Feeling Grounded

A first few tips to help with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

If your child has SPD there are a number of factors that can impact their comfort. No two sensory landscapes are the same as it is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Having said that, there is one widely advised practice which helps all SPDers and that is body pressure and grounding.

Keeping their feet connected

Tip #1 - Groundwork

Having contact (barefoot if possible) with the floor can really make a difference for some SPDers. Also when it is warm enough, playing outside barefoot helps with feeling centred.

Tip #2 - Supported seating

It is not always practical to sit on the floor, but we found that it was important to keep the connection to surfaces - especially the feet. So if your SPDer is not tall enough for their feet to reach the floor when sat in a chair, invest in an adjustable wooden style chair - like the Stokk Tripp Trapp - I bought mine second hand off Ebay. Although these are often bought as a highchair, we didn't get ours until our little one was diagnosed at 5 with SPD. The adjustable footrest really helped him sit still for a little bit longer and feel more comfortable/connected when seated. There are also a whole range of similar style chairs available - I found a good list on the Blog - Whirly Bobble.

https://www.whirlybobble.com/2019/08/strokke-tripp-trapp-alternatives-high.html

"Children with SPD require specialist support to enable them to manage and mature their sensory systems." - Sensory Smart Child

Tip #3 - Weighty Issue

Weighted blankets can really help regulation and give the feeling of security to your SPDer.

A great list is available on Mumsnet :

https://www.mumsnet.com/swearsby/best-kids-weighted-blankets

These small changes can make a BIG difference to your child.

These tips are also useful for a child who is suffering from anxiety and AHDH.

SPD and anxiety often go hand in hand as a misaligned sensory reaction can trigger an anxious response in the body.

Understanding, reading and adapting ideas all helps...add these to your list and your child's sensory diet if they seem helpful.

Please share with anyone who might find this article useful and comment below.