Sensory Strategies Part 1: Avoiding Halloween Overload

The fall is a very interesting time of year, especially for the senses. Right now it is a cool, wet rainy morning where I live. If I step out onto my office porch, I can smell the rain, the wet grass and the neighbor's fireplace burning. I can hear the light pitter-pat of the raindrops falling on the leaves and an occasional acorn or twig dropping on the roof of the porch. I can feel the dampness & the light cool breeze on my face and I see the many vibrant colors of the foliage starting to emerge as the trees begin their autumn metamorphosis.

When I walk in the woods the senses are heightened even more as I steady myself over rocks and uneven terrain, hear animals scampering in the woods and look through a lens to photograph the trees, lakes, rock formations & environment around me.

Most of us welcome the break from the office & computer & the opportunity to experience such a rich and diverse range of elements, however there are some that have difficulties filtering and processing all of that stimulation at the same time. That acorn falling on the roof sounds like a cannon exploding. And the smell of wet grass makes them nauseated. The animals scampering sounds more like a stampede. This is sensory processing disorder and it can be frustrating, uncomfortable and even painful to some.

For children with sensory challenges, the upcoming fall & winter holidays bring these difficulties into a different light. Halloween brings the addition of events & traditions that may escape the sensory & socially challenged child's understanding: noisy parties, scratchy (and scary) costumes, sweaty plastic or latex masks, darkness, strobe lights, things (and people)  jumping out at you,  and processed sugar overloading delicate digestive systems. If you really think about it, it can be a literal nightmare for both the child and the family who loves him.

For some families that live with these challenges on a daily basis, the idea of holiday gatherings can cause extreme stress. I will be offering some ideas, tips & strategies for the next few months to help children & families integrate & regulate the senses & enjoy the approaching holiday season with reduced stress.

For October, which is also Sensory Awareness Month, I have posted some specific Halloween tips at OUR Journey Through Autism, a site & community dedicated to finding ways to help children with autism, dyslexia and other sensory challenges to overcome obstacles and grow in health & learning. 

You can read the complete article here: Halloween: A Spooky Time for the Sensory Challenged

* Therapists, Educators & Parents: What are some other ways to help our kids during holidays & other high stimulation events? Please feel free to leave your suggestions & comments below!

Please share this article with others you know who have students or a children who are struggling with sensory challenges!

To contact Barbara e-mail: barbara@bodylogique.com


.