Re: Brushing program for sensory issues

[Guest guest]

Hi Mimi,

My son had extreme sensory problems when he was younger, but has

gotten over a great deal of them. We have done all sorts of things

to help this, including a brushing program. What kind of brush are

you using? We used a surgical scrub brush (the kind with very soft

plastic bristles). I can't really say how much got out of

this program, because the majority of his issues had lessened by the

time we did this. However, I do know that for it to be effective it

needs to be done several times per day (maybe 4 - 6 times per day).

Other things that may be helpful with sensory issues are playing with

things like shaving cream or whipped cream, play doh or clay, food

play with things like pudding or anything gooey, filling a small

plastic kiddie pool with rice or dry beans to sit & play in, etc.

Sandboxes are great too! Also one of the treatments for sensory

issues involves spinning or swinging activities, so if you have a

swingset nearby or something like a tire swing, this would be good too.

Kim C.

> Just wanted to let you know I put a new picture of Isaac in his

> folder:)

>

> We have started a " brushing " program in an attempt to sort out some

> sensory issues and it seems to be working. Does anyone else do this or

> have any input? Thanks a bunch.

>

> Mimi

> Mom to

> Isaac 22 mos RSS, Hypothyroidism, MCAD

> Sofia 2 mos

>

[Guest guest]

Mimi,

We brushed Max for a couple of years. We followed the same routine

as Kim suggested. Same brush, too. I am a big believer in it.

We, too, did the food play, play dough, rice, etc. It was hard for

Max at first, but he got used to it and it became a real fun time

for both of us, except for the mess, though. I just put a large

vinyl tablecloth under his highchair or had him sit on the cloth and

we went to town. Then straight to the tub!

One other thing to add to Kim's suggestions, all of which I agree

with: deep pressure massage. Kids with sensory issues cannot stand

to be touched lightly. You can rub his back with a bit of pressure,

his arms, his legs. Just do it while you read a story, watch TV,

whenever you think about it. It helps desensitize him and enables

him to tolerate touch. I know brushing does that, too, but the

human touch is just so warm and relaxing, too.

Jodi Z