When you look at the above photo, what do you see? It is full of so many details that it’s a bit “crowded” for many, however for kids with sensory processing disorder affecting their sight – it can be even more overwhelming. These kids are being challenged on a daily basis with overstimulation affecting their sense of sight and causing the release of stress hormones, that in turn, affect their ability to focus. So what might appear “normal” for many of us, might feel like the above photo for a child with SPD affecting their sight.
I very common complaint I get from kids is that their ears hurt when they’re in the cinema or when there’s signing and clapping in birthday parties. For these kids, it’s as though someone turned on the volume in their brain. For many of these kids, sounds stimulation is heightened and so they are aware of sounds that the rest of us don’t notice. Imagine you are sitting in your room trying to focus on a writing assignment, but then you hear the next door neighbor speaking on the phone, and you can hear the birds chirping, the clock in the other room is ticking, and someone is in the kitchen chopping up a salad and all these sounds are distracting you. So just think of hoe much this can affect a child with a sensory challenge in their sense of hearing.
We can continue to some more senses as well but I think you got the point…
So.. what can you do?
My suggestion is to observe your child, and together establish what creates the inability to focus, the restlessness. If you can establish what cause the distractions, you can better address them. In Sensory balancing we find the senses that need “fine tuning” and help bring back balance. When you observe and learn from it, you can come up with ideas that might be very beneficial. For instance, a boy that is sensitive to sounds and seemed very musical, was able to concentrate much more once beginning piano lessons. There was no pressure on him as he could practice as much and as little as he wanted to. And it was his quiet relaxing time. That boy chose to practice as his piano practice was sort of meditative for him, and it was amazing to watch the change in him. Another little girl seemed to be distracted by things she was seeing in the corner of her eye, and her parents could somehow control her desk and room but not her classroom environment. This girl was able to learn to control focus by taking martial arts. But there is no protocol here, it’s lots of trial and error, that begins with observation…
If you would like to consult regarding your child’s inability to focus, or sensory issues, you can contact me here
Diclaimer: Information and statements made here are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. The views and advice expressed in this blog are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.