Helping Your Child With Behavior Issues
Often childhood behaviors that seem naughty or are looked at as “bad” are actually signs of sensory processing issues and there are easy things that you can do to help your child. Do any of these situations seem familiar?
Your child can’t be still. They are always on the move and getting into things. You get reports from school that they won’t stay seated and focus on their work.
Your child fights you on daily routines such as brushing teeth, bathing, putting on clothes, and bedtime.
Your child becomes quickly angry, seemingly for no reason, and often in public places with lots of other people around.
Your child never knows where their belongings are. They can’t keep track of their school stuff and often forget to do chores or complete homework.
Is it behavior or sensory processing issues? Chances are that you have a good kid who is challenged by some sensory issues. The good news is that you can make small changes for them that will help.
Always on the move, spinning, turning, flipping, and climbing? Your child may need more vestibular input. In other words, your child needs to move before being expected to sit still and will likely need movement breaks like swinging, jumping on a trampoline, spinning in circles or a safe place to run.
Fighting hygiene and bedtime? Make it more routine. Do the same steps in the same order every time. Use non-foaming toothpaste and bath products that don’t have strong scents. Have a quiet time for reading and dim the lights as you transition into bedtime. Let your child know what to expect.
Angry or sad in busy, noisy places? Your child may have auditory processing needs and feel overwhelmed by all the noise. Try shopping during less busy times. Your child may also use noise reducing headphones to block out some of that noise.
So disorganized? Your child may be challenged by visual processing. You can help them with visual schedules and checklists, reducing clutter in their environment, and giving them time to draw, paint, and glue.
All of our kids are good kids. Some just need a little extra help to process all that we see, hear, feel, taste, and experience every day. To learn more about sensory processing issues, check out Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsay Biel. There is a lot of great information on her website. Always feel free to reach out to the CYSHCN program for educational resources and referrals to local groups and agencies that can help you and your family with any needs.
Written by Jennifer Hull, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Cortland County Health Department