Beautifully Complex 231: Sensory Strategies for Self-Regulation, with Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC and Jessica Hill, COTA/L
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Sep 7, 2023 Rachel Harrington, a pediatric occupational therapy assistant, and Jessica Hill, a certified occupational therapy assistant, share their expertise on sensory systems vital for self-regulation. They explain the importance of the lesser-known senses—vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive. The duo offers actionable strategies for parents to help children manage sensory overload and emotional dysregulation. They emphasize proactive approaches and co-regulation techniques to calm meltdowns, ensuring kids feel safe and supported.
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The Eight Senses and Neurodivergence
- We all have eight senses, including the "near" senses (vestibular, proprioceptive, interoceptive) vital for regulation.
- Neurodivergent individuals often crave "near" sensory input while being oversensitive to "far" senses (sight, sound, etc.).
Understanding Dysregulation
- Recognize that dysregulation stems from the brain and body's inability to process sensory input, leading to overwhelm.
- Look for underlying sensory reasons behind your child's meltdowns, putting on your "sensory goggles" to decode behavior.
Penny's Son and Interoception
- Penny Williams's son needed lots of proprioceptive input as a child, constantly moving and crashing.
- Interoception, often overlooked, is crucial for self-regulation, as it helps us tune into our body's signals.