Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Sensitive to Senses
Friends, Family and Home
- Have family “group hugs” where everyone hugs together.
- Remind a child who likes touching that friends may not want to hold hands and hug.
- Use softer colors and pictures in his bedroom.
- Lower the lights, television and music in the home.
Learning, Childcare and School
- Find childcare that is quieter, calmer, with fewer children, and where there is an affectionate caregiver.
- Let teachers know that a lot of noise causes her to be upset or too active.
- Encourage teachers to hug and hold him.
- Ask teachers to provide music and art activities for her.
Activities and Television
- Use soft, soothing music to comfort him.
- Limit television to avoid over-stimulating your child.
- Keep the TV and music turned down.
- Let her help you cook and smell, taste and touch the food as you prepare it.
Guidance and Discipline
- Find out what things are too much for him: noise, strong flavors, certain textures or colors.
- Give lots of holding and hugging.
- Help her find a quiet, soothing place to calm down when she is cranky.
- Seek him out and hold him when he is not being clingy.
- Say things quietly and hold her when she is overactive or upset.
Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Less Sensitive to Senses
Friends, Family and Home
- Provide brighter colors in her bedroom, more pictures around the house and different music.
- Encourage quieter, calmer activities with friends.
- Make sure family members ask if they can give hugs and kisses to be sure they are wanted at the time.
- Help family not take it personally when a baby prefers not to be held.
Learning, Childcare and School
- Choose childcare programs that have good lighting and lots of colorful pictures, toys and materials.
- Be sure that school and childcare teachers provide many art and music activities.
- Choose toys that are bright and colorful.
- Encourage teachers and friends to expose a baby to different sights, sounds and experiences.
Activities and Television
- Provide him with colorful toys, musical instruments and activities that involve light, sound and color.
- Give her a music player and a choice of songs to listen to.
- Watch the volume on television and music so that he doesn’t damage his hearing.
- Provide infant toys with many textures and activities that involve all of her senses.
Guidance and Discipline
- Give lots of love with words when he doesn’t want to be held and help him do the same.
- Have her stop, look around a messy area and show her what needs to be picked up.
- Point out beautiful sunsets, soft and loud music and other things he may not notice.
