can be with those who love and respect the sensory differences. Ideas to Help! • Respect this as a true sensory signal that the school day was overwhelming and incredibly challenging. • Try not to lean towards the theory of “Why do they do this at home and not at school? Doesn’t that mean they can control it? • Offer a sensory retreat to help unwind and unload the sensory input from the day. • Provide an indoor swing such as a hammock or cuddle swing, as swinging in slow, rhythmical planes of movement can be very calming and regulating. • Invert the head. • Provide full body deep pressure touch. • Provide opportunities for proprioception. • Decrease the amount of stimuli for at least an hour when the child gets home from school. • Refrain from chores, homework, and other demands during the after-school hour. ~Angie Voss, OTR ARTY TOTS WORKSHOPS
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 17:26:01 +0000
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