Building Strong Foundations: How Therapy Groups Empower Young Minds
Therapy groups are immensely valuable for children, particularly those navigating challenges related to neurodivergence. These groups offer a unique, supportive environment where children can develop crucial skills, gain confidence, and build connections with peers who face similar struggles. Here’s why therapy groups are so important for children:
1. Social Connection & Peer Support
Building Relationships: Therapy groups provide a safe space for children to connect with others who share similar experiences. This can help alleviate feelings of isolation and build a sense of belonging.
Learning from Peers: Children often learn best from observing and interacting with their peers. In a therapy group, they can see how others manage challenges, practice new skills together, and encourage one another.
2. Skill Development in a Real-World Setting
Practical Application: Skills taught in individual therapy can be practiced in a group setting, allowing children to apply what they’ve learned in real-time. This includes social skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and communication.
Feedback & Growth: Group therapy offers immediate feedback from both peers and therapists, helping children understand how their behaviors affect others and how they can improve.
3. Emotional Support & Understanding
Shared Experiences: Children often feel comforted knowing they are not alone in their struggles. Hearing others’ stories and sharing their own can reduce anxiety and build resilience.
Safe Expression: Groups create an environment where children can express their thoughts and emotions freely without judgment, fostering emotional growth and self-awareness.
4. Enhanced Motivation & Engagement
Positive Reinforcement: The group setting allows for positive reinforcement from multiple sources, which can boost a child’s motivation and confidence. Seeing others succeed can inspire children to push themselves and stay engaged.
Fun & Interactive Learning: Therapy groups incorporate play, games, and activities, making learning enjoyable and engaging. This can be particularly beneficial for children who may struggle with traditional therapy methods.
5. Opportunities for Leadership & Responsibility
Building Confidence: As children progress in the group, they may take on leadership roles, guiding discussions or activities. This not only boosts their confidence but also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and self-efficacy.
Peer Teaching: Older or more experienced children in the group can mentor younger or newer members, reinforcing their own skills while helping others.
6. Preparation for Real-World Challenges
Practice in a Controlled Environment: Group therapy simulates social interactions and challenges that children may face in school, at home, or in other settings. Practicing these in a supportive group prepares them for real-world situations.
Coping Strategies: Children learn effective coping strategies from the therapist and their peers, which they can apply outside of the group to manage stress, frustration, and other emotions.
In essence, therapy groups provide a rich, dynamic environment that fosters emotional, social, and cognitive growth in children
Sensory diets: what’s it all about?
In therapy speak, a sensory diet is a tailored plan of activities and accommodations designed to meet a child’s sensory needs and help maintain them in an optimal level of nervous system arousal throughout the day in order to participate and perform at their best.
It’s not just about fidgets and spinning on swings at intervals throughout the day. It’s about
about being thoughtful and intentional about the environments we live, work and play; the activities we participate in, our daily routine, and the mechanisms we have in place to proactively and reactively tend to our nervous systems.
What is your child naturally seeking? What are they naturally avoiding? Follow these cues and layer in more of what helps and remove more of what seems to harm. Then repeat. Our “sensory diet” will include some key components and will also vary from day to day.
In this article, I'll explain what a sensory diet is, why it can be beneficial, and how it can be implemented at home or in the classroom.
What Is a Sensory Diet?
A sensory diet is a carefully designed set of activities that provide the sensory input a child needs throughout the day to stay focused, organized, and in control. Just like a balanced nutritional diet is tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of an individual, a sensory diet is customized to address the unique sensory needs of each child.
These activities are not random. They are strategically selected to either calm or alert the child’s nervous system depending on what is needed at any given time. For example, a child who has trouble sitting still might benefit from activities that provide proprioceptive input (like pushing or pulling heavy objects), while a child who is easily overwhelmed might need calming sensory experiences (like deep pressure or slow, rhythmic movement).
Why Are Sensory Diets Important?
For children with sensory processing difficulties, the world can be an overwhelming place. Sounds might be too loud, lights too bright, or certain fabrics too itchy. On the other hand, some children might crave sensory input to the point that they are constantly seeking movement or touch. These sensory needs can interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate, learn, and interact with others.
A sensory diet helps to regulate these sensory needs, providing the right amount of input at the right times. When implemented consistently, a sensory diet can help:
Improve focus and attention: Sensory activities can help a child become more alert or calm, depending on what they need to focus on tasks.
Reduce sensory-related behaviors: A well-balanced sensory diet can decrease the frequency and intensity of sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviors.
Enhance self-regulation: By learning to recognize and meet their own sensory needs, children can develop better self-regulation skills.
How to Implement a Sensory Diet
Consult with an Occupational Therapist: The first step in creating a sensory diet is to consult with an occupational therapist who can assess the child's sensory processing needs. They will work with you to develop a plan that includes specific activities tailored to your child's unique sensory profile.
Incorporate Activities into the Daily Routine: Sensory diets work best when they are part of the child’s daily routine. For example, a child might start the day with a few minutes of jumping on a trampoline to wake up their system, or take a sensory break during school by chewing gum or using a fidget tool.
Use a Variety of Sensory Inputs: A sensory diet should include a range of activities that provide different types of sensory input. This might include:
Proprioceptive Input: Activities that involve heavy work, like carrying a heavy backpack, pushing a weighted cart, or squeezing a stress ball.
Vestibular Input: Activities that involve movement, like swinging, spinning, or rolling.
Tactile Input: Activities that involve touch, like playing with textured materials, finger painting, or using a sensory bin.
Oral Input: Chewing crunchy or chewy foods, blowing bubbles, or using a straw to drink thick liquids.
Monitor and Adjust as Needed: Sensory needs can change over time, so it’s important to monitor how the child responds to the sensory diet and adjust activities as needed. Regular check-ins with the occupational therapist can help ensure that the sensory diet continues to meet the child’s needs.
Tips for Success
Be Consistent: The key to a successful sensory diet is consistency. Try to incorporate sensory activities into your child’s routine every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.
Involve the Child: Whenever possible, involve the child in choosing sensory activities. This can help them become more aware of their own sensory needs and learn to advocate for themselves.
Communicate with Educators: If your child is following a sensory diet at home, it’s important to communicate with their teachers so that similar strategies can be used in the classroom.
Conclusion
A sensory diet is a powerful tool that can make a significant difference in the lives of children with sensory processing challenges. By providing the right sensory input at the right times, a sensory diet can help children feel more regulated, focused, and ready to take on the world. If you think your child might benefit from a sensory diet, I encourage you to reach out to an occupational therapist to get started.
🌟 Tips for Dressing Neurodivergent Children with Sensory Sensitivities 🌟
It is important to respect and accommodate sensory preferences whenever possible!
1. Choose Comfortable Fabrics: Opt for soft, seamless fabrics like cotton to reduce irritation and discomfort. Minimize tags, seams, and embellishments that can cause sensory overload. Smooth, tagless clothing can be a game-changer. You can look up “sensory clothing for kids” on Amazon.
2. Layer Strategically: Layering can provide sensory input without overwhelming. Try using compression shirts or seamless undershirts for added comfort
3. Offer Choices: Provide choices within limits to empower your child. For example, offer different outfit options, involve them is clothes shopping, etc.
4. Engage in regulating activities before dressing: Encourage your child to engage in heavy work activities, provide deep pressure, etc.
5. Don’t avoid valued activities or leaving the house because of sensory sensitivities to clothing. There is always something that can work - it might look a little wild but the important thing is participation and engagement in life.
Remember, every child is unique, so tailor these tips to suit your child’s specific sensory needs. With patience and understanding, dressing can become a more manageable and enjoyable experience for both you and your child. 💕
Why does my child need occupational therapy if she doesn’t have a job?
🛠️ Occupational therapy needs a rebrand, the name just doesn’t make much sense. 🤔And no, we are not suggesting we bring child labor back.
Think of it like this: Occupational therapy (OT) for kids focuses on helping children develop, improve, or regain the skills needed for daily activities (their “occupations”). 🧸✨ These activities can range from basic self-care tasks to more complex activities necessary for school, play, and social interactions. Here are key aspects of occupational therapy for children:
1. **Developmental Support** - fine motor skills (like writing or using scissors), gross motor skills (such as jumping or climbing), and sensory processing skills (how they respond to sensory inputs like touch, sound, and movement). ✍️🚀
2. **Daily Living Activities** - mastering everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, grooming, and toileting. They provide strategies and tools to make these activities easier and more manageable. 🧦🍽️
3. **School-Related Skills** - handwriting, organizational skills, and ability to focus and follow classroom routines. This support can be crucial for children with learning disabilities or ADHD. 📚📝
4. **Social and Play Skills** - play is a vital part of a child’s development. Occupational therapists use play-based activities to enhance social skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation. 🎨🤝
5. **Adaptive Equipment and Modifications** - modifications to the child’s environment to promote independence and participation. 🛠️🏡
6. **Sensory Integration** - helping kids with their responses to sensory stimuli and improve their attention, behavior, and coordination. 🌈🔊
7. **Parent and Caregiver Education** - Occupational therapists work closely with parents and caregivers, providing guidance and support to help them implement therapeutic strategies at home and in daily routines. 👨👩👧👦💡
Overall, occupational therapy aims to enhance a child’s ability to participate fully in life activities, promoting independence, confidence, and overall functioning. 🌟💪
“The Myth of Normal”: Unrealistic Neurotypical Standards
Some of the unwritten rules to living in a neurotypical world 🎶
📌 You need to focus, but don’t get so focused on something you then have trouble with transitions.
📌 Don’t be too disorganized, but also don’t be compulsively organized.
📌 Don’t be uncontrolled in your behaviors and actions but also don’t be too rigid and controlling.
📌 Be proficient across all subjects and tasks and to the same degree as everyone else your age. If you aren’t interested or strong in one area, you still need to learn it to proficiency.
📌 Be creative and inventive but also follow directions well.
📌 Don’t be too sensitive.
📌 You should have a lot of energy and and ideally be an athlete, but sit still at the right times for specific periods of time that may be really long.
📌 You need to have good communication skills but also don’t talk too much. Be quiet.
Almost no one can live up to these standards, even neurotypical adults! And that is OKAY. We all have our quirks, our preferences, our strengths and weaknesses, our sensitivities, etc. The journey toward inclusivity and understanding demands empathy, respect, and a dedication to reimagining societal norms to embrace and support human neurodiversity.
Aligning our behaviours and personalities with societal expectations comes at a cost, and it’s a big one. This is called “camouflaging” or “masking”, and it refers to masking your neurodivergent characteristics to fit in with others. Adapting to fit into a neurotypical world has significant mental health implications for autistic individuals in particular. A comprehensive study of 787 autistic adults found a strong link between camouflaging behaviors and increased anxiety and depression. The more individuals engaged in camouflaging, the more difficulties they faced with emotional regulation and perceived stress, which exacerbated symptoms of depression and anxiety. This effect was particularly pronounced in females. The findings indicate that the constant effort to conform to neurotypical expectations and the suppression of natural autistic behaviors in social contexts contribute to a cycle of stress and emotional difficulties, leading to higher rates of mental health issues among autistic people.
As our understanding of autism deepens, it becomes increasingly important to create environments where autistic individuals can flourish without the pressure to constantly camouflage and mask. This is also why neurodiversity affirming therapy is so important. Too often therapy for neurodivergent kids is geared towards making them more like their peers (stopping stimming, making eye contact, sitting still, stopping fidgeting, getting used to loud sounds, etc. ) The goal of neurodiversity affirming therapy is to understand how their brain works and provide the support and skills these kids need to feel calm, safe, and able to learn, communicate, and have their needs met.
Enter Minds in Bloom…….. join us on our mission.
References:
Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., & Mandy, W. (2020). The female autism phenotype and camouflaging: A narrative review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 7(4), 306–317.
We are all wired uniquely: Understanding Neurodiversity
Each brain is unique and there is no “normal”.
Neurodiversity refers to the naturally-occurring differences and variety in brain functioning and resulting behaviors. It is part of typical variation among humans, just like variances in height, eye color, and family traits. The neurodiversity movement began in the 1990’s and the term was coined by a sociologist named Judy Singer.
If the way you perceive and interact with the world around you diverts from typical expectations and standards, you may be neurodivergent. The following diagnoses fall under the umbrella term “neurodivergent”: autism (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, and sensory processing disorder (SPD), among others.
Neurodiversity affirming therapy is not geared towards pathologizing the differences in brain function and structure. It is also not about pathologizing non-harmful behaviors (like stimming) and trying to enforce neurotypical standards of behavior. When a therapist is neurodiversity-affirming, they recognize that neurodivergence by itself is not a flaw or illness that needs to be “fixed”, while affirming that neurodivergence can also be disabling.
Here are some key aspects to understanding neurodiversity:
1. Awareness and Education
Learn About Neurodiverse Conditions: Educating ourselves about different neurodiverse conditions is crucial. Understanding the characteristics, strengths, and challenges associated with each condition helps to reduce stigma and promote acceptance.
Ongoing Education: Neurodiversity is a relatively new concept in the public sphere, so continuing education and engagement with the latest research, lived experiences, and expert insights are necessary to deepen understanding.
2. Empathy and Open-Mindedness
Listen to Neurodiverse Voices: Listening to the experiences and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals is vital. This helps in understanding the unique ways they perceive and interact with the world, which might be different from the neurotypical experience but equally valid.
Empathy: Developing empathy involves not only understanding the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals but also appreciating their unique strengths and contributions.
3. Respecting Individual Differences
Rejecting Stereotypes: Neurodiverse individuals should not be defined by stereotypes. Each person is unique, with their own set of strengths, challenges, and preferences. Respecting these individual differences is key to fostering an inclusive environment.
Avoiding Assumptions: It’s important not to make assumptions about a person’s abilities, needs, or preferences based solely on their neurodiverse condition. Instead, engage in open dialogue to understand their specific needs and how best to support them.
4. Creating Inclusive Environments
Flexibility: Creating spaces—whether at home, school, or work—that are flexible and adaptable to various needs is critical. This could mean offering quiet spaces, providing clear and structured instructions, or allowing for different modes of communication.
Promoting Acceptance: An inclusive environment promotes acceptance and encourages everyone to celebrate diversity. This means valuing the unique contributions of neurodiverse individuals and ensuring they feel safe and supported.
5. Advocacy and Support
Advocating for Rights: Advocacy plays a key role in ensuring that neurodiverse individuals have equal opportunities and access to resources. This includes advocating for policies that protect their rights and promote their well-being.
Support Networks: Building strong support networks is essential for neurodiverse individuals and their families. These networks can provide resources, guidance, and a sense of community.
6. Reframing Success
Redefining Achievement: Success should not be measured by neurotypical standards alone. Recognizing and celebrating the unique accomplishments of neurodiverse individuals helps to build their confidence and encourages a more inclusive understanding of achievement.
Focus on Strengths: Instead of focusing on what neurodiverse individuals might struggle with, it’s important to identify and nurture their strengths. This strengths-based approach can lead to greater self-esteem and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Understanding neurodiversity is about more than just awareness; it’s about embracing a new paradigm that values all types of neurological functioning. It requires us to rethink our societal norms, cultivate empathy, and create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By doing so, we move closer to a world where neurodiverse individuals are not only accepted but celebrated for the unique perspectives and talents they bring.
Embracing Neurodiversity in Therapy: The Importance
Why do we think embracing neurodiversity is at the crux of effective therapy? Let us count the ways:
1. Promotes Inclusivity and Respect
Embracing neurodiversity involves acknowledging and respecting the natural differences in how human brains function and behave. This approach enables therapists to create an inclusive environment where all clients feel valued and understood, fostering trust that is essential for effective therapeutic relationships.
2. Reduces Stigma and Discrimination
Neurodiversity challenges the notion that certain neurological conditions, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, are deficits or disorders. Instead, it frames them as differences. This shift in perspective helps reduce the stigma and discrimination often faced by neurodivergent individuals, promoting a more accepting and compassionate society.
3. Enhances Tailored Interventions
Understanding and embracing neurodiversity allows therapists to tailor their interventions to meet the unique needs of each client. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, therapists can design strategies that leverage the strengths and address the challenges specific to neurodivergent individuals, leading to more effective and personalized treatment outcomes.
4. Empowers Clients
When therapists embrace neurodiversity, they help clients recognize and celebrate their unique strengths and abilities. This empowerment can boost self-esteem and self-advocacy, enabling clients to navigate their environments more effectively and assertively.
5. Encourages Holistic Understanding
Neurodiversity promotes a holistic understanding of clients, considering their neurological differences as part of their overall identity. This perspective encourages therapists to consider the broader context of a client's life, including their social, emotional, and environmental factors, leading to more comprehensive and compassionate care.
6. Fosters Innovation and Flexibility
Therapists who embrace neurodiversity are often more open to innovative and flexible approaches. They recognize that traditional methods may not work for everyone and are willing to explore and implement diverse therapeutic techniques that may be more effective for neurodivergent clients.
7. Supports Advocacy and Social Change
By adopting a neurodiversity perspective, therapists can become advocates for systemic change. They can work to challenge and transform societal structures that marginalize neurodivergent individuals, promoting policies and practices that support equality and inclusion.
8. Improves Mental Health Outcomes
Recognizing and respecting neurodiversity can improve mental health outcomes by reducing the stress and anxiety associated with trying to conform to neurotypical standards. Clients can experience a greater sense of well-being and authenticity when they are accepted and supported for who they are.
9. Strengthens Community and Belonging
Therapists who embrace neurodiversity help build a sense of community and belonging among their clients. This sense of belonging is vital for mental health and can provide a supportive network that clients can rely on, both within and outside the therapeutic setting.
In summary, embracing neurodiversity in therapy is crucial for fostering an inclusive, respectful, and effective therapeutic environment. It enhances tailored interventions, empowers clients, promotes holistic understanding, and supports broader advocacy and social change. By recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals, therapists can contribute to improved mental health outcomes and a more inclusive society.
Sensory processing: We all experience the world differently
Sensory processing is our ability to register, interpret and integrate the information coming through our sensing from our internal and external worlds. Our sensory system is constantly working to take in and make sense of the stimuli around us.
As I sit here typing this post, I can feel my body supported in my seat, the noise of the radio in the background and the clacking of my keyboard keys, the smell of lunch cooking on the stove, the view out my living room window. I feel hunger pangs as I wait for my lunch and the slight discomfort of shoulder tension while I work on the computer.
I started to really understand and be acutely aware of my sensory systems after a concussion in 2018. All of a sudden, I was sensitive to noise, distracted easily, I squinted my eyes against fluorescent light and the brightness of screens. Nothing was filtering like it used to and I started to have to manipulate my nervous system and my environment to be productive and engage like I previously had.
For most neurotypical people, our nervous systems go through a series of processes when presented with sensory information. We detect the input, we filter the input, organize and interpret it and then we respond.
Neurodivergent kids often process sensory information differently. For example sounds may be perceived as very loud, touch might feel really uncomfortable and sitting still might feel extra unbearable. The first step to understanding sensory needs is understanding the sensory systems and our eight senses:
1. Visual (Sight)
The visual sense allows us to perceive and interpret light, color, shape, and movement through our eyes. It plays a crucial role in how we navigate and understand the world around us, enabling us to recognize faces, read, and coordinate movements.
2. Auditory (Hearing)
The auditory sense involves detecting and processing sound waves through our ears. This sense is essential for communication, as it enables us to hear speech, music, and environmental sounds, helping us to interact with others and respond to our surroundings.
3. Olfactory (Smell)
The olfactory sense is responsible for detecting and identifying odors through our nose. It plays a significant role in taste, memory, and emotion, as certain smells can evoke specific memories and feelings.
4. Gustatory (Taste)
The gustatory sense allows us to perceive flavors through our taste buds on the tongue. It helps us enjoy food and drink, detect spoiled or toxic substances, and influences our appetite and digestion.
5. Tactile (Touch)
The tactile sense enables us to perceive pressure, temperature, pain, and texture through our skin. This sense is crucial for physical interaction with our environment, allowing us to feel sensations like warmth, cold, roughness, and softness.
6. Vestibular (Balance and Spatial Orientation)
The vestibular sense, located in the inner ear, helps us maintain balance and spatial orientation. It informs us about head movements and positions, contributing to our ability to move smoothly, stay upright, and coordinate movements.
7. Proprioceptive (Body Awareness)
The proprioceptive sense provides information about the position and movement of our body parts through receptors in our muscles, joints, and tendons. It allows us to perform coordinated actions without constantly looking at our limbs, such as walking, typing, or playing sports.
8. Interoceptive (Internal Body Awareness)
The interoceptive sense involves the perception of internal bodily sensations, such as hunger, thirst, heart rate, respiration, and the need to use the bathroom. It helps us understand and respond to our body's needs, contributing to overall well-being and self-regulation.
Sensory regulation is our ability to process information from our senses, and adjust our levels of arousal, attention and our responses. Our nervous system detects the input, filters the input, organizes and interprets it and then figures out how to respond. Sensory dysregulation is when you have an imbalanced nervous system and your arousal is too high or too low due to a perceived excess of sensory input, or not enough sensory input.
Two more minutes! How to help neurodivergent kids transition between activities.
Transitioning between tasks can be tough for neurodivergent kids, particularly when they are in the “flow” of an enjoyable activity. Also, when an activity requires transitions within itself, it can be very taxing to keep switching. For example, I personally hate reading instructions, then switching to following through with those directions. If there is an Ikea dresser to put together I would rather just “wing it” as opposed to switching back and forth between reading and activity dozens of times.
There are three stages to each transition and a lot that can go off the rails between each stage:
Making the initial move away from the activity
Navigating the path between the last activity and the future one
Moving into the coming task or activity.
Here are some tips to make switching tasks smoother for neurodivergent kids:
1. Finish the Play “Scheme”: Let them complete their goal in a game or task (finishing a book, putting dolls to bed) before transitioning.
2. Use a Transition Item: Redirect them with a favorite toy or item, but avoid high-value items like an iPad unless it’s the next activity.
3. Give a Time Warning: A simple cue can help. Try, “Should we play for one more minute or two more minutes?”
4. Offer Extra Choices: Increase their control by asking, “Should we put this toy away on the desk or the shelf?” and hype up the next activity with options like, “When we go outside, will you play with the ball or your bike?”
5. Use a Visual Schedule: Keep it general to allow for choice and autonomy (sing songs, play games, say goodbye).
6. Validate Their Experience: Acknowledge their feelings by saying, “Transitions can be hard” or “You were having fun, weren’t you?” and remind them they’ll have more opportunities to enjoy that activity again.