Becoming Sensitive to Sensory Needs

From haircuts to summer camp, businesses are increasingly able to accommodate a range of sensory needs

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos provided by Marylou Gonzalez and St. Charles Park District

Marylou Gonzalez’s son loathed haircuts. He detested the clippers. She says taking him for a haircut was horrible. She knew there had to be a better way. And when the St. Charles resident couldn’t find what she needed for her child, she and her husband decided to build the solution themselves. They invested in the franchise Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids and went the extra mile to train their staff on supporting clients who need extra time or care. “Because I wish I would have had this. It would have been much easier,” Gonzalez says. “We understand some of the struggles that families face because we are that family.” The salon invites clients who may need extra care to schedule an appointment; staff take time to learn more about a client’s needs and, if needed, book a time when the salon will be less busy. There is even a pre-appointment storybook to help explain the process. For Gonzalez, one of the most important aspects is time, letting clients know there is no rush, and giving a child the time needed to relax and become comfortable in the salon to make for a good visit. “Our stylists will spend time with the client and child, explaining the process, showing them the clippers or scissors,” Gonzalez says. “Our

staff is able to offer ample time because they care about the children and want to do whatever they can to make it easier.” Her staff has cut hair while a child stayed entertained at the train table, or they have provided fidget toys and other distractions. “The most important service we provide is treating families with kindness. Creating a space where all children feel welcomed and celebrated for who they are is at the heart of our mission,” Gonzalez says. And she has seen the difference, as parents are less anxious and children are more confident and comfortable. To train the staff at the salon, Gonzalez reached out to My Recess Therapy. Owner Brooke Backsen opened the sensory-based clinic in 2013 and today has locations in St. Charles and Elgin, providing pediatric-focused occupational, speech and physical therapies. Backsen and her team of specialized therapists welcome opportunities to help educate others about sensory-based needs, adding that it makes good business sense to create opportunities for those with sensory processing challenges to feel welcomed. “It is so valuable for local businesses to be aware and understand sensory processing challenges as it can impact children through adults,” Backsen says. “Understanding sensory processing can support any patron’s experience in your business space. It can range from how loud and the acoustics of a dining experience to the smells  After several visits and time to become more comfortable with the process (see left photo), Toussaint sits for his haircut — and in a fun novelty car, to boot!

of a shop to the lighting of a space. Being aware and supporting these aspects of an experience for a shopper, diner or patron can support everyone involved, but will also make these experiences accessible to all.” How one’s brain and body take in and respond to sensory information can vary by person and by day. Sensory processing challenges can vary to different degrees. People who experience these challenges can feel overstimulated, sending their nervous system into a fight-orflight mode, which in a child can sometimes look like a meltdown. When children and staff find themselves feeling overwhelmed during day camp at St. Charles Park District, they can use the sensory retreat tent in Pottawatomie Park. The blackout tent was designed and donated by the My Recess Therapy team and is a new feature this summer, following a staff training. Taylor Krawczyk, school days program and camp supervisor for the St. Charles Park District, says children and even staff have used the retreat tent this summer. “We love it. Whenever kids, campers need a break, they can go there,” Krawczyk says. On some of the hotter summer days, in the late afternoon, she adds the retreat tent has been a great tool to use when campers feel exhausted, frustrated and need a little time to regroup. Krawczyk says park district staff is already planning to use the tent in other ways, including having it available during events and other activities, since it is easy to set up the tent and its bin of fidgets. Backsen says she and her team at My Recess Therapy have welcomed the opportunity to educate, train and help the community develop programs. One of those partnerships includes Stay + Play Local Tri-Cities, which has a listing of sensoryfriendly businesses and experiences on its website. “It’s been my mission with My Recess Therapy to be out in the community and to work with what we call our partners in care,” Backsen says. “Local businesses sharing similar missions and values allows us to do better and be better for our community. I believe the Fox Valley is one of the most sensory-friendly communities in the state, maybe even the country.”