Twenty-One Senses

Helping families with sensory sensitive children navigate typical environments.

Category: Summer

Supporting Loud Sounds: Coping with Auditory Sensitivities

by Twenty-One Senses TeamLeave a comment

By: Jolie Rosenthal, Occupational Therapy Student (OTS), University of New Hampshire

As summer progresses, so does the frequency of your child experiencing loud fireworks, roaring hand-dryers in the public bathrooms at the beach and pool, and the variety of sounds of other children playing outside.  All of these sounds can be considerably triggering for a child with auditory sensitivities. Loud noises can provoke anxiety, rage, and irritability for children with auditory sensitivities. As difficult as it is for the child to deal with, it may cause extensive stress for parents as well. There are various coping mechanisms, tips, and techniques that can be implemented to help mitigate the undesirable effects of auditory triggers on children.

Noise cancelling headphones or earbuds (One you probably know)

  • Noise cancelling headphones can be kept in the car or your handbag for easy access in any situation in which the environment will be auditorily overwhelming for children like firework events and outdoor concerts.
  • Regular earbuds can be used to play soothing white noise and relaxation inducing audio frequencies which may distract from or cover up the loud auditory stimuli and comfort the child.

Give warnings and prepare

  • Children can be warned before certain sounds occur like those produced from vacuums, toilets, and hand dryers.
  • Inform your child that there is going to be a loud noise and to cover their ears; show them how they should cover their ears, and count down slowly before turning on the vacuum, hand dryer, or flushing the toilet to give your child time to prepare.
  • Before entering loud environments like a concert or fireworks event, do some ”heavy work” movement activities with your child which can calm the child and decrease feelings of sensory overload. Heavy work involves activities in which one is exerting oneself and receiving feedback from the body. Examples include: going on monkey bars, using a bicycle, digging in the sandbox, and practicing yoga (GriffinOT, 2021).
  • Putting on compression clothing before entering a triggering environment can increase the child’s comfort as well.

Coping with the noise – What are my tools?

Oftentimes, loud noises make children upset and they may need a way to release their emotions. Taking a break and removing your child from the auditory triggers can be helpful, but is not always able to be done. In relaxed calm settings, pre teach your child how to use some “tools” for their calming toolbox when they become overwhelmed by sounds.  Then when you are in the situation they will have an idea of how to use some of these simple calming tools:

  • Children can chew safe rubber chewing jewelry like necklaces and bracelets.
  • Stress balls can help children channel emotions.
  • Take three to five deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth and hold for a few seconds. This is one of the best ways to calm down.
  • Engaging in a hands-on activity is another way to distract our mental brains from the fact that we don’t like the sounds.  Simple toys and activities like a coloring page with markers, playdough in a ziplock to squeeze, or drawing in a sketch book can help calm our minds (S. Smith, personal communication, July 19, 2021).

Give your child the control

  • Let your child flush the toilet, turn on the hand dryers, and start the vacuum so they can take the time they need to get ready for the noise. Plan and build in extra time in louder environments sometimes so that you don’t feel rushed in these situations.
  • Encourage communication between you and your child so they can recognize triggering stimuli and notify you before the situation escalates.
  • Let your child be in control of carrying their own noise headphones, chewing jewelry, and other materials that may be soothing to them.

References

Griffin OT. (2020, August 30). The mystery of heavy work. GriffinOT. https://www.griffinot.com/the-mystery-of-heavy-work/

Travel Tips for Tactile Sensitivities

by Twenty-One Senses TeamLeave a comment

Spring break is coming! For many of us, spring means enjoying the sun over our heads and the sand under our toes. Many sensitive children, however, find trips to the beach or other exotic locations unbearable. This month, we’re going to focus on some common tactile triggers you might encounter on vacation. 

No matter what your child’s particular triggers are, remember that preparation is key. Have her help you problem solve, plan, and pack as much as possible. Try new clothing or toiletries at home and make sure she has a chance to give input on each item. Above all, be honest about what to expect in your new environment and give her as much control over her own comfort as possible.

Keep reading for some common tactile triggers and a few tips for tackling each. Also, be sure to check out our previous article for some more general tips on traveling with sensory needs.

#1 – Sunscreen, lotion, and other toiletries

  • Make sure to test every new product at home before you leave.
  • Pack enough for your entire trip–you might not be able to find certain items elsewhere.
  • Experiment with different types of applications–sunscreen sticks, shampoo bars, etc.
  • Minimize the need for sunscreen by using sun shirts, hats, and protective clothing.

#2 – Unfamiliar or uncomfortable bedding

  • Bring pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, or stuffed animals from home.
  • Make bedding smell and feel familiar by bringing your own laundry detergent.
  • Bring a favorite blanket to act as a barrier/comfortabel layer under the sheets.

#3 – Sand and unusual textures or temperatures

  • Experiment with different types of shoes–open vs. closed sandals, water shoes, etc.
  • Minimize exposure by wearing pants or gloves while playing on the beach.
  • Try playing on different parts of the beach–loose, dry sand vs. wet, packed sand.
  • Bring ice packs, hand warmers, etc. to help regulate temperature.

#4 – Insect repellant and bug bites

  • Minimize exposure by wearing long sleeves and pants when possible.
  • Experiment with different types of applications–wipes, wristbands, clips, sprays, etc.
  • Use bug zappers or burn citronella candles or sticks when outside.
  • Experiment with alternative repellants, such as essential oils.
  • Pack hydrocortisone cream or ointment to soothe bites and stings.
  • Be aware of your location–bugs are more prevalent by the water or in wooded areas.

#5 – Being crowded or bumped in public places

  • Call ahead and see if your destination has accommodations for sensory sensitivities.
  • Practice waiting in line at the grocery store or other crowded location.
  • Practice deep breathing and anti-anxiety techniques. 
  • Talk it out–remind your child that people who might bump into her are doing it accidentally and are not trying to be rude or hurtful.

Teaching Your Sensory-Sensitive Child to Ride a Bike

by Twenty-One Senses TeamLeave a comment

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to break out the bikes! Learning to ride a bike is a right of passage for many children, and it’s a skill they can take with them their entire lives.

While SPD and other sensory issues present some unique challenges, you can help your child feel safe and confident by breaking the process up into small, simple steps and allowing him to go at his own pace. Below is a method we’ve found successful with our own children–feel free to use it as a starting point and modify as needed.

Above all, stay positive and remember to celebrate the small victories. Good luck!

Jump down to the simple steps

Sensory Challenges

The Issue: Sensory Overload

Becoming irritated or overwhelmed by physical sensations like the wind blowing in his face, uncomfortable safety gear, or the sight of objects whizzing by quickly

What to Do

Let your child pick out his own helmet and pads and add extra cloth or padding if needed. Introduce new textures and sensations slowly.

The Issue: Vestibular Processing

Problems with balance, motion, or spatial orientation, such as feeling out of control, unsteady, or too far away from the ground

What to Do

Consider getting a tricycle, scooter, or balance bike first. Practice balancing and moving with speed before making the leap to a regular bike.

The Issue: Motor-Based Problems

Difficulties maintaining stamina, determining the order in which to make certain movements, or coordinating different muscle groups

What to Do

Break new skills down into small, simple steps and use repetition to reinforce new concepts. Physically guide your child through the process.

The Issue: Sensory Discrimination

Inability to properly gauge the distance between objects, the different shapes of street signs, or how much force is being used to pedal or turn

What to Do

Practice telling the difference between the shapes of two signs, the distance between two toys, or whether  he’s going fast or slow. Make it a game and have him try to “trick” you.

The Issue: Fear

Meltdowns, anxiety, or refusal to practice caused by any of the above issues

What to Do

Be supportive and patient. Make sure your child is regulated before you begin, and allow him to go at his own pace.

Note

Learning to Ride

  1. Have your child sit on the bike and stand directly in front of him so he can see everything you’re doing and knows you’re in control. Slowly move the handlebars left to right, back and forth, so he can both see and feel the movement.
  2. Have him practice getting on and off the bike while you continue to hold it steady.
  3. Slightly tilt the bike in either direction, as if it’s going to fall, and have him practice “catching” himself by leaning and putting his foot down on the correct side.
  4. Continue to hold the handlebars and have him practice getting on and off as you tilt. Make sure to practice on both sides until he’s comfortable.
  5. Stand behind the bike and repeat step #3 using the balance bar. When he’s comfortable with his footing, start tipping the bike farther–just enough so that he must catch himself.
  6. Use the balance bar to push the bike slowly forward. Have him practice steering while you keep the bike upright and steady. Move on to pedaling and braking when he’s mastered steering.
  7. Continue to hold on, but encourage him to go faster. Make a game of seeing if he can “make Mommy/Daddy run.” Let him be completely in control of speed and stopping. 
  8. Tell him you can let go whenever he’s ready–and when he tells you to let go, do it! Practice pedaling and stopping over and over until he doesn’t fall and can confidently control the bike on his own.
  9. Start working on turns. Place cones or toys in a parking lot or other open space and have him weave around and through them. Focus on slowing down and making wide swings around objects, and move the objects closer together as he gets comfortable.
Learn more about SPD.

Have another suggestion? Let us know in the comments!