Making Sense of Your Senses

Help Your Child Overcome Sensory Overload, One Activity at a Time

Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) or sensory processing challenges associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or other developmental conditions experience the world very differently than other kids. They may react strongly to sounds, textures, and stimulation, finding even seemingly minor sensations intolerable. Other children with SPD hardly notice sensory stimulation at all, or have trouble with basic motor skills and coordination. If your child shows symptoms of this condition, you may wonder what you can do to help ease your child's SPD-related stress, panic, or other challenging behavior.

Making Sense of Your Senses is full of activities and skill-building exercises you can do with your child to help him or her balance sensory stimulation and practice self-calming techniques. Kids can use these techniques anytime they feel overwhelmed or have the urge to seek out intense sensory experiences. Before long, your child will be better able to tolerate everyday sensations and prevent stimulation overload—essential skills for living a happy, healthy, and comfortable life.

Christopher R. Auer, MA, is employed in the Mayor's Office for Education and Children as the disabilities and mental health administrator for Denver's Great Kids Head Start. He is a board member of the Foundation for Knowledge in Development (KID Foundation), founded by Lucy Jane Miller, and was appointed by the governor of Colorado to the Colorado Interagency Coordinating Council, which oversees disability services to children birth to three throughout the state. He holds licensure as a director of special education and is the parent of three children, one of whom is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sensory processing disorder.

Michelle M. Auer, MS, OTR, is an occupational therapist for a school district in the Denver area. She also maintains a private practice providing hippotherapy for children.