If you've noticed your child seeking out ways to meet their sensory needs before school, you're not alone! Many children engage in sensory-seeking behaviours as their unique way of interacting with the world around them. Incorporating tools and strategies to support this can transform your morning routine into a positive, energising start to the day for both you and your child.
What is sensory seeking?
Sensory seekers actively seek out input to regulate their nervous systems and feel calm, alert and focused. Neurodivergent children often crave more intense or frequent sensory stimulation, which could involve physical movement, touch, visual stimulation, or other tactile inputs.
Supporting sensory-seeking helps your child meet their needs in positive ways. We can help our children navigate their environment and thrive in their daily activities, including the sometimes challenging transition to school in the mornings.
What does sensory seeking look like?
Sensory-seeking behaviours are typically unique to your child and manifest in various ways. One child might crave movement, constantly spinning or jumping, while another finds comfort in touching different textures or seeking deep-pressure hugs.
Some children are drawn to visual stimulation and fascinated by bright lights or colourful objects, while others seek auditory input through loud vocalisations or music. Or you might notice your child engaging in activities that provide proprioception, like pushing heavy objects or frequently bumping into things.
These behaviours are your child's way of getting the feedback they need. While some of these actions might seem disruptive, it's important to approach them with understanding and patience.
Why might children struggle with sensory input in the mornings?
Mornings can be particularly challenging for children who search for sensory input. Engaging in specific activities before school can help them feel more focused and transition into the headspace so they are ready to learn.
Waking Up Is Hard!
The transition from sleep to being awake can be challenging for neurodivergent children. The shift from a calm, quiet sleep environment to the bustling activity of the morning can be jarring. Their nervous system needs time to adjust to the sensations that come with waking up, and this sudden change can lead to heightened sensory-seeking behaviours as they try to regulate.
Sensory Overload
Mornings often involve a lot of sensations in a short time—bright lights, the sound of alarms, the feel of clothes, and the smells of breakfast. This sudden influx of information can be overwhelming for children sensitive to sensory input. The rush to get ready for school can create a sense of urgency, adding to the overstimulation and making it harder for them to process everything at once.
Anxiety for the Day Ahead
Thinking about the upcoming school day, with its own challenges, can make children more sensitive to sensory input in the morning. The anticipation of the day's events, social interactions, and academic demands can create anxiety. This anxiety can heighten their seeking input as they look for familiar and comforting experiences to help manage their stress.
Biological Factors
Some children may naturally have higher sensory needs in the morning due to their circadian rhythms or nervous system functioning. Their bodies might crave more stimuli to wake up fully and feel alert. Understanding these biological factors can help you approach your child with empathy and develop strategies to support them effectively.
Strategies to Support Your Sensory Seeking Child
Supporting your sensory seeking child in the morning starts with being aware of their unique needs. By implementing tailored strategies, you can help them regulate more effectively, leading to calmer, smoother transitions from home to school.
Routine Is Key!
Establishing a consistent morning routine can be incredibly beneficial for sensory seeking children. A predictable sequence of events helps reduce anxiety and provides a sense of control:
- Use visual schedules for daily routines: Create a picture chart or list that outlines the morning tasks in order.
- Allow extra time: Wake up a bit earlier to avoid rushing, which can increase stress and overload. Use timers to transition between tasks.
- Gradually increase stimulation: Start with calming activities using sensory lights and sounds and slowly introduce more stimulating ones.
- Incorporate sensory activities: Include specific tasks that meet your child's needs as part of the routine. For example, get your child to push against the wall for 10 seconds to provide proprioceptive input to help them feel grounded and focused.
Consistency is best, so stick to the routine as much as possible, even on weekends.
Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Adapt their environment to suit their sensory needs better:
- Use soft, natural light or dimmer switches to ease the transition from darkness.
- Minimise sudden noises and consider using white noise or calming music.
- Ensure the room is at a comfortable temperature for your child.
- Provide comfortable clothing and bedding that meets your child's tactile preferences.
Offer Sensory Breaks
Incorporate short breaks into your morning routine as calming strategies:
- Deep pressure activities: Like bear hugs or using a peanut therapy ball.
- Movement breaks: Such as jumping on a trampoline or controlled spinning.
- Calming activities: Like watching sensory fidget tubes or using an expandable breathing ball.
In the morning, bouncing on an indoor trampoline, holding your child and spinning or swinging your child in a blanket provides structured input, so you can help your child feel more balanced and ready to tackle the school day.
Sensory Tools to Support Sensory Processing
Therapy Balls
Therapy balls can be excellent tools for sensory seekers. They provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, which can help with balance and their sense of body awareness. Your child can gently bounce on the ball, which many find calming and regulating. Another option is to lie on their stomach over the ball and roll back and forth, or for deep pressure input, encourage them to hug or squeeze the ball.
Fidget Tools
Fidget toys, like fidget balls or cubes, can be incredibly helpful for children who need tactile input. They come in various shapes, sizes, and textures and can help them focus and stay calm by providing a non-disruptive way to meet their needs.
Oral Chews
For children who crave oral sensory input, chewy jewellery or "chewelry" can be a turning point for their ability to self-regulate and focus throughout the morning routine and school day.
These safe and durable chewable necklaces, chew bracelets, and chewable pencil toppers are specially designed to withstand chewing. They offer children a comfortable way to explore oral input, helping them feel more regulated and ready to engage with their environment.
Balance Boards
Balance boards offer an excellent way to engage your child's vestibular system and improve body awareness. These simple yet effective tools challenge balance and coordination, providing important sensory input. Using a balance board for a few minutes in the morning can help wake up your child's vestibular system and prepare them for the day ahead.
Support your Sensory Seeking Child with Everyday OT
At Everyday OT, our occupational therapists understand and celebrate our children's unique needs. We're here to support you and your child on your journey to better regulation and smoother school mornings.
Our range of occupational therapy tools offers tools designed to help with diverse sensory profiles. We're here to help you select the most appropriate tools for your child's specific needs, making sure they start each day feeling confident and ready to learn.