Sensory Skills

Okay so daycare/learning center called me yesterday to tell me i need to work on DS's sensory skills. Apparently he freaks out when they put his hands into wet, moist slimey stuff and this could lead to some sensory issue.

I am stressed!!! Now I have to add on my list to play with DS with oatmeal and gooey things...

anyone else ever hear of this?

Re: Sensory Skills

Yes, my cousin's little boy has sensory issues. he will not touch play doh, jello, mash pototoes with lumps, fingerpaints, grass, etc. He is working with a therapist that is helping him with his speech delay and these issues, he's 2.5.

Re: Sensory Skills

Posted by sweetness

Yes, my cousin's little boy has sensory issues. he will not touch play doh, jello, mash pototoes with lumps, fingerpaints, grass, etc. He is working with a therapist that is helping him with his speech delay and these issues, he's 2.5.

Re: Sensory Skills

I never knew anything about this. What are you supposed to do with them? What types of activities? DD is 7 months and I don't do anything for it.

Re: Sensory Skills

Def earlier the better. I feel so bad but the signs were there for a long time, but i'm so glad he's got the help he needs, he's turning into such a different little boy now that he can actually express what he wants and is getting the help he needs.

Re: Sensory Skills

Re: Sensory Skills

Re: Sensory Skills

Just found this site--very interesting

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html

Re: Sensory Skills

Thanks for posting the site. While my DS is still too young to assess, he does have some of the hypersensitivity to touch signs now--screams in the tub, getting undressed, changing his diaper, hates having his face washed or hair brushed. The hair washing and brushing is real fun now since he has cradle cap! So I guess I should pay attention to him and see if this continues.

Good luck with your little guy. It sounds as if it's something you can address at least, pretty easily though it may not be pleasant introducing him to mushy things initially.

Good luck!

Re: Sensory Skills

Re: Sensory Skills

How about jello jigglers (I know DS has had these at daycare) or small pieces of soft fruit (especially ones that have been in the syrup so they're nice and slimey when you try to pick them up). Then it's OK if he puts them in his mouth.

Re: Sensory Skills

I have a LOT of experience with this. You want to make sure you address this in a way where it isn't aversive because so much is develomental. Please feel free to FM me with any questions, anyone who is interested, and I can try to help you out!

Re: Sensory Skills

My nephew has sensory issues and is working with a therapist as well. I did not know that you could "diagnose" a sensory issue so young though. It sounds like you have your son in a great place, where the teachers are working with him at such a young age, but given his age, I really wouldn't stress too much. He will probably outgrow it. I could see how it would be frightening for a child to touch gooey, slimey things if he is not accustomed to it and is so young. If he was still reacting that way at 2 or close to 2, that would be a different story, but that is JMHO. I definitely wouldn't stress over it per se, but try to have fun with it and eventually your son will too. GL! Oh, and this may be obvious, but make a HUGE deal out of it when he does not react negatively to any of the substances his daycare teacher recommended he play with.

Re: Sensory Skills

Posted by Susan

My nephew has sensory issues and is working with a therapist as well. I did not know that you could "diagnose" a sensory issue so young though. It sounds like you have your son in a great place, where the teachers are working with him at such a young age, but given his age, I really wouldn't stress too much. He will probably outgrow it. I could see how it would be frightening for a child to touch gooey, slimey things if he is not accustomed to it and is so young. If he was still reacting that way at 2 or close to 2, that would be a different story, but that is JMHO. I definitely wouldn't stress over it per se, but try to have fun with it and eventually your son will too. GL! Oh, and this may be obvious, but make a HUGE deal out of it when he does not react negatively to any of the substances his daycare teacher recommended he play with.

Re: Sensory Skills

Thanks...this was all very helpful

Re: Sensory Skills

Message edited 2/1/2008 8:58:04 AM.

Re: Sensory Skills

My son is 5 and has sensory issues but he is the opposite - he is a sensory seeker. I know a good bit about sensory issues and if it really is a sensory issue, it cannot be controlled by further exposing them. It's the inability of the brain to process information. I really am not aware that they can diagnose something like that so young (my son was diagnosed older) but you would be better served to speak to your peditrician about it or consult an occupational therapist if that was the case. Not liking to put his hands in slimey stuff cannot lead to a sensory issue because he has no control over it. If that's what they are saying to you, I think they are out of line or at the very least, not completely informed. JMO based on having a child with sensory issues, which apparently many people don't understand (I dont mean you, I mean that it's been my experience that many people don't know that much about it)

Message edited 1/31/2008 11:35:30 PM.

Re: Sensory Skills

i'm a spec. ed teacher and most of my students have had some sensory issues but i wouldn't think that at such a early age an issue can be detected. i think it is normal for babies to like and dislike different textures, especially if they are not used to them or it is being forced upon them. i would speak to your dr. about it and make sure your daycare is not causing more of a problem by pushing things on him when he's not ready to explore them (when he is older, at least 2 then ok but not under 1.) if you want to work on things that is great, just make sure you are not overwhelming him.

Re: Sensory Skills