Facebook-f Icon-instagram-1
Exit Site

Sensory

SEN Resources

Sensory

If your child is sensitive to sound, touch, taste, smell, visuals, or movements, they may have a sensory need. It’s not always obvious whether a child has a sensory need. Some of the first signs can also be age-appropriate behavior that will pass later.

Every child who has sensory sensitivity is different, and their needs may change over time. Sensitivities are sometimes linked to autism or sensory processing disorder. But some children may have sensory needs without any connection to either

Types of sensory sensitivity

  • Sound: A child may be sensitive to too much noise, or a type of sound like clapping or footsteps. They might be sensitive to the direction of noise, or dislike when they can’t see the source of a sound. Some children will want constant background noise.
  • Touch: Your child may feel uncomfortable with physical contact, or seek it out. This can include contact with people or textures.
  • Smell: Some children are sensitive to particular smells. They may feel overpowered by smell no matter where it comes from.
  • Taste and texture: They may want to put different textures in their mouth. This could be anything – food, hair or toys for example. They may only want soft foods or dislike wet foods.
  • Visual: This can include bright lights, or being unable to cope with the dark. They may not like different colors being close together, or they may want things to be in a line.
  • Movement: The children may enjoy certain sensations, like pushing on something.

What does a sensory sensitivity look like?

Children might be ‘sensory seekers’, trying to meet a need through a sensation. They can also be ‘sensory avoiders’, meaning they find some sensations difficult. Some children will show signs of both.

Signs of a sensory need may include ongoing resistance to or fixations with things like:

  • Brushing their teeth.
  • Washing hands.
  • Brushing or washing hair.
  • Getting dressed or undressed.
  • Putting shoes on or fastening shoes.
  • Smell, taste, or texture of food.
  • Presentation of food (such as a certain color).
  • Chewing or sucking objects (such as hair, clothing, furniture).
  • New or different places.
  • Loud or unfamiliar noises (at supermarkets for example).

    Feeling sensitive or overloaded can sometimes prompt some children to have a meltdown. Or they might retreat to a place they feel safe, with low stimulation.

How to support a child with sensory need ?

Recognizing your child’s needs is the first step. If they are resisting what you see as routine tasks, try starting a behavior diary. This can help you pinpoint what the triggers might be. Once you have a clearer idea of what helps or upsets them.

There are different ways you can support them.

  •  Consider starting   behaviour diary to help you record the routine tasks that you find your child resists or sees as triggers
  • Adjust your home: When is it noisy? Are there lots of colors and textures? Are there any strong smells? Think about creating a calm space for your child. This could be a room in another part of the home. Or a place they can retreat to (a blanket under a table can sometimes work).
  • Find ways to calm them: If you know your child is likely to find something difficult, think about what may help. This could be earplugs or something they like to smell. They might want a hug, or wrap themselves tight in a blanket.
  • Use sensory support aids: This includes CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL ewing or fidget toys, weighted blankets, and playdough calming boxes. You can also buy clothes without seams or labels.
  • Tell people: Explain to friends and family. Make plans and involve them so that they can also make changes to support your child.

Resources and Links

There are some wonderful resources and organisations that are available to support families who are dealing with the challenge of supporting a child or young person with sensory needs. Including

Action for Children

to whom we extend our grateful thanks for some of this key advice. They also offer a great 1:1 chat service enabling parents to chat to a Parenting Coach at the following times…

  • 12.30pm – 7.30pm Monday
  • 10.30am – 4.30pm Tuesday
  • 9.30am – 4.30pm Wednesday
  • 12.30pm – 7.30pm Thursday
  • 9.30am – 4pm Friday

Outside of these times you are able to leave non urgent messages and they will get back to you when the service reopens. The chat option is available in Welsh too! Mae’r sgwrs 1:1 ar gael yn Gymraeg, gyda Elinor ein Hyfforddwr Magu Plant sy’n siarad Cymraeg.

The phone service also has a Language Line Translation Service – just let them know the language you want to speak and they will call you back within 3 working days. 

Child Development Australia

Is an Australian website that has excellent resources including self-assessment tools.

OT For Kids

This website have useful fact sheets on a range of Childhood challenges including:

Autism Speaks

Great range of resources including advice on how occupational therapy can help people with autism learn to better process sensory input in everyday everyday environments. Feeding therapy, speech therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy 

Autism Parenting Magazine

The home of Autism Parenting Magazine. Downloadable free guide to Sensory Processing Disorder. 

Fun and Function

Useful resources particularly on very young children. U3’s.

www.Autism.Org.uk

Includes a link to the UK’s most comprehensive directory of services and support for autistic people, their families and people who work with them.  The Directory helps autistic people, their families and the professionals who work with them to find local and national services. It includes residential, supported living and respite, employment support, diagnostic, schools and nurseries, social groups and leisure activities, solicitors and advocacy organisations. 

Smart Kids

 

Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

Donate Now