Starting a Sensory Diet

I feel like such a slacker.

We had an ARD meeting Wednesday morning so I spent the first part of the week preparing for that which ultimately translated into no post on Tuesday morning.

I do hope you won't think my lack of writing means that I'm not thinking of you....

Something interesting came up in the ARD meeting and since October is National Sensory Awareness Month, I thought we could talk a little about how sensory processing can be more difficult for some of our kiddos.

As Lily moves throughout her school day, we are becoming more aware of her need for some frequent breaks that provide her with an opportunity to get regulated for more learning.  So we are going to implement a sensory diet into her day that will consist of both scheduled and spontaneous break times.  The scheduled breaks will hopefully allow her to stay focused on tasks for longer periods of time while the spontaneous breaks will be carried out on an as-need or as requested basis.

So what exactly is a sensory diet?  A sensory diet is a personalized activity plan that provides sensory input that an individual needs to stay focused and organized throughout the day.

image from :https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJjTbuSEBim8Ct52RCWO142IQMYcl8s5n_UO0j0jeLJyvsHztyEj9yVCOlXOHlOluCfLFSycTh38eE6zEOdthvGdlgMbwYFgA0dg3w-aos7aqzKvFkNCdAnlsSm-B2Q0nc2irKOfLhSA/
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image via: http://lostandtired.com/2011/07/22/sensory-interference/sensory-processing-disorder/

Almost every single one of us has sensory needs that we may not even be aware of - things like clicking a pen or doodling while talking on the phone to help us stay focused or drinking tea or reading to unwind after a busy day.

Well, kids are the same way.  But some need even more unique ways of regulating the nervous system.

For example, Lily doesn't just like deep pressure; she craves it.  She needs it.

What most parents would consider good ol' horseplay is serious business around the Rush home.  Of course, Lily loves it when her dad chases her through the house, scoops her up, tosses her on the big bed, buries her under some pillows, and begins applying some deep pressure by firmly pushing on the pillows.  She squeals and giggles just like the little girl she is.

But it's doing far more than simply providing some good father-daughter bonding time.  It's helping her become more aware of her body and it's position in space.  It's regulating her alertness and increasing her attention span.  It's helping her handle situations with less stress.  It's giving her an acceptable way to deal with her emotions when she feels herself losing control.

Since Ryan and king size beds are not available in Lily's classroom everyday, making a Lily sandwich with bean bags is a good way to provide this need for deep pressure.  Lily lounges in a bean bag, the teacher places another bean bag on top of the Bird, and then gently but firmly pushes, giving Lily that body regulation she has such a need for.

Other "ingredients" in Lily's sensory diet include crunching ice chips, going to the cool-down corner, compression clothing, wiggles and brush (a vibration and brushing technique used by Lily's occupational therapist), and foot massages.

Interested in developing a sensory diet for your child?  Speak with an occupational therapist.  And here are two very informative blog posts that will help you get started:

What Every Parent Should Know about Sensory Processing Disorder  from Simply Stavish blog

and

Sensory Diet for School from Hartley's Life with Three Boys blog.

So what about you?  Does your child have a sensory diet?  How do you incorporate it throughout the day, especially at school?  Share your tips!

31 Days to Crazy Joy:

October 1

1.  My laughing Lily Bird

2.  My new red loafers

3.  A great day at school for Lily

October 2

4.  Pumpkins

5.  A walk around Town Lake in the evening

6.  Overhearing my big girls laughing together while Face-Timing

October 3

7.  cozy naps

8.  Reagan's good idea turning into an exciting new project

9.  peas and cornbread

October 4

10.  homemade applesauce

11.  a new season of Sherlock on Netflix
12.  almost daily text photos of Ryley's "outfit of the day" for LU classes

October 5

13.  libraries full of free books

14.  booking Ryley's ticket home for Thanksgiving

15.  starting the Christmas planning lists

October 6

16.  hot chocolate with LOTS of marshmallows

17.  watching Ryan and Lily wrestling and hearing her girly squeals of delight

18.  a cute new purse - purchased by my mom

October 7

19.  boots

20.  after missing two weeks, getting to go to church

21.  rocking newborns in the church nursery

October 8

22.  a daughter who knits

23.  a helpful husband

24.  pajama days

October 9

25.  Parenthood - best show on TV

26. effective medication

27.  cooler temperatures

October 10

28.  Sonic ice

29.  watermelon - the Bird's current favorite treat

30.  mailing my first care package to Ryley

October 11

31.  the discovery of Duck Dynasty - and a brand new season just started!

32.  my monthly MOSK group - Mothers of Special (Needs) Kids

33.  new Christmas stockings for the whole family, handmade by Reagan

October 12

32.  a weekly delivery of free eggs from a sweet friend

33.  my crock-pot

34.  a beautiful front porch decorated for fall

October 13

35.  homemade spice tea

36.  organic honeycrisp apples

37.  The Pioneer Woman's French Breakfast Puffs

October 14

38.  hearing the words "Lily is rocking it today!"

39.  sweet buddies who volunteer to hang with Lily on Sunday mornings

40.  handing Lily a treat and hearing what sounds like "thank you" in her sweet voice

October 15

41.  gathering with my fellow pastors' wives to just relax 

42.  getting together with new friends and discovering what you have in common

43.  iPic movie theater - WOW!

October 16

44.  an amazing time of prayer for Lily with pastors from all over Austin

45.  the opportunity to teach One Thousand Gifts at a Ladies Retreat

46.  wearing a sweatshirt outside for the first time this year

October 17

47.  pulling something delicious from the freezer when I don't feel like cooking

48.  getting coupons to Barnes & Noble in my email inbox

49.  overnight oatmeal in the crockpot

October 18

50.  Discovering a new author

51.  Putting Reagan on an airplane for a "sister reunion"

52.  Seeing this on Facebook a few hours later:

        

I hope you're spending some time looking for good days, too! Enjoy the weekend, sweet ones.