Want to reduce sibling spats & family blowouts? – create a sensory processing profile!

Creating Your Sensory Processing Profile

By creating this type of profile, you can gain insight into how your senses interact with each other and how they may be impacting your daily life. This information can help you and your family to identify areas of difficulty, as well as strategies for managing these challenges more effectively.

Additionally, having a better understanding of one’s own sensory needs helps foster healthier relationships by allowing all parties to become aware of potential issues that could arise due to SPD-related differences in perception or communication style.

Ultimately, gaining insight into SPD through creating a sensory profile allows for greater self-awareness and improved communication between partners, family members, and even work colleagues – which are essential components for any successful relationship.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have SPD, it maybe beneficial to seek out professional evaluation and support from occupational therapists who specialise in treating this condition.

Start with the following four questions to build a sensory profile:

1. What are your/child/partner’s strengths?

It’s important to identify your/ families /child’s strengths and interests. As parents this can help you provide the necessary support and encouragement to cultivate their passions. Consider if your child enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in imaginative play, or listening to music as examples of their interests. Knowing these preferences can help you create an environment that fosters their growth and development.

2. What contributes to dysregulation for each of you?

Understanding what activates emotional dysregulation and identifying effective soothing techniques is crucial for every family member. It’s essential to keep in mind that each person has a unique sensory profile map. Being aware of these differences can improve communication within the family.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you become agitated or anxious in crowded environments?
• Are you uncomfortable with physical touch, or do you seek it out frequently?
• Do you have trouble adjusting to sudden changes in lighting, such as going from a dark room to a bright one?
• Do you complain about the texture of certain foods or clothing materials?
• Do you find it challenging to concentrate on tasks that require sitting still for long periods?
• Do you repeatedly engage in repetitive behaviors, such as tapping your foot or clicking a pen
• Are unexpected schedule changes difficult for you to manage?
• Do cluttered visual stimuli cause you distress or discomfort?
• Do you prefer certain textures or consistencies in your food and drinks over others?
• Do you feel drained after socialising either in person or on the phone or via zoom? Or participate in group activities for an extended period?

3. Are you looking for ways to improve your or your family’s sensory experience?

Look no further than these alternative sensory toys and equipment.

• Experiment with different types of sensory tools and equipment, such as weighted blankets, compression vests, or stress balls.
• Encourage physical activity through swimming lessons, bike riding, or trampoline play.
• Use natural lighting sources like windows and skylights to create a soothing atmosphere in your home.
• Offer a variety of food textures and flavors to expand your child’s palate while also accommodating their sensory needs.
• Be conscious of clothing material and fit. If you have children allow your child to choose their own clothing and accessories within certain parameters that meet their sensory needs (e.g. soft fabrics, loose-fitting clothes).
• Develop a consistent daily routine that includes regular breaks for rest and relaxation.
• Use visual aids like picture schedules or checklists to help your family understand expectations and manage transitions.
• Work with your child’s school to implement sensory-friendly strategies in the classroom, such as noise-canceling headphones or fidget toys.
• Join support groups or recreational programs specifically designed for children with similar sensory needs.
• Create a designated space in your home or garden for calming activities like reading, drawing, listening to music, or just chillaxing. If need be – create a booking schedule or some general do’s and don’ts for the space so each family member’s personal time is not accidentally invaded.
• Brain Music: This type of music is specifically designed to stimulate different areas of the brain through sound frequencies that correspond with different brainwave states. It can help promote relaxation or alertness depending on the desired effect.