Vestibular stimulation- Sensory Processing Disorder

A while ago I wrote a blog about sensory processing disorder and some of the effects it has on my daughter. Today I wanted to share a bit more about what I have been doing to support her with her sensory problems.

A month ago, after having a sensory diet for my daughter completed, I decided to turn the toy room, that is never used, into a sensory room. I started by cleaning the space out. We have one side of our cupboard with shelves and the other side with hanging space. We turned the hanging side into a little cubby house with pillows, blankets and a weighted lap blanket. She also puts in lots of teddies and dolls when she gets in. This place has been great as it is a quiet, small space that she can use to self regulate if need be. She gets herself in there and shuts the door and I don't even realise she is in there sometimes until I call out and she answers. So yes I can now say that I put my daughter in the cupboard, lol.

The second thing I did was make a lycra tube which she can put on in the cupboard when she wants to. So easy to make and offers pressure if she is seeking. 

Today though I finally completed my daughters Christmas present and she has been in it for two hours straight and just loves it. It is a lycra swing that hangs from the ceiling. It can be hung from two, three or four attachment points. As a hammock it provides vestibular input, with increased deep pressure providing a calming effect. The three or four-point hookup increases the challenge by allowing my daughter to climb through the layers. Or, it can provide a calming tent-like space. This swing is great for developing body awareness and addressing motor planning skills. And I must say it is a hit! My daughter LOVES IT. 

I have a few other things I plan to do for the sensory room in the near future. The aim is to hopefully allow my daughter to self calm through using the sensory room rather than the Need to chew or consume food. I will keep you informed of her progress. 

Sensory processing disorder

I would like to blog about something close to my heart today. Sensory processing disorder. My daughter has it and we found out this year. So many aspects of her life are now in perspective and make sense to me as her parent. A little bit about her which will be completely different to other children with SPD as they are all unique. My daughter has cried every day of her life when we have brushed her hair or tried to put it up. She is always wanting to eat and has no feeling of fullness. She occasionally complains of a sore heart as she can feel it beating in her chest as she is more aware of it. If she hurts herself she is hard to settle as pain is multiplied by ten for someone with SPD. She wont wear many clothes as they itch her and put her in Sensory overload. She constantly is bottoms up, in other words she has her head on the ground and bottom and legs above her as this helps her to self regulate. She hates loud noises and will often run away from them or put her fingers in her ears. She has high anxiety about lots of things that wouldn't bother other kids. The list goes on but when she is in sensory overload she wants to eat because of the deep pressure associated with chewing. After seeing an OT she has a few strategies in place like chewing gum to help her calm. She also has a brushing routine for her body to help with sensory overload to touch. She has a weighted blanket for her bed and I have recently made her a weighted blanket for her to have at school. We have made lots of little adjustments that are helping. 

With my teaching hat on I find a lot of the signs are present in certain kids in the classroom which I haven't ever noticed or linked my knowledge with before. Through educating myself with this disorder I am able to see ways of supporting other students who might benefit from strategies. Please read up on this disorder if you are a teacher and educate yourself. Many autistic children suffer from SPD. I am currently making weighted blankets to sell. They cost $50 plus postage. My daughter has hers in class to help calm her when she in overload. If you are interested in ordering one please email me on tameika.munday@gmail.com

SPD is a neurological disorder and something that my daughter will always have but through treatment and understanding she will certainly improve. If you have any questions blog away and I will try my best to answer them.