How can I support my child?
Every child is different so no child will experience the same sensory processing differences. Some may be hyper or oversensitive while others may be hypo or under sensitive, and may seek loud sounds or lots of different sounds. It is important to find out what the stress triggers are for your own child before making the changes necessary in their immediate environment.
Below are some things to consider when making the home a safe and comfortable space.
Home should be a safe and comfortable space. Perform your own evaluation of the home environment. Is there anything that could potentially be causing your child stress e.g. the feel of their bedclothes, smells from the kitchen, clocks ticking? etc.
Keep in mind that even though the sesnory information (e,g sounds) might not bother you, it can be overwhelming fro a child or young person with sensory aversions.
Think too about the sensory aspects of your home your child might enjoy and create more opportunities for this e.g. having a trampoline, or creating a sensory space with certain toys (fidget, soft/ cuddly, squishy, gloopy), certain noises, certain smells etc.
Be aware of other environments your child is going to be in and support their sensory needs in these environments e.g. providing sunglasses if lights are too bright and ear defenders if sounds are too loud.
Both at home and out and about, allow your child or young person opportunities for time outs to relax and recharge, such as quiet corners or chillout spaces (some large shopping centres have sensory rooms now).
Allow your child to do what they need to do to regulate themselves in their environment. For many autistic people, moving their bodies in certain ways (stimming) is calming and soothing.
