Parenting
Choosing for Kids wi I
t is very common nowadays for parents to drive their children to a host of after school activities from martial arts, swimming and gymnastics to art classes, music, dance and drama. These activities are good – in moderation. But what happens if your child has special needs? This article will focus on those kids with sensory processing issues, who find extracurricular activities hard.
when it’s out of their control (such as unstable playground equipment).
Sensory processing issues occur when the interconnectivity of the various senses are out of sync. The information from sight, touch, sound, experience of movement and gravity (vestibular), experience of own body (proprioception), taste, smell and sense of own internal body organs for hunger, tiredness or illness (interoception) can arrive in the processing part of the brain at slightly different times. This can make for a very confusing world and some unpredictable behaviour in our kids. There are many different kinds of sensory problems.
Sports / activities involving heavy work to the joints and muscles, deep touch to the skin and deep breathing will help the child regulate.
Kids who are Over-sensitive Some kids are over-sensitive and over-react to sensations. They can appear withdrawn, anxious, cautious, and/ or over-active and explosive at times. Some can dislike noise, crowds and change rooms, get very stressed when balls come towards them, or with light touch as kids brush against them. Some can be really frightened of movement, especially
Our aim is to help these children feel safe and able to calmly cope with the barrage of stimulation. The key here is using a supportive, calm and predictable parenting/ teaching style. Avoid forcing a child to participate but rather support your child to engage at his or her own pace.
Sports that are often helpful are: • Gymnastics • Dance • Rugby League • Swimming • Martial arts • Rock-climbing, rowing and canoeing • Playing wind instruments • Art • Drama
Kids who are Under sensitive or Under responsive to sensation Some kids are under-sensitive and take a long time to respond. They tend have inefficient vestibular/ proprioceptive processing (about
movement, balance and body awareness sense). They can be lethargic and sluggish, preferring sedentary activities. They tend to have low tone, weak core stability, be more clumsy, tire easily, find it hard to sit or stand still, have poor balance and heavy movements. These kids need an engaging, up-beat motivational style to help them wake up and be engaged. Other kids are sensory seekers and need intense sensations to feel right in their body. They have an incessant drive to move, touch, make noise and taste things. They may have weak core stability. These kids need an upbeat style of interaction that has predictability and a rhythm to help them be more regulated.
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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 7 - December/January 2015