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.