Top 5 Reasons - For the Importance of Sensory Profiling
Nov 26 , 2024
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We have so many lovely customers visit DEO, and I know that I always learn as much about disabilities as 'hopefully' they do, each time we chat.
Earlier this month I was chatting with a customer from Western Australia, and she was telling me about the impacts of some of the recent NDIS changes. She mentioned her disappointment of a restriction now placed on an enclosed swing that her son loves and truly makes a difference to him when his autism gets a little too much. "I am really disappointed that I can't use some of our funding on this product as I know it does makes a difference to calm my son," she stated.
Then our conversation moved to the importance of individual case profiling and how it is difficult to make generic decisions on what products are acceptable and those that aren't, given that every person is so unique, "what works for some, may not work for others!"
We then discussed just how essential it is to ensure that each child has their own individual profiling performed by their OT or other professional to create a personalised plan. "Then we can state a case to access a product that may no longer be on the list!"
It seems that at every turn another obstacle is placed in front of our families and carers. One can only hope that the right support, will be given in the right ways, to the right people when all of these changes are embedded.
Here are 5 top reasons why Personalised Sensory Profiling is important for our children with autism or ADHD:
1. Improves Self-Regulation and Emotional Control
Children with Autism or ADHD often experience sensory processing difficulties, where they may be overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory stimuli. Personalised sensory profiling helps identify these sensitivities, enabling caregivers, teachers, and therapists to create environments or strategies that reduce sensory overload. This can lead to better emotional regulation, as children can avoid or manage triggers that might lead to meltdowns or frustration.
2. Enhances Learning and Focus
For children with ADHD, the ability to focus can be severely impacted by environmental stimuli. A personalised sensory profile helps identify specific sensory inputs (like noise, light, or movement) that distract or overstimulate the child. By tailoring the sensory environment to match the child’s needs, it becomes easier for them to focus on tasks, improving their ability to learn and complete activities, both in school and at home.
3. Supports Social Interactions and Communication
Sensory sensitivities can impact social interactions, as children with ASD may become overwhelmed or disengaged in social settings due to sensory overload. By understanding a child's sensory profile, parents and educators can create more comfortable social environments and teach the child how to navigate sensory experiences in social settings. This helps improve social participation, communication skills, and overall relationships with peers.
4. Promotes Comfort and Reduces Anxiety
Children with Autism or ADHD often experience anxiety in response to sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, certain textures, or sounds. A personalised sensory profile helps identify these triggers and provide tailored interventions, such as using noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or specific textures, to reduce discomfort and anxiety. This leads to greater comfort and a reduction in stress, helping children feel more secure in their environment.
5. Facilitates Better Therapy and Intervention Planning
Personalised sensory profiling provides valuable insights into how a child experiences and responds to sensory stimuli, enabling therapists and other professionals to design more effective interventions. For example, sensory integration therapy can be customised to the child’s sensory preferences and needs, improving the likelihood of success. The profile allows for a more targeted, individualised approach to therapy, helping children develop better coping strategies and adaptive behaviors.
In summary, personalised sensory profiling plays a crucial role in managing the sensory challenges faced by children with Autism or ADHD. It ensures that interventions, environments, and strategies are tailored to each child’s specific sensory needs, enhancing their well-being and development.
At DEO we love to chat all things disabilities. Please reach out if you think that we can assist you in anyway.
Until next time - Live Your Best Life!
Julie-Anne
Owner & Founder DEO