To understand sensory avoiders, we first need to grasp the basics of sensory processing. Sensory processing is how our brains interpret and respond to the information we receive through our senses. These senses are sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and even body movement. Everyone processes sensory information differently. Some people may find certain stimuli pleasant, neutral, or even distressing.
Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. This can manifest in various ways, including sensory seeking (where individuals crave sensory input) and sensory avoiding (where individuals are overwhelmed by sensory input). Our focus here is on sensory avoiders.
Who are Sensory Avoiders?
Sensory avoiders experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. They perceive sensory input more intensely than others do. This means they can feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even in pain from ordinary sensory experiences that others might not even notice.
Common Triggers
Sensory avoiders are often triggered by stimuli such as:
- Bright or flashing lights
- Loud or unexpected noises
- Strong smells
- Certain textures (in food or clothing)
- Crowded or busy environments
Characteristics of Sensory Avoiders
Emotional and Behavioural Responses
Sensory avoiders often show particular emotional and behavioural responses to sensory stimuli.
- Anxiety: They may become easily anxious in sensory-rich environments.
- Avoidance: They might avoid certain places or activities.
- Meltdowns: Extreme cases can lead to sensory meltdowns, where the person feels overwhelmed and may cry or withdraw.
- Irritability: They can become irritable and stressed.
Physical Responses
Besides emotional and behavioural responses, sensory avoiders often exhibit physical reactions.
- Flinching or recoiling: They might instinctively flinch at triggers like a loud noise or sudden touch.
- Covering ears or eyes: They may often cover their ears or squint their eyes.
- Restlessness: In situations with overwhelming stimuli, they may show signs of restlessness and discomfort.
Impact on Daily Life
Children
For children, sensory avoidance can impact their performance in school, social interactions, and even daily routines. They might have difficulty concentrating in noisy classrooms, struggle with wearing certain types of clothing, or refuse to eat foods with specific textures.
Adults
In adults, sensory avoidance can cause challenges in workplaces, social settings, and home life. An adult sensory avoider might find an open office plan stressful or avoid social gatherings due to noise and crowds. This can, in turn, lead to social isolation.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Diagnosing sensory processing issues, including sensory avoidance, typically involves assessments by occupational therapists, psychologists, or other medical professionals. These assessments might include:
- Observation: Watching the individual’s reactions to different stimuli.
- Questionnaires and Interviews: Gathering detailed information from parents, teachers, or the individuals themselves.
- Standardised Tests: Using specific tests designed to measure sensory processing capabilities.
Examples of Sensory Avoiders
Let’s delve into more specific examples and activities that can help individuals who are sensory avoiders. These examples show how various strategies can be applied in different settings to make sensory experiences more manageable.
Real-Life Scenarios and Solutions
Scenario 1: School Environment
Example: Jamie, an 8-year-old, struggles with sensory avoidance in school. Bright classroom lights and the constant noise make it hard for Jamie to focus.
Solutions:
- Adjust Lighting: Use softer desk lamps or natural light instead of harsh fluorescent lights. If possible, allow Jamie to wear a cap or sunglasses indoors to reduce glare.
- Noise Reduction: Provide noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders to help block out unwanted background noise during study times.
- Quiet Zones: Create quiet zones in the classroom where Jamie can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
Scenario 2: Social Gatherings
Example: Sarah, a 35-year-old, finds social gatherings overwhelming due to loud conversations and multiple people talking simultaneously.
Solutions:
- Pre-Gathering Preparation: Inform the host about Sarah’s sensory needs so that suitable accommodations can be made.
- Personal Retreat Space: Identify a quiet room or corner where Sarah can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
- Sensory Tools: Bring along noise-cancelling headphones or a comforting item like a stress ball to manage stress.
Scenario 3: Shopping
Example: Tom, a 22-year-old, feels overstimulated in crowded malls due to noise, bright displays, and people.
Solutions:
- Shop Off-Peak: Opt for shopping during quieter times, such as early mornings or weekdays.
- Comfort Items: Carry noise-cancelling headphones or wear sunglasses to mitigate sensory input.
- Mindfulness Techniques: Use deep-breathing exercises and mindful walking to stay calm.
Sensory Avoider Activities
Creating sensory-friendly activities can significantly improve the comfort and wellbeing of sensory avoiders. Here are some specific activity examples:
Home-Based Activities
Quiet Reading Corner:
- Location: Choose a secluded spot in the house.
- Ambiance: Use soft lighting such as a dimmable lamp and fill the space with comfy cushions and blankets.
- Materials: Include books with smooth pages or soft covers to provide tactile comfort.
Sensory Bins:
- Materials: Fill bins with items like rice, beans, pom-poms, or fabric scraps.
- Activity: Encourage the individual to explore these textures, using their hands to sift through the materials, or hide small toys within for a mini treasure hunt.
Homemade Slime or Playdough:
- Ingredients: Mix flour, water, and food colouring for Playdough or use glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution for slime.
- Variations: Add calming scents like lavender or chamomile to the mixture.
Outdoor Activities
Nature Walks:
- Location: Select quiet parks or nature reserves.
- Activity Ideas: Engage in low-stimulus activities such as bird-watching, collecting leaves, or sketching nature scenes.
Gardening:
- Tools: Use soft-grip, ergonomic gardening tools.
- Tasks: Focus on planting, watering, or weeding. The repetitive, predictable tasks can be soothing.
School and Work Activities
Sensory Breaks:
- Frequency: Schedule short, regular breaks throughout the day.
- Activities: Offer activities like quiet reading, drawing, or using sensory tools such as stress balls and weighted blankets.
Fidget Tools:
- Variety: Provide a selection of fidget tools such as putty, textured strips, or fidget spinners to help the individual stay focused and calm.
Structured Therapies
Sensory Integration Therapy
Occupational therapists use sensory integration therapy to help individuals process sensory information effectively. Here are some specific activities used in therapy:
- Obstacle Courses:
- Components: Include different sensory elements like soft mats, textured surfaces, tunnels, and swings.
- Objective: Provide a variety of sensory inputs in a controlled way to help the individual build tolerance.
- Swinging:
- Tools: Use different types of swings, including hammock swings and platform swings.
- Benefits: The movement can help sensory avoiders become more comfortable with vestibular (movement-related) input.
- Balance Boards:
- Use: Encourage standing or sitting on balance boards to improve balance and spatial awareness.
- Goal: Gradually increase the difficulty to help the individual become more accustomed to physical movement.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help manage the anxiety that often accompanies sensory avoidance. Activities and techniques include:
- Mindfulness Exercises:
- Practice: Engage in deep-breathing exercises, guided meditations, or mindfulness walks.
- Purpose: These techniques can help sensory avoiders remain calm in overwhelming situations.
- Role-Playing:
- Scenarios: Simulate challenging environments like a noisy classroom or busy shopping mall.
- Objective: Practice coping strategies and build confidence in managing sensory overload.
Everyday Tips and Tools
Sensory Tools Handy Kit
Creating a sensory kit can be lifesaving for sensory avoiders. Examples of what to include:
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones: To block out unwanted noise.
- Sunglasses or Hats: To reduce visual stimuli.
- Fidget Tools: Stress balls, fidget spinners, or textured items.
- Comfort Items: A small, soft blanket or a favourite toy.
- Calming Scents: Essential oil roll-ons with scents like lavender or chamomile.
Management and Support Strategies
Sensory Diet
A sensory diet involves personalised activities that provide the sensory input needed to stay focused and organised throughout the day. These activities can help a sensory avoider to manage their sensory sensitivities better. An occupational therapist often designs a sensory diet to fit the individual’s needs.
Environmental Modifications
Making changes to environments can significantly help sensory avoiders.
- Quiet Spaces: Creating quiet, low-stimulus areas at home, school, or work can be very beneficial.
- Lighting Adjustments: Using softer, dimmable lighting instead of harsh fluorescent lights can reduce overstimulation.
- Clothing Choices: Wearing soft, tag-free clothing can make a significant difference in comfort levels.
Therapies and Interventions
Therapies like Occupational Therapy (OT) can be very effective.
- Desensitisation: Gradual exposure to sensory stimuli in a controlled way can help build tolerance.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT can help manage the anxiety that often accompanies sensory avoidance.
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Understand and Observe
Take time to understand what triggers your child’s sensory reactions. Observation is key. Notice what settings, times, or activities seem to be challenging.
Offer Comfort and Reassurance
Emotional support is critical. Reassure and comfort your child when they are overwhelmed. Listening and validating their feelings can go a long way.
Plan and Prepare
If you know an upcoming activity is likely to overwhelm them, prepare in advance. Bring earplugs for a noisy event or a comforting item that helps them feel secure.
Tips for Adults
Self-awareness
Know your triggers. Understanding which sensory inputs affect you most can help you to avoid or manage them effectively.
Open Communication
Don’t hesitate to talk to your employer, friends, or family about your needs. Open communication can lead to adjustments that make a significant difference.
Sensory Tools
Carry sensory tools that help you cope. Items like noise-cancelling headphones or fidget gadgets can help manage sensory inputs in overwhelming situations.
Conclusion
Sensory avoidance is a complex but manageable aspect of Sensory Processing Disorder. Understanding the characteristics and triggers is vital for both the sensory avoider and those around them. With the right strategies and support, sensory avoiders can navigate their world more comfortably and effectively.
