Sensory Processing Parent Sessions

A few years ago when I first began the journey to better understand and support my son, I knew very little about Sensory.  Through research and training I was floored at how big an impact Sensory Processing can have on daily life. Sensory responses can be observed in many different ways, and a child can have both a need for Sensory input and be Sensory sensitive.  It can be covering ears during loud noises, putting nonedible items in the mouth, hitting other kids, refusing to brush teeth, bumping into people, not liking to stand in line, not wanting to sit at the desk, inability to focus on and complete classwork, just to name a few. As an example, my son was constantly in trouble, because he hit others any time he was in line. While believed to be "misbehavior," in reality it was a need for sensory input. But, for another kiddo, it can actually be a result of sensory sensitivity and overstimulation.  As parents, in order to help our kids, we need to be the detectives - what are the underlying reasons for the reactions and what accommodations and tools can we teach them.