#sensoryprocessing

[otpassionproject]

Sensory Processing...What is it? The brain takes in different sensory information from our body and the environment so that we can pay attention, plan, follow rules and directions and be organized. Some people have difficulty "filtering" the information and become focused on "unimportant" information, such as brightness of the lights, sound of air conditioner, feel of clothing, etc. Occupational Therapists, Teachers and other clinicians work to provide strategies to help people who have sensory processing dysfunction that impacts their ability to function and participate in their daily lives.

Check out our Sensory Processing Tee at our store!

www.otpassionproject.etsy.com https://otpassionprojects.myshopify.com/

[autism-unfiltered]

Managing Under-Responsiveness to Sensory Inputs in Autism: Practical Tip

Under-responsiveness to sensory inputs, or hypo-responsiveness, is a common trait in individuals with autism. This can lead to individuals not noticing certain sensations like hunger, thirst, heat, cold, or even pain. Here are some practical tips to manage these challenges:

Use Technology: Set reminders on your phone for regular mealtimes and hydration breaks. There are even smart water bottles available that remind you to drink water.

Visual cues: Consider using visual cues such as stickers or signs around the house to remind you of daily needs. For example, a sign in the bathroom can remind you to check the water temperature before getting in the shower.

Use sensory aids: Try using weighted blankets or sensory clothing that provide constant sensory input. This could help increase awareness of your body.

Structured Routines: Establish a routine for daily activities. Structured schedules can help ensure regular meals and attention to personal care needs.

Mindful practices: Activities such as yoga and mindfulness can help improve body awareness, and may help you tune into your body's signals over time.

Partner with Professionals: Occupational therapists and other professionals can provide personalized strategies based on your unique needs.

Remember, everyone is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another. It’s all about finding what strategies work best for you.

[21andsensory]

✨New drawing ✨  What is a sensory diet? (and the word diet doesn’t relate to food diets)

A bit of history:

The term  'sensory diet' was first created by occupational therapists Wilbarger and Wilbarger in 1991 which involved a plan of physical activities and accommodations to help a person (mostly children back then) meet their sensory needs. In my drawing I'm referring to a more modern take on a 'sensory diet' which could involve creating your own personalised sensory diet, featuring things that can be comforting and calming to you (say when nearing a shutdown or meltdown) and can help self-regulate.

Stimming and movement 

I find I sit or lie on the floor a lot - do you? Why not make it a part of your routine and carve out some time to just sit with your legs up a wall? Why not stim in your favourite way, tap or shake your feet or stim-dance. Also things like lifting weights and pulling/pushing heavy items can be a great way to get some proprioceptive and vestibular sensory input.

Safe food, textures and smells (okay so actually a sensory diet can involve food!)

Having food available that brings your joy sensory-wise is important. You might like super crunchy foods, bland foods, chewy foods, etc. (Did you know taste input is perceived by the tongue but how it’s experienced is strongly affected by sense of smell!) 

*goes to put some potato waffles in the oven* 🏃 

Sensory corner 

Why not create your own little sensory corner? A small haven where you can chill.

It could be a whole dedicated corner in say your bedroom or under a desk, a comfy chair with surrounding sensory aids, or even a little pop-up tent! You can really tailor it to your own sensory needs and include bigger things like a nice comfy rug, interesting sounds, sights and lighting (but be careful not to make it overwhelming visually!) 

Brushing techniques

This was something I was taught about as a child in occupational therapy. If you are interested in it I recommend looking up something called the Wilbarger Protocol. It’s a body brushing therapy that helps to desensitise the body (that you can do at home). The Therapressure brush can be bought online via Amazon). You should ideally do this under the supervision of an OT to make sure you are using the right technique but the guides online are helpful if you want to try it out. Also you can get silicone finger toothbrushes which can help desensitise your gums and mouth.

Weighted products

#lovemyweightedblanket

But there's SO many weighted product options out there from weighted lap pads, toys, hoodies, vests, shoulder wraps, caps, wrist and ankle weights, etc. They also come in a range of tactile textures and provide deep compression which helps feeling grounded.

Special interests

Ah special interests - when you fall down that lovely research hole on the internet or via a brilliant book. Carve out time for your interests and hobbies. And don't let anyone else tell you they aren't important!

(Alt text in image description and also available on my website here: www.21andsensory.wordpress.com

If you like my work why not support me over on my Kofi or Patreon!

[jazthepiratequeen]

When THAT horrible sound happens and you get the fight or flight goosebumps

[hugo-renfield]

My sensory likes and dislikes

Some people are doing this so I’ll do it too why not! Here are a few things I like and dislike. By no means comprehensive, but the main ones that come to mind. 

My dislikes:

Sight:

Bright lights

Camera flashes

Artificial light, especially in the morning. I usually prefer soft yellow light when I must have artificial light. 

When I’m in the car and the shadows from trees and the sun flash quickly and it makes me feel sick.

Sound:

Basically all loud noises, especially fireworks and loud bangs, smoke detectors, machine noises like vacuums or power tools.

Dogs barking

Movie Theatres/loud shows

Any sort of noise at night. I sleep with earplugs.

When I’m really in a mood, I can’t handle the beeping of the microwave

People sighing, humming, whistling, or singing

People talking while I’m reading or watching something

Music with heavy bass, or music in general that I don’t have control over. 

Smell:

Perfume/artificial fragrance

I’m really sensitive to unpleasant smells, even really faint ones.

Bad breath (even really faint)

Food smells that I don’t have control over. Especially cold food smells. Why does food smell so much worse when it’s cold? 

Taste:

Rich foods. I used to tell my parents I didn’t like certain foods because they were “too tasty”. What I meant was that they were so rich they made me feel sick. 

This also goes for really sweet foods. I almost can’t even eat chocolate cake.

Touch:

I have people touching my hair or my feet.

Wrinkles in my bed, especially around my feet and legs

My socks being uneven heights or uneven tightnesses

Hair near my eyes

When I press a button but it doesn’t have the right click feel. 

My likes: 

Sight: 

Glittery things

Time lapse art videos

Sky blue

Nature and landscapes

Sound:

Folk music, particularly in a major key with rhythmic banjo. Talk about happy stimming!

Falling rain

Wind rustling trees

Kitty purrs and cute noises

Smell:

Wintergreen and spearmint

Citrus, especially grapefruit

Pine

Rose and lavender 

Apples

Taste:

Basically the same as smell. Wintergreen/spearmint

Jasmine rice

Tea

Really cold fresh water

Touch:

Pressure. From my weighted blanket, or my cat, or something.

Clay and putty

Kitty tummies

Pressing a button and getting that satisfying click. 

Really smooth things

Wind in my face

My hammock. It swings AND it gives the Good Pressure. 

[adultwithautism]

Time to play the guessing game why am i tired?

Option A: actually sleepy

Option B: sensory exhaustion (add anything else and it will be a meltdown)

Option C: my brain is worn out from having to mask (i know i dont have to but am working on that).

Option D: my body aches from stimming

Any or all answers can be correct at any given time and even thinking about it makes me tired.

[dandypauper]

Durable, sensory-friendly earbuds?

Hey y’all. So I’ve just broken my fourth pair of EarPods (I swear to god Apple must be making them cheaper and cheaper)- which sucks because they’re a big coping item for me, especially at school and in crowded places. I’ve been thinking about investing in AirPods so I don’t have to worry about breaking the cords, but I’m hesitant that I might lose them.

Does anybody have recommendations for earbuds that have a similar shape/feel to apple EarPods (the ones with rubber bits that you just stick in your ear kind of freak me out), but are more durable/better made? Thanks!

[ratusalim]

Sensory Processing

Quick guide to autism “What it looks like and how you can help”.

     Sensory processing is the ability to organise and interpret information we receive through our senses of sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, balance and body awareness. Sensory processing allows us to produce appropriate responses for particular situations, tasks and environments.

How to support children with sensory processing difficulties:

• Talk to the family and ask what the child likes and dislikes • Think about your environment and what could cause sensory processing challenges (ie loud noises, bright lights etc) • Provide a quiet space