“Sensory Storms”Causing Challenging Behavior

Adapted from Becky Parker, M. Ed.Early Childhood/Special Education

Types of Misbehavior

• Attention getting

• Aggressive (redirect with words)

• Non-Compliant (give choices)

• Sensory

Sensory Problems

• A child's learning and behavior problems may be the result of a neurological disorder (a sensory dysfunction) that the child cannot control.

Sensory Processing

Disorder

Definition

• Children with sensory processing disorder have difficulty processing information from the senses (touch, movement, smell, taste, vision, and hearing) and responding normally to that information.

Who Has SensoryProcessing Disorder?

• Children with Autism, Asperger's, Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disabilities often have SID.

• However, it can also be associated with premature birth, brain injury, learning disorders, and other conditions.

What Causes SDI?

• The exact cause is not known.

• Most research suggests it may be due to irregular brain function.

• Some children experience small absence seizures.

Typical Sensory Systems

• We all have a sensory system, specific to OUR body

...Discussion...• Bare foot vs. shoes• Blankets on the bed• Temperature• Food Textures

High Arousal – High Sensitivity

Normal (Optimal) Arousal Level

Low Arousal Level – Low Sensitivity

Normal Thresholds

• Attention and Regulatory Problems

• Sensory Defensiveness• Activity Levels• Behaviors• Auditory Processing Problems

Sensory Survey - Basics

Low Sensory (Seekers)

• Active or fidgety• Can't sit still• Runs not walks• Impulsive• Jump, swing, and spin excessively• Bumps into people or things• Difficulty figuring out how to do new

tasks– Their little body system is on

overload

Interventions for Seekers

• Heavy Work – pushing– Extra Stimulation - pushing

grocery cart– Push/pull scooters

• Swinging (1, 2, 3)• Jumping (Toddler Lab – jump-a-roo)• Hippity Hop Balls (Yoga Balls)• Climbing• Sit on ball or disc

High Sensitivity (Avoiders)

• Doesn't like crowds or being touched by others

• Dislikes getting dirty or working with messy supplies (glue, shaving cream, finger paint, or soap)

• Oversensitive to odors or lights• Refuses to eat certain food –

especially due to texture

High Sensitivity Cont.

• Withdraws when being touched• Hypersensitive to certain fabrics

and usually likes clothes that are soft or comforting

• Is uncomfortable with some movements: swinging, sliding, climbing, etc.

• Overly sensitive to sound: Vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, hair dryers, etc.

Calming an OVERstimulated child

• Deep pressure – hugs, cushions, vest, back packs, bean bags, hands on shoulders

• Deep massage• Joint compression• Hot baths or warm water in sink• Heavy work – pushing clothes in baskets,

crawling, pounding (playdough, drum, etc)

• Low lights, quiet place, wearing a hat or visor

• Calm, reassuring voices• Running – wears off stress

Tantrums

• Manipulative vs. “Spill-over”– Manipulative tantrums = to get what they want

vs.

– “Spill-over” or overload tantrums = can't hold it in.

• “Cry hard then sleep hard”

• Cannot stop them once they start

• Child is often “sorry” afterwards

What DOESN'T work

• Anger, force or pressure to do something

– This only heightens anxiety

and fear, they may becomemore stuck, really won't do

it,or cannot reason and thinkclearly

Last things to Remember

• Realize sometime pressure heightens fear

• You cannot reason with the unreasonable

• Consequences are meaningless• Think “gentle persuasion” more

often than not• Use a soft, caring voice• Sometimes YOU are or will have to

be their emotional regulator