The reality is that what you see, hear, smell, touch, taste or move is not necessarily what your child, spouse or friend will hear, smell, touch, taste or move. Due to their unique genetic sensory coding they might be sensitive to a particular sound that you don’t even notice. Our sensory tolerance levels occurs across all sensory systems and will determine what we are sensitive to and would thus tend to avoid versus what we are not registering well and thus seek out.
Some children may thrive in a busy and noisy environment, while others will do better in a quiet, tranquil environment. Some may need multiple sensory stimulation, while others have a low threshold when it comes to sensory input and may very well feel overwhelmed and become irritable with too much going on around them. It is therefore very important for parents to be able to see and experience the world through their children’s individual eyes and unique senses. Sensory intelligence is having the ability to understand your children’s sensory needs and being able to make the necessary adjustments to their surroundings and interactions.
The Sensory Tree™ - a unique and easy way to understand sensory profiles:
Annemarie Lombard designed the Sensory Tree to describe and demystify people’s sensory profiles.
Annemarie Lombard, All rights reserved
Sensation seekers have high thresholds, their systems take longer to respond and they are more oblivious to sensory stimuli. They are like the leaves of a tree. They grow, change color, move in the wind and attract the butterflies and birds. They can adapt to sunlight, rain, wind and whatever nature (the world) throws at them. Sensation seekers, like the leaves, are always ready for something new and unpredictable. They need activity, variety, novelty and enjoy change. They are a visible sign that the tree (family) is growing.
Children who are sensation seekers will most probably enjoy contact sports. They will thrive on all the excitement at a party and are likely to beg parents to take them to an amusement park or other busy areas. Though this may be good for children with growing, developing brains, parents should be careful not to expose leaf children to too many activities and crowds too often.
Bear in mind that children’s nervous and sensory systems are immature and that they cannot control them as well as adults may do. You could easily allow the child to go into sensory overload and then be confronted with unpredictable and uncontrolled behavior. Parents need to enforce structure, discipline and routine which will help the child to manage his world. Following rules and respecting boundaries are often difficult for leaf children and parents need to make a special effort to teach them these important life skills.
Sensation avoiders have low thresholds, their systems respond very quickly and intensely to sensory input, therefore they are sensitive to environmental sensory stimuli. They are like the anchoring, roots of the tree. They prefer a comfortable, quiet and cozy environment. They need more quiet space and clear, predictable expectations. Like the roots, they are solid, steadfast and provide structure, predictability and are the foundation that is crucial to maintain growth and prevent the tree (family) from toppling over.
Children who are sensation avoiders will tend to respond negatively to too many activities, crowds, clutter and noise. They may not want to go to large, busy gatherings. They often prefer small gatherings and thrive on one-to-one contact. They will prefer to stay at home, watch television and usually enjoys computers as it is a more solitary activity. Outdoor sport and activities will probably lean towards playing cricket in the garden, riding a bike or going for walks with the parent. They often prefer solo sport such as biking, rowing, tennis, hiking, etc.
“Root” children potentially avoid things such as new clothing, cutting nails, washing hair and brushing teeth, etc. Gently encourage your root child to participate in more sensory stimulating activities. This will help him or her to cope better with the normal sensory demands of life as a child, as well as later in life. Be aware not to be too pushy, because you could send the child over the edge which could leave you with negative and uncontrollable results.
Normal thresholds children are like the trunks of the tree and not affected by sensory stimuli. They are neither sensitive nor seeking sensory input.
The tree therefore resembles the midway (the trunks) and the two extremes (low threshold, sensitive and avoider roots) and (high thresholds, seeking leaves). This is a continuum and all of us as well as our children can be plotted somewhere on this continuum. Your sensory profile will determine your comfort sensory zone. When at the extremes too often too intensely it can create conflict, stress and difficulty in school, with relationships and activities. Some children when affected severely by their sensory profiles, often the sensory defensive child, who are extremely sensitive, individual therapy by a sensory integrative occupational therapist will be imperative. However, for the remainder of us, when identifying your sensory needs and stressors, it can assist us as parents to create the best environment and activities for ourselves and our children.
Sensory characteristics
Some of the characteristics of sensation seekers and sensation avoiders are resembled below. This is a guideline only. How children react to their sensory profiles will be dependent on their home, school, culture and physical environment. Parents should be vigilant and notice the sensory properties of activities and environment to determine for what the child is either sensitive or seeking out.
Characteristics of sensation seeking children
- Active, fidgety, on-the-go, excitable, loud, noisy
- Continuously engaging, hyperactive, impulsive
- Take excessive risks, poor regards to safety
- Constantly moving, touching, biting/mouthing objects
- Chew on pencils, toys, clothes
- Bump, crash, tackle – enjoy hard physical contact
- Move and explore continuously
- Creative, energetic
- Need more supervision, safety awareness and strict boundaries
When the above symptoms (together with other indicators) are present excessively and impact on the child’s learning and development, it is described as SPD (sensory processing disorder). These children are often diagnosed as ADHD (attention deficit disorder). Research do show strong similarities between sensory processing disorder and SPD and then require specialised intervention.
Characteristics of sensation avoiding children
- Emotionally reactive, sensitive, can be anxious
- Resistant to change, reliant on structure and rigid rituals
- Hyper vigilant: always scan environment and very intuitive and detail orientated
- Withdraw from stimuli and/or people
- Only tolerate limited clothing and/or foods
- Refuse messy activities
- Withdraw from touch/cuddles
- Can be aggressive and demanding
When the above symptoms (together with other indicators) are present excessively and impact on the child’s learning and development, it is also described as SPD (sensory processing disorder), and in this format sensory defensiveness. Defensiveness can occur in only one system (i.e. touch, but also in various other sensory systems).
The sensory intelligent tips to reduce sensory overload and resulted stress for our children: (Sensation avoiding children are more prone to sensory overload, thus the strategies more based around their needs)
- Quiet time and spaces are crucial for this child. They need more time on a regular basis to recharge their batteries. Creating a “womb” space in their bedrooms is a very good strategy. They can use these spaces independently when they are feeling overloaded. It is however very important to stress it as a time-out strategy and not a time-out discipline imposed by the parent! This prepares them for the next activity.
- Planning and preparation are crucial. When they are prepared in advance they can create internal dialogue for themselves to prepare and get ready. Limit spur of the moment outings and surprises as they prefer predictability and structure. They want to know what, where and how things going to happen.
- Tactile sensitive children are fussy when it comes to clothing textures. It really does create immense discomfort and sometimes even pain for them. It distracts them continuously and kind of “takes over” the brain so that they get irritated very quickly. Be considerate to their needs when you buy new clothing; choose textures wisely with them present. Do encourage new clothing items, but don’t force it upon them. It is just not worth it! Also washing garments a few times before wearing helps.
- Big gatherings like birthday parties, crowds or concerts are often sensory over stimulating. Their systems just cannot tune out all the background sensory information and resultedly they get overloaded and experience stress and discomfort.
- With movement sensitivity, often car sickness can present itself. Let the child chew on biltong, an apple, carrot or gum as it can be self-regulatory and reduce car sickness. Movement sensitivity will also impact his choice of sport. Movement like running or biking will be more tolerable than gymnastics. Increased head movements and upside down movements such as in gymnastics overload the movement system quickly.
- Bright lights and people moving around as often seen in shopping malls can overload the visual system. Shopping malls can be noisy, contributing to auditory overload. Being touched and bumped by people flares up the sensory nervous system that is sensitive for touch.
- Twenty first century parenting is difficult. Demands and influences are escalating and we are continuously being judged by the norms of our society. It is sometimes very difficult for parents to step out or even think out of this mould. We need to do that to nurture our kids optimally without reducing discipline and boundaries. I believe when we understand our children’s stressors and needs on a sensory, emotional and cognitive level, we can prepare them for the life ahead.
- Sensory inputs that are calming are: deep, firm, touch pressure; slow, rhythmic movement, heavy work against resistance; soft, gentle colors and lighting; warm, smooth and sweet tastes and lavender and chamomile smells. When your child is in overload use them.
- Sensory input that are alerting are: light touch; loud, intense rock music; bright lights, colors and clutter; fast, irregular movement; cold, sour, spicy and minty tastes and mint and citrus smells. Use them when your child needs stimulation and “waking” up.
- When the system reaches shutdown it always is an unproductive state but often necessary in order to recharge. It’s like having a power failure; your systems switch off due to shortage/overload somewhere. Sleep at night is our system’s in-build power recharge system and very necessary. Our children (especially the roots) need to sleep well at night.
- Knowing and anticipating our needs as well as our children’s needs reduce overload and conflict. It also is often in contrast to our own needs. Selecting activities based on their potential to either overload or stimulate our children are crucial and imperative for positive parenting.
Basic principles when parenting roots (low threshold/sensitive children) or leaves (high threshold/sensation seeking children):
Some general ideas to keep your child in sync, depending on their sensory preferences:
Parenting a leaf (high threshold, sensation seekers)
- Be creative and find interesting activities for your child to do
- Run / walk / move with your child
- Add variety and novelty on a regular basis
- Use colors and textures extensively
- Identify interesting and fun projects in and around the house
- Identify and provide creative outlets
- Instill a sense of safety and caution
- Don’t allow chaos and clutter
- Don’t restrict movement activities
- Don’t allow destructive energy
- Talk (more) and have fun with your child
Parenting a root (low threshold, sensory sensitive and avoiders)
- Honor the child’s need for space and time out
- Create a hide-away quiet space and use this when your child is overwrought, unmanageable or emotional and teach him to use it as a valuable coping strategy
- Structure time-out daily
- Prepare the child prior to new activities / situations
- Create structure and routine
- Use calming sensory input such as soft music and lighting, etc
- Don’t over-expose your child to large group activities
- Give fewer and quiet instruction
- Talk (whisper) and have fun with your child
The 7 basic keys to sensory intelligent interventions
- Reduce sensory overload, we need to limit extra input and create safe, predictable environment for our children at home and in our communities
- Choose your school and activities for your child wisely and consider their sensory needs
- Always have quiet-time or womb spaces at home
- Limit TV and passive play
- Engage and talk to your children about their needs, stressors and fears
- Incorporate sensory diets for your child: daily/weekly activities that will help them grow and stimulate them through the senses
- Teach them to self-regulate; help them identify what calms them and what puts them into overload
Sensory Regulation for School Children
Research has shown that children today have major problems with concentration in the classroom, because they are forced to accumulate information and learn in a passive state. Most children today are stuck behind a computer or a TV screen. They do not move enough and are no longer involved in physical outdoor play. To crown it all physical education has been terminated in most schools. Our society is raising an overweight, unfit and passive generation.
Children need to move. It is through movement that their brains grow and develop and movement is one of the strongest means to help with sensory self-regulation. Movement should be incorporated in classrooms as well as at home. Children need to be physically active in order to concentrate, learn and grow mentally, as well as physically.
When we as adults are stuck behind a computer and feel our concentration slipping, that we are getting tired and losing focus, what do we do? We get up and move out of our chairs, make a cup of coffee or do something physical for our bodies and minds to start focusing again. Then we wonder why children don’t want to sit still in classrooms. Like ours, their brains are also crying out for help in the movement department.
The old command “sit still and pay attention” needs to change. Most children can either sit still or pay attention – one excludes the other. Children need to move to get sensory-motor input in order to focus and pay attention. When the body falls asleep the brain is bound to follow.
Get your children away from passive entertainment like computers and TV’s which require one sense only – sight! Get children moving and move with them. The principle of self-regulation through the senses is a powerful tool!
Remember that Primary School children still have developing minds and are probably not capable of regulating their own sensory input and needs. It is therefore up to the adults in their lives to assist them in achieving self regulation. Children need to be stimulated in order to develop their minds and personalities.
Conclusion
The concept of sensory intelligence is based on the sensory integration theory developed in the 1960’s which was applied to children with developmental or learning difficulties. Yet every child’s senses are a gateway through which information from the outside world is processed and relayed to the brain and this in turn triggers the child’s response to its environment.
On a sensory level we as parents are responsible for the stimulation of our children for optimal growth and development. When we know our children’s sensory needs, we are better equipped to optimize their learning environment without under- or over-stimulating them – both extremes may be detrimental to their development. If we strive and work towards providing a balanced environment, we can raise children with a strong self-image and confidence – contributing to their becoming happy, positive, and successful individuals.
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