Overloaded.

During the school term we go to Kindergym. We go for both children, to help with their low muscle tone issues and to help Asher get some of his beans out. Today was our first day back after a two week break for school holidays. We started preparing Asher for it yesterday, telling him we would be going today. His face would light up while talking about it.

Once there he was so excited. When it was our groups turn he ran in and instantly started following an obstacle course. One of his little friends arrived not long after that and Asher was in his element. At one stage they do a group time. The children do some movement games while the instructor uses a microphone so everyone can hear her. We know that sometimes this can set Asher off and we are sure to sit on the opposite side to the speakers.

Today was a bit different though. He was reluctant to join in, he just sat in my lap watching. I sang and tried to encourage Asher to do the actions. Finally I looked down and I noticed he was biting himself - a sure sign that he was having a sensory overload. Instantly I removed him and we rushed over to our bag. I had packed his 'chewy' and Asher quickly started biting down on it and we used a weighted product in his lap. He asked for his ear muffs, which I had typically forgotten. He was able to calm a little and wanted to join back in and play with his friend.

We avoided a full blown meltdown, which I am so thankful for. But over an hour later I could still look at his hand and see the little bite marks. I'm trying to not let myself feel too guilty, so instead I have decided to put together a little bag of goodies to leave in the car that will help him while we are out. Why didn't I think of this earlier?

Preventing a Meltdown.

Today Asher started getting a little silly. He began throwing toys, running into things, jumping on the spot and pushing his sister and his dad. Instantly we knew how to help him. Paul encouraged Asher to sit down, we put the TV on and placed his weighted blanket over his lap. A few minutes later Asher had relaxed - crisis averted! He was even able to answer with a 'yes' when Paul asked him if he felt funny inside.

6 months ago this wouldn't have happened. We didn't know how to help him then and didn't recognise the signs of a sensory overload. His behaviour would have escalated. Someone would have got hurt, Asher would have been told off and a full blown meltdown would have happened. A meltdown that could last an hour and a half.

So what have we got in place to help him? We follow a sensory diet daily, Asher goes to OT once a fortnight. We have a 'fiddle box' full of sensory toys for him to explore. We've bought a weighted blanket and snake (called Cedric!), earmuffs, chew toys. We make sure that when we go out we take some of these things with us. Not every situation like the one I described earlier ends so well, but we are so thankful that we have learnt enough so far to help him, even just that little bit.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

So what exactly IS Sensory Processing Disorder? A lot of people ask me this question and I've found it really hard to explain. This is from SPD Australia;

"SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER (SPD) is a complex neurological condition that impairs the functional skills of 1 in 20 children. People with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound and movement. They may feel overwhelmed by sensory information, may seek out sensory experiences or may avoid certain experiences.

People with SPD experience their world as either Hypersensitive (over reactive, sensory avoidance) or Hyposensitive (under reactive, sensory seeker). They may also present with motor skill problems. They may react with strong emotional behaviours and experience what may be described as ‘melt downs’.

The brain and nervous system receive input from body parts as well as from the outside world. The central nervous system is also a means of transmitting messages throughout the body and functions somewhat like a computer system. The messages that are transmitted, however, affect functions such as muscle movement, coordination, learning, memory, emotion, behavior and thought. As with a computer, a breakdown or malfunction in one part of the system often affects other functions of the system.

Sensations from hearing, vision, taste, smell, touch, pressure, and movement provide the input to the brain which is organized for movement, cognition and learning. The richness of the sensory environment and the interactive experience of the individual with the environment contribute to optimal development of function.

When there is a Sensory Processing dysfunction, it is hypothesized that the brain does not process or organise the flow of sensory impulses in a way that gives the child precise information about themselves and their world.

As a result, learning can be difficult and children may feel uncomfortable, or have difficulty coping with the stress of daily sensory and organizational demands. This often results in additional or behavioural difficulties."

So what does this mean for us? It means Asher doesn't like loud noises, vacuums send him hiding under the table, crying hysterically with his hands over his ears. Hair washing can cause him to vomit and self harm. He doesn't like shopping centres because things are too tall, too loud, too bright. He has frequent meltdowns. He needs time to un-wind and is limited with the amount of stimulation he can handle in a day. He needs help to regulate his senses. We need to follow a 'sensory diet' to help give him the sensory input he craves on a day-to-day basis. He needs extra help trying new things, with play and learning how to control his body.

But you know what? He's a happy, bright, beautiful little boy who doesn't understand the words 'too loud!'. He loves to run and bounce. Asher is affectionate when it suits him, as long as you know just how to give him the right type of hug! He enjoys outdoor play. Dora the Explorer is his current favourite TV show, followed very closely by Diego.

Asher is a very special little guy and I am so blessed to be his mumma.

About Us.

Welcome to the blog!

My name is Tara and I am a mum of 2. I'm 26 and live with my husband and two children in a suburb of Adelaide, Australia.

My first child is Asher, who is 3 years old. Asher has Sensory Processing Disorder and Receptive Language Disorder. He is currently in speech therapy and occupational therapy, both of which he does fortnightly. He also attends a specialised day care. I plan to write a bit about how we help him.

My second is Layla, who is 15 months old. Layla has Hypotonia and is hyper-flexible. She has currently caught up with her gross motor skills, but we will be seeing a paediatrician next month for further testing to see if we need to investigate the reasons for her hypotonia.

My blog is about my children and their special needs, our day to day life and what we do as a family to help each other and help both children grow to be the best they can be.