Physical Home Environments for Young Children with Sensory Integration Challenges Press here to learn more about what sensory integration is

When thinking of young children, it is important to remember that the first environment they come in contact with and where they spend a great deal of time is their home. A calming, relaxing and thought-provoking environment supports a child’s healthy development. When a child is experiencing sensorial challenges, the physical environment is essential in helping the child, and the parent, to cope at home. Children are different and different settings, learning environments, and physical surroundings work well for different children. Creating the ideal home for a child with sensory needs may require some specific strategies such as:

~ A child’s room should be set up to meet his/her needs. Some children like heavy blankets or firm pillows while others may like a fluffy pillow. Mattresses are important as well, some are firm while others are soft. Lighting is important and some children may find a night light helpful while others may need complete darkness. Sound is also important since some children like white noise, such as

a fan running, wind chimes, nature sounds or soft music playing. Others prefer silence while sleeping and/or playing.

~ During play time create an environment that meets the needs of the child and will encourage positive development. Bean bag chairs, hammocks, gliders, or swings can be more comfortable for a child and help to ease some uncomfortable feelings inside a child. Weighted vests or blankets, floor pillows, or therapy balls all help the child stay tuned to their body and space. Younger children like bouncy seats and jumping toys. Slides, balance boards, tubes to roll in and rocking or bouncing horses, scooter boards, moon shoes, trampolines, tunnels, hoppy balls are all examples of items that are helpful for both an active child and one that responds best to sensory activities.

~ Children can be affected by smells. Aromatherapy can be calming for some. Lavender scented items have a calming effect. If your child is calmed by smells then consider using scented play dough, scented markers, and scented toys. Stuffed animals or neck wraps are also options.

~ Taste is also a way of soothing a child that may be uncomfortable. When children are able to use their oral motor skills, like sucking, chewing, tasting or licking, they are able to gain a sense of control over their cravings. Some children may prefer sweet, salty, spicy or sour flavors. Others may prefer crunchy, crispy, soft or hard. Some children may avoid these types of activities altogether.

~ During play time provide the child with some items that have different textures like play dough, foam, “gak”, textured balls, books or puzzles, koosh balls, different types of cloth, and finger paints. Also, vibrating toothbrushes or toys may be soothing to some children.

Every child is different. Knowing your child’s temperament (mood), personality, activity level, and routine is key to setting up a home environment that supports positive social and emotional growth.

For more information go to http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com.

Decreasing Tantrums by Creating a Responsive Environment

Tantrums! Parents hate them and all children have them! Positive Behavioral Supports provides suggestions that help parents decrease the intensity, work to reduce and eliminate them. What factors contribute to a child having a complete meltdown? The environment has a huge impact on mood and behavior and can, in fact, lead to pleasant moods or challenging tantrums. If tantrums are a child’s way of communicating displeasure, then let us look at how to create a positive, responsive environment that will not only create happier children, but will also minimize these challenging tantrums.

~ Make sure your home is not too hot or too cold (many children behave and sleep better if the room is on the cool side)
~ Pay attention to background noise such as the radio, TV, hamster wheel, outside traffic, and loud furnace that could be soothing to some but overwhelming or too much for others. Even small ears need a rest once in a while.
~ Make sure there is a “cozy place” or other area available where your child may go to calm down, re-group, or refuel when feeling frustrated, upset, scared, or overwhelmed. This can be a beanbag or other child-sized chair with pillows and stuffed animals, a pop-up tent, or just an area in the living room dedicated for a calm, safe environment, etc.
~ Balance the activities in the day to also include quiet, down times (TV/radio off, for example, will set a nice environment for quiet play, reading, or talking with your kids)
~ Make sure toys/ activities are age appropriate. Children WILL tantrum if the toys/ activities offered are either too easy or too advanced for them.

For More information, visit:

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