How to Help Your Child with Sensory Processing Disorder

Carol Kranowitz emphasizes that children's challenging behaviors are not willful but arise from their need to survive. The primary function of senses is survival, and only after a child feels safe can they use their senses to interpret and engage with the world more deeply. When senses work against a child due to sensory processing differences, they may retreat and struggle to participate in everyday activities.

Kranowitz highlights the importance of empathy in understanding a child's sensory experience. She advises against dismissive responses like "get over it" and stresses that adults must respect the fear and discomfort sensory challenges bring. Children, especially young ones, cannot articulate their sensory struggles, so parents should observe their behavior and utilize resources like questionnaires from her book or website to identify underlying issues. She notes that children with SPD often feel unsafe and misunderstood.

Kranowitz suggests making accommodations for children with SPD where possible, such as offering smooth peanut butter if chunky is a struggle. She advocates for incremental exposure to uncomfortable sensations, comparing it to introducing new foods like Brussels sprouts gradually. The goal is to help children's neurological systems accept new sensations, but always ensuring they feel safe and respected throughout the process. She also recommends resources like Kelly Dorfman's program for picky eaters.

To prepare children for tasks like getting dressed, especially those with tactile or proprioceptive issues, Kranowitz suggests vigorous activities such as jumping on a trampoline, swinging in a hammock, or big rub-downs. She expresses concerns about modern children's development, noting an increase in myopia due to screen time and higher rates of overweight children due to lack of movement. She stresses the importance of allowing children to practice skills, even if it takes many more repetitions for children with SPD, rather than making things 'easier' for them with shortcuts like Velcro shoes, which ultimately hinders their long-term development of skills needed to navigate the world.

Kranowitz warns against excessive screen time, particularly regarding its impact on social development and sensory exploration. She encourages parents to engage children in sensory games, like identifying sounds or smells in everyday environments, rather than resorting to cell phones for entertainment. She reinforces the idea of stepping into a child's shoes to understand their sensory challenges, such as chronic dizziness or fear of swings, and how addressing these concerns can empower them to reach their full potential.