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At Twenty-One Senses, our mission has always been to help families with sensory issues navigate typical childhood events, play spaces, and activities. However, we recognize the world is quickly changing and all families, not just those with special needs, are adjusting to a new way of life.
To better support social distancing measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19, we will be pausing our regular programming to focus on e-learning resources for children of all ages and abilities. We’ll be adding to the list daily, so check back often. Please share it on social media or with anyone you think might find it useful. Finally, let us know if you’ve found a great resource we should include.
We believe in the power of community, cooperation, and positivity in the face of adversity. While there are certainly challenges ahead, we can all use this moment to pause and reflect on the things that matter most: our families and our communities.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
This is the second installment of our nine-part Sensory Spotlight series.
The auditory system is responsible for the body’s ability to perceive, process, and understand sound. Children with auditory processing issues may be able to hear background noises others tune out or can’t detect, have a hard time controlling the volume of their own voices, or experience delays in their speech and linguistic development.
Keep in mind, many children with SPD demonstrate a combination of sensitivities and seeking/avoiding behaviors, depending on their level of arousal and how familiar they are with their current environment.
Due to concerns about the spreading rate of COVID-19, Twenty-One Senses will not be hosting or participating in any spring events. Sadly, this means Tuesday’s Sensory Night at Altitude Trampoline Park is canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Remember, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself and others around you.
Practice good hygiene.
Practice social distancing.
Finally, stay calm. Your children will look to you to see how they should react.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for the continuation of our Sensory Spotlight series, plus some sensory focused tips and tricks on how to manage prolonged stays at home.
This is the first installment of our nine-part Sensory Spotlight series.
Sensory processing occurs when the brain receives and organizes information from external sources, such as light or sound, and internal bodily cues, such as hunger or balance. Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) do not respond to this everyday sensory information the same way most people do. They may feel bombarded or assaulted by even the smallest bit of stimulation, or they might be unable to recognize even very extreme sensations or changes in their environment. Studies suggest as many as 1 in 20 people have sensory processing issues, and symptoms are typically much more pronounced in children.
Children with SPD often have a hard time fitting in with their peer group. They might show signs of anxiety or depression, be withdrawn, struggle socially and academically, or appear clumsy. Many children have learned to cope with their symptoms in ways that might appear odd to others, such as rocking, constantly learning on walls or furniture, sucking on their thumbs or other objects, etc.
SPD is generally broken down into the three patterns and thirteen subtypes listed below. Keep in mind the exact symptoms will vary greatly from one individual to the next. Many people with SPD demonstrate a combination of sensitivities and seeking/avoiding behaviors, depending on their level of arousal and how familiar they are with their current environment.
Over-responsive individuals, or avoiders, are hyperaware of sensory input and may have extreme or upsetting reactions to even mild stimulation, such as crying out in pain while brushing their hair or gagging at very faint smells. Avoiders often feel overloaded and overwhelmed by everyday situations and may appear anxious, withdrawn, or defensive as a result.
Those who are under-responsive have difficulties detecting and/or responding to sensory input in a timely manner. They might not notice that the lighting or temperature in the room has changed, for example, or that they’ve bumped into something and injured themselves. As a result, under-responsive individuals often appear distracted, dismissive, or clumsy.
Sensory cravers, or seekers, have a seemingly inexhaustible appetite for sensory stimulation, though they tend to become more keyed up and deregulated as they take in more input. Seekers usually demonstrate behaviors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), such low impulse control and constant moving, fidgeting, bumping into things, or fiddling with objects.
Postural disorder affects the body’s ability to stabilize itself and maintain a sense of balance. Individuals with this subtype often have problems slouching or bad posture. They might also appear to be weak, move awkwardly, or have extremely low endurance.
Those with dyspraxia have difficulty planning and performing new, nonhabitual gross and fine motor tasks. They might appear to have extremely poor hand-eye coordination, problems with concentration, and take much longer than their peers to learn a new skill.
Individuals with this pattern have difficulty recognizing and interpreting sensory information. They’re often unable to gauge the physical differences between objects, such as size, color, shape, or distance. They might be unaware of the pressure or force they’re exerting at a given moment and appear awkward, clumsy, and prone to spilling drinks or breaking toys.
SDD is further broken down into eight subtypes, one for each sensory system:
*Auditory
*Visual
*Tactile
*Vestibular
*Olfactory
*Gustatory
*Proprioception
*Interoception
We’ll be taking a deeper dive into each of these systems, including strategies for supporting children with SPD, as our Sensory Spotlight series continues. Stay tuned!
*Remember to choose Twenty-One Senses Inc NFP on AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases!
The holidays are just barely over, but Spring Break is already coming up fast! Whether you’re planning on relaxing at home or flying off to Disney World, accounting for your child’s sensory sensitivities can feel overwhelming–but, with a little extra thought and careful planning, it can be done! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your week off.
Finally, no matter what your plans are, be sensitive to the fact that everyone’s routine is changing and everyone needs some time to recenter. Build in downtime for each member of the family–yes, even parents–to take a long walk, go for a run, read a book, or listen to music. Taking time to yourself will allow you to be more present, more engaged, and more able to fully enjoy your time together.
Happy planning!
Twenty-One Senses is thrilled to be partnering with Altitude Trampoline Park in Skokie, IL to host a sensory-friendly jump on the third Tuesday of every month. Kids jump for $15.95 (that’s two hours for the price of one), and parents jump for just $2.
The following sensory accommodations will be available:
The next jump is next Tuesday, January 21 from 6-8 PM. Head over to our events page to purchase tickets and check out other upcoming events.
Hope to see you there!
Throughout the years, my co-founder Gabi and I have watched many special needs kids, including my own, struggle to navigate typical childhood spaces and situations. As caregivers, we were constantly researching ways to set them up for the best possible success at home, in school, in extracurricular activities, at summer camp—you name it. The information we needed, however, was often hard to locate, scattered across various sites, or incomplete.
Most community and enrichment spaces are built with neurotypical kids in mind and, as a result, are often partially or totally inaccessible to kids with sensory sensitivities. As parents and caregivers, it can be hard for us to understand just how our kids might struggle in these spaces, how to help them integrate successfully, and how to find providers that will accommodate them appropriately. Many businesses are starting to recognize the need to support all participants, but they aren’t always sure just how to go about or how to get the word out to the people who need to hear it.
We knew that bringing kids into these spaces and experiences needs to be easier for everyone. Gabi and I started Twenty-One Senses in order to create an online space that makes it much easier for:
We’re just getting started and will be adding new content all the time, so check back often for sensory information, tips and tricks, business profiles, and more. In the meantime, you can learn more about our mission and ways you can get involved.
Thank you for all your support now and in the future!
Jen Puccini, Co-Founder