How to Calm Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction) often have difficulties regulating their energy levels. Many times they can appear "silly" or "hyper", while at other times they seem overly tired and low. A series of activities/therapies called "sensory diets" can be geared toward a specific SPD child's needs. These will greatly reduce uneven behaviors and bring a youngster back to an optimal level of energy for learning and interacting socially.

Things You'll Need

• Gum, or other chewy food
• Yoghurt and straw
• Trampoline
• Chair that spins
• Large exercise ball

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether your child's energy level is high or low. It's usually obvious, but sometimes it can be hard to figure out. For instance, she may be having a tantrum and have a low-frustration tolerance and this indicates a high level of energy rather than a low one.

• 2

  If energy level is very high, there are foods that can be tried that will provide the sensory input needed to calm down. These are often items that require work to chew or suck on. Try gum, taffy, or fruit rollups to start with. Crunchy snacks like carrots and celery are also effective. Sucking on a straw can also be helpful. Provide your child with a healthy, thick smoothie or yoghurt and have her try using a straw instead of a spoon.

• 3

  Activities that help to calm a sensory child experiencing high energy can include jumping on a trampoline, spinning in a chair, and bouncing on an exercise ball.

• 4

  Items that can be played with to calm a kid with Sensory Processing Disorder are clay, water, dried rice or beans, and sand. Have your child play in a warm tub of water or in a sandbox if she seems agitated. Provide a pail of water and a paintbrush and have her "paint" the deck. Collect small toys and hide in a bin with rice or beans, then have your child find the items.

• 5

  When your child has low energy, any of the above foods and activities may also work to bring her level of energy higher. The trick will be to try these different techniques individually and note which work and which do not.

• 6

  Other activities to try: pushing a vacuum, carrying books and other weighty items up the stairs, washing windows. All of these activities have benefits for the child with SPD, and for you too! For more calming or energizing ideas, see additional resources below.

• 7

  Keep a log of the effective foods and activities and be sure to bring to your next visit to an occupational therapist (see disclaimer at the bottom of this page).