My sons fall onto different parts of the SPD spectrum. Both were “diagnosed” with sensory integration issues. I hesitate to call them “issues” because we all have these “issues” in some form or another. We happened to get a bit more clarity on their lagging skills and notable qualities to which we might want to pay close attention. My role as the parent is to guide my sons. I want them to be happy and well adjusted. I want them to be emotionally, socially, and physically comfortable for the most part as they walk through life. They are who they are and it is my job to help them be the greatest they can possibly be. The below list has been curated over the past six months to help my sons and our family in our every day functioning. This list hopefully begins to answer the question “how to help a child with sensory processing issues“.
Our Favorite Sensory Processing Tools
For the Chewer
Our five year old was soaking through a few shirts a day. Not only was this short chewing uncomfortable for him physically and socially, he was ruining his favorite shirts! So we sought to help him. These three items have made a ton of difference in his life. Definitely check out CHEWY TUBES
For the Climber and Jumper
We invested in a well made “safe” Springfree® Trampoline
For the Sensitivity to Warm Pillows
My four year old must ask for a “cold pillow” at least ten times a night. Enters the CHILLOW Pillow Cooling Pad
For the Proprioceptive Sensory Seeker
My middle son, especially, has come to love his “foot rubs” with Doterra’s Serenity oil blend and cream. Often while we’re relaxing watching a show or reading books at bedtime, he’ll ask for a foot massage. I welcome it with open arms.
For General Well Being
Essential Oils used to weird me out. How is that for a technical phrase? Seriously, though, I thought oils were for the new age hippies yada yada yada add a few more labels. Then I met someone that began educating me on oils. I experimenting with my own body. Then when I became a parent, oils seamlessly made a home in our home. We are an intense household and carry a bit of anxiety with us throughout the days. Not to mention two out of my three children have mild SPD. We use essential oils in a variety of ways in our home, as part of our daily routine, in the classroom, and in activities. For more information, check out my DoTerra Wellness Advocate store.
For Education
Lemon Lime Adventures is a phenomenal resource for all parents and teachers. Dayna, the masterful founder and writer of the blog, has done a fantastic job of building community around topics related to Sensory Processing. I encourage you to join a Facebook community for Sensory Processing Support. Danya is also behind Project Sensory, an extremely resourceful website for sensory processing related concerns that offers a myriad of products to help us parents and teachers.
Let me know what you think of this post!
Marnie