The GreatSensory
Parent Detective
Wouldn’t it be great if our kids were each born with an instruction manual, complete with a“broken parts” section? How easy would it be, if we could just“trouble shoot” and find a quick fix? If only we could turn to the page on tantrums and learn how to reset our child’s systems. But, as you know, it’s not that easy. Instead, what we can do is talk about how your child’s sensory systems work. We can point out what to look for and how to decipher the signs that something that isn’t working correctly. Maybe your child’s sensory systems are not communicating properly with her brain. But, how do you recognize the signs, if you’re not a trained therapist or doctor? We’re here to help you learn how.
It’s important for you as a parent to understand the vital role you play in your child’s development and, if necessary, your child’s sensory therapy. You spend more time with your child than anyone else, and you can learn how to be an integral part of your child’s sensory well-being.
Keeping Records
One thing we have found through experience is that it’s important to document your child’s milestones, progress, and even setbacks. Many parents make a binder or folder that enables them to keep all of their child’s medical information in one place. In addition to tracking your child’s doctors’ appointments, we recommend tracking any major events that occur in your child’s life. Have you gotten a divorce recently? Has your child started a new school? Did you have a baby? Did the family pet pass away? Landmark events often create chaos and change in our children’s lives. For a child with sensory issues, changes like these can induce havoc.
If you are checking your child for food allergies or trying out a new diet or lifestyle, then keeping records will be helpful for both you and your doctors. If it seems like little Jacob gets a tummy ache after eating pasta, make a note! Again, you’re the parent detective, and it’s easier to find patterns when you make notes to yourself about what’s happening in the moment.
We know it can be hard to keep track of everything, and you may find yourself getting frustrated at having to keep records. But, we’d like to encourage you to try. If you have a child with special needs, it is unreal how many times you will have to reference this material. Personally, I have been overwhelmed by having to fill out all the forms for insurance, regional centers, and schools. Just when you think you’re done, it’s time to redo your child’s triennial Individualized Education Program (IEP), and you’re transported back to the land of filling-out-a-gazillion-forms. These records have saved me and given my aging memory a much-needed break.
Last, but not least, please remember to write down the positive things that occur in your child’s life. Did your child say three words together? Did she have a successful playdate? Was she able to eat all of her broccoli? It’s good to note what is working for your child, especially when it comes to finding the best therapists and making plans to help your child progress and stay on the right track.
Quick Sensory Checklist
We have compiled some clues your child may be giving you about how his or her sensory systems are functioning. While our sensory systems are complex, and there may be more going on than meets the eye, here’s a starting point that could lead you in the right direction.
Fill out this checklist over time, after observing your child in his or her everyday environment. See if your child exhibits a particular behavior while playing in the park, or maybe while watching TV. Don’t try to go after particular results, as this checklist is about what your child does naturally.
Once the checklist is completed, if you feel there is a concern in a certain sensory domain, please take the checklist with you when you talk to your pediatrician or therapist. Ideally, this is a reference to put you all on the same page and start a dialogue about what is going on with your child.
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