How To Help Your Child With Autism Deal With Sensory Issues
Though each and every person who receives an autism diagnosis experiences autism differently, there are often symptoms that overlap with each other and are experienced by a vast number of people.
www.aleebh.com
What is Sensory Regulation?
Sensory regulation refers to the way in which we respond to certain stimuli. This could include sensitivity to:
• Sight (Specific colors or levels of brightness)
• Touch (Certain textures or materials)
• Taste (The taste, or texture of certain foods)
• Sound (Specific sounds or levels of volumes)
• Temperature (Heat, or the cold)
Hypersensitive
Generally, a hypersensitive response refers to an overactive response to certain stimuli –wherein the child will make their displeasure clear and actively avoid that object in the future.
Hyposensitive
A hyposensitive response often refers to an under-reaction, or perhaps more succinctly, a lack of reaction to certain stimuli.
How can I help
my
child work through sensory issues?
Thankfully, there are various steps you can take to help your child address (and combat) their sensory issues.
Here are some great examples to get them started.
Dealing with Hypersensitivity
• Find the cause of their discomfort, and try to figure out exactly what makes it uncomfortable for them.
• Where possible, avoid situations where you know your child will feel overstimulated.
• Use arts and crafts to introduce new textures to your child gradually.
• Find ways to help them remain calm if they feel overstimulated or oversensitive.
Dealing with Hyposensitivity
• If your child deals with hyposensitivity that results in lower body awareness, it may mean that they struggle with balance and coordination. • Help them gain a deeper awareness of what is happening around them by focusing on ground techniques.
At Alee Behavioral, we have years of experience working with children with autism and related disorders, helping them reach their full potential. We offer a range of specialized therapy services, from speech therapy to applied behavioral analysis, that can help them adjust to any issues they may be facing – whether that means sensory regulation or processing change.
