Changing How Alert You Feel

Noah continues to do well at therapy. At this point, he goes back with Ms. Megan by himself and I wait in the waiting area. I've got to get adjusted to this. It's hard because I want to be directly involved... observing, listening, and questioning. But, I also know it's important for the therapist to have that uninterrupted, one-on-one time with Noah. This will help to establish a better relationship between them and as he becomes more comfortable with her, he will also show more of his "true colors." Not to say that's a bad thing. Often, people who don't know him well do not see the things we do. With all that said, he's doing great at therapy despite some difficulties we are having at home. Megan is currently working with Noah on the Alert Program. This is the one I blogged about recently where he uses a chart at home to rate how his body is feeling (High, Just Right, or Low). This week, they did alot of hands-on activities to help him with body regulation as well as some "heavy work." Heavy work involves pushing, pulling, jumping, etc and helps give his muscles the stimulation they need. We've been given lots of ideas on activities to involve him in as well as things we should monitor. Because Noah is also dealing with sensory processing issues, there are measures we can take to help with that. Megan is currently working on a sensory diet for him that we should get soon.  This week, she gave me a handout called "Changing How Alert You Feel." This can be done by changing something about your mouth (eating specific foods), changing the way you move (activities to help you focus), changing what you're touching/feeling,  changing what you see or listen to, and what you smell.

Here are some examples that you might find helpful for yourself or your child (regardless of whether you have a sensory processing disorder):

For a calming effect, change something about your mouth: Eat hard candy, crunchy food (pretzels, popcorn, nuts, apples), chewy foods (gum, raisins, bagels, chunks of cheese). Drink from a straw or exercise bottle (milkshake, slurpie, partially frozen juice). Eat foods with a combination of properties (trail mix, starbursts, chips and salsa). Take slow, deep breaths or chew on a chewy tube.

For an increased alertness/arousing, change something about your mouth: Eat sour food (pickles, sour candy, lemons, grapefruit, lemonade mix) or eat cold items (popsicles, ice pieces).

For a calming effect, change the way you move: Do isometrics (push against a wall, push hands together). Roll your neck slowly in a circular motion. Use a therapy ball (push it, pull it, walk on your hands over it). Rock in a rocking chair or swing gently back and forth.

For an increased alertness/arousing, change the way you move: Walk quickly. Run up and down steps. Shake your head quickly. Jump up and down or try to touch the top of a door frame. Do aerobics to music. Just Dance!

For a calming effect, change what you're touching or feeling: Hold a Koosh ball, paper clips, rubber bands, a straw, jewelry, or clay to "fidget" with in your lap. Rub gently on your skin. Take a warm bath. Pet an animal. Hold or lean against stuffed animals or large pillows. Play in bins of rice or sand boxes.

For an increased alertness/arousing,  change what you're touching or feeling: Rub vigorously on your skin. Wash your face with cool water. Play with an animal.

For a calming effect, change how and what you see: Use dim lights in a room. Clear off the table where you work. Watch fish in an aquarium. Read a book or look at a magazine. Play with oil and water toys.

For an increased alertness/arousing, change how and what you see: Use bright lights in a room. Play games or use objects with bright colors.

For a calming effect, change how you listen or what you are listening to: Listen to classical music (even, slow beats). Avoid loud, noisy places.

For an increased alertness/arousing, change how and what you see: Listen to rock music (loud bass, uneven beats).

For a calming effect, change what you smell: Use candles, lotions, scented oils, etc. with vanilla, almonds, cinnamon, lavender, pine, or butter.

For an increased alertness/arousing, change what you smell: Use candles, lotions, scented oils, etc. with chocolate, coffee, lemon, mint, onions, rubber, or vinegar.


Additional tips to help with bedtime include:
Pay attention to the sleeping environment: Consider the thread count of the sheets. Make sure pj's are not scratch or itchy. Try using a weighed or heavy blanket to help with regulation. Pay attention to lighting and temperature. Try to block out distracting noises with a fan, aquarium, radio, or noise machine. Play calming music. Use lava lamps, which can be visually soothing. Try sleeping in a sleeping bag or a bed tent.

Do calming/relaxing things just before bedtime routines: Make sure your child has plenty of opportunities for physical activity throughout the day. Minimize the number of caffeinated beverages. Avoid physical activity in the hour and a half before bedtime. Limit tv, video game playing, and exciting books before bed. Give your child a 5-10 minute heads-up before bedtime routines begin to allow the current activity to be completed. Give calming, deep pressure input via a back rub or lotion massage. Rock slowly in a rocking chair for a few minutes before bedtime.

Set up and FOLLOW a nightly routine:
Set a time to go to bed and stick to it. Initiate  a standard bedtime routine. Doing the same things every night helps a child know what's coming next. Consider using a picture schedule. Keep track of successful bedtimes and praise your child for going to bed so well, staying in bed all night, etc.
Consistency is key!!