Improving Behavior

Easy Steps to Improving Your Child’s Behaviors

Is your child hyperactive, distractible, fidgety and impulsive, has problems sitting quietly?

Is your child disengaged, passive, self absorbed, dreamy?

Does he miss things or is he unaware of things going on around him?

Is your child overly sensitive, over-reacting to sounds, being touched, movements and different foods?

These may all be signs of a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) which is also referred to as a Dysfunction in Sensory Integration (DSI). It is a complex disorder that impacts children and adults, affecting the way they experience and interpret everyday experiences. Children may be over responsive, some are under responsive and some are sensory seeking.

There are things that can be done to help your child improve his sensory processing. SPD responds well to specific treatments geared at altering the child’s underlying sensory system and integration within the nervous system. Occupational and physical therapists with advanced training in sensory integration are well equipped to address the underlying problems.

In addition to seeking professional help, there are specific strategies that are recommended for parents and teachers working with these children.

1) Be predictable, have a routine, let the child know what to expect
Have a set routine; let the child know concretely what this routine is. “When you come home from school, change your clothes, have a snack, do your homework, then you have 30 minutes to play”.
Give the child advanced notice of changes in this routine.
Give the child a 5 minute warning when transitioning to the next activity. Count down as you near the end of the time “You have two minutes then we will…..”
Review with the child the behaviors you expect in each situation.

2) Ensure the child has ample time for heavy play and work. Heavy play is organizing to children.
Playground activities that include climbing, jumping, monkey bars.
Have the child help with chores around the house; carrying groceries, laundry, pushing a vacuum cleaner, or helping in the garden.
Play games of wheelbarrow walking, animal walks, or exercising with mom and dad.

More information is available through STAR Services at www.STARServies.TV

Carolyn Murray-Slutsky, MS OTR, an occupational therapist, and Betty Paris, PT, M. Ed, a physical therapist, lecture internationally conducting training workshops for professional associations and school systems. Together they have authored the books:
Exploring the Spectrum of Autism and PDD- Intervention Strategies (2000);
Is It Sensory or Is It Behavior (2005); Sensory Modulation Strategies (2006), Positive Behavioral Strategies and
Developing Visual Motor Integration (2008).

STAR Services, (State of The Art Resource Services Inc.), is a company dedicated to providing high quality educational and consultative services and provides workshops, educational materials, and consultative services to therapists, professionals and parents to improve functional and educational performance of children. Our goal is to help children and their families thrive.