This is a tough one, but a necessary topic to cover. I see a lot of kiddos who struggle to process their world in some way. Parents don’t understand what to do or how to help, and I don’t blame them! It’s confusing and there’s a lot of (often conflicting) information out there.

It’s ok.

Mom or dad: you’re doing great.

…And there is support out there for you.

Disclaimer right off the bat: this blog is not meant to be medical advice or counsel. If you suspect that your child may need support or therapy, please visit a knowledgeable healthcare professional (I’ll tell you more about what chiropractic does for children with SPDs below) to get more information regarding your child’s individual needs.

Sensory Processing Disorders (SPDs) often look completely different in every child. In order to generalize (so this blog isn’t too long), I’m going to slim them down into two categories: sensory seeking & sensory avoidant.

Sensory Seeking

• Hand shaking or tapping

• Hitting, banging head or other body parts OR others - siblings, playmates, caregivers

• Rocking in a chair, rolling on the ground excessively

• Putting everything in their mouth, chewing, or licking

• Likes tight/heavy clothing or blankets

• Constantly moving around, jumping, can’t sit still

• Picking scabs, nails, at clothing, etc.

Sensory Avoidant

• Aversion to tags, tight pants, jeans, socks, shoes, gloves, jackets, etc.

• Sensitive to lights or sounds - covers ears or eyes frequently

• Leary of crowds or new situations

• Does not handle transitions well

• Sensitive to bathing, tooth brushing, hair brushing, or other self-care activities

• Vomits easily in response to motion or getting upset

All of these things are tough on a kid, no matter their age. We want them to experience day-to-day life without interruption. So what can we do?

For a sensory seeking child, the following activities are done to create input. Remember that behaviors fill a need. These activities are used to fill that same need. If you wish to stop an undesirable behavior such as head banging, hitting, or biting, you need to give the child an appropriate substitute.

For a sensory avoidant child, these activities are used as exposure to create familiarity. Start slow and help them acclimate to sensory input. If you’re met with opposition, don’t push it. Be done for the day. Pushing past the point of comfort has the opportunity to make them more sensory avoidant.

• Wobble disc or board

• Body brushing

• Weighted blankets

• Jumping when appropriate - think trampoline

• Joint squeezes, big hugs

• Cross crawling or marching

• Vision therapy

In my office, I’ve seen many kiddos who struggle to process their environment. SPDs are closely linked to the function of an individual’s nervous system. Chiropractic affects kids with SPDs by giving…

• Proprioceptive input that banging, hitting, and movement gives

• Regulation to an overactive or underactive nervous system

• Improved cerebrospinal fluid flow, which provides nutrient delivery and waste removal for the central nervous system

• Improved body and self awareness

All of my work is done in a non-threatening environment (it doesn’t feel like a doctor’s office). This can help promote feelings of safety and comfort over time. I approach your child with the understanding of who they are. I strive to know them and where they are developmentally so that we can help them from the correct starting point. It is important not to push a child to do anything they aren't neurologically ready for. At Early Beginnings, we focus on amplifying what your child is capable of and growing their capacity and quality of life!