Helping kids with sensory processing disorder

Carolyn Dalgliesh, author of The Sensory Child Gets Organized, offers these suggestions:

Create a chill-out zone for emotional times

Keep it clutter-free, quiet and dim. Some children favour a bottom bunk, the corner of a closet, even under a desk or table. Items you may wish to include: favourite books, noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, a beanbag chair and/or weighted blanket. The most important factor to note here is that the chill-out zone remains a refuge, not a place of punishment.

Use visual aids

Order and consistency are soothing. Sensory kids are often visual learners who thrive when they know the system. Label bins, drawers and baskets with photos.

Map out a schedule

Look for patterns. Use checklists. Certain times of day are often more challenging than others. Breaking down a situation or routine (e.g. homework plan) into simple tasks on a whiteboard prevents a child from becoming overwhelmed.