Children with a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) also termed Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) often need to learn appropriate “student behaviors.” Since many children with SID appear to the casual observer to be no different than other children, their unusual behavior is often surprising when it surfaces, and puzzling in its inconsistency. When observed over time, at varying times of day, and in a variety of settings, a picture of sensory integration dysfunction many begin to emerge more clearly.

It should be assumed that all children want to please the adults in their lives. For those children with SID, that can be a tall order to fill. All too often their sensory irregularities cause them to focus inwardly in order to satisfy their bodies’ needs at the expense of behaving in a socially acceptable manner pleasing to adults and engaging to other children. As parents and teachers our job is to provide all children with a physically and emotionally supportive environment that will value and accept them.  

•  Children are not usually “bored”. Figure out why a child is inattentive or resistant to participate.  It could be physical discomfort or lack of skill
• Be a detective. Look for and record antecedents to explosive behavior
• Take note of the content and manifestation of the behavior (i.e. a child covering his ears; pushing the child next to him)
• Look for socially acceptable replacements to sensory-based behaviors (i.e. chewing gum to replace disruptive noise making)
• Have a “safe spot” in the classroom where the child can go on his own when he feels overwhelmed.  Model this critical coping mechanism
• Give advance warning about transitions or changes in schedule
• Acknowledge that you recognize and understand what makes him uncomfortable. Simply stating it can help diffuse the surrounding tension
• Empower the child to help figure out a solution. For example, “I know you don’t like how crowded it is when the other class comes in for a story. Where would you like to sit so that you can enjoy the story too?”

If you feel that the child is on the verge of “losing it”, or has begun to meltdown already, try the following suggestions:

•  Remove him from the stressful situation and use a quiet, calm voice to discuss what is happening
• Have him give you a hug first, then ask if you can hug him back – a big total body hug
• Give slow back rubs or massages
• Give “grounding”  shoulder squishes by applying deep, even pressure downwards on the shoulders and along the arms pressing inwards
• Do not try to rationalize with a child during a meltdown

Blog written by: Aviva Goldwasser, OTR