Health
Teaching Children with Sensory Motor Integration Deficits
By Anthony Kane, MD

Sensory motor integration deficits are fairly common in both
children and adults.  The following is a list of tips for
teachers who have children with sensory processing disorders.

    General Strategies

Have the child line up in the back of the line to minimize
physical contact with others.
  
· Don't have the child wait in line for long periods of
         time.
· Permit the child to wear a sweater or jacket indoors. 
         This may help to relax the child.
· Keep enough space between children so that they are not
         close enough to touch each   other.
· When sitting on the floor, use markers or masking tape
         to define the child's personal space.
· Allow the child to choose where he sits during story time.
· Don't force a child who is showing fear or distress to
         participate in activities.
· Place the child's desk along the side of the room outside
         of traffic.
· Orient the child's desk so that he has a good view of
         where others are moving.

  
    For Children who Have Sensitivity to Touch

Many children who are sensitive to light touch prefer firm
pressure.  This helps to relax them.  The following tips will
help them:

· Never touch the child from behind.
· When you do touch the child, approach the child from the
         front to give a visual cue that light touch is coming.
· When touching the child, use firm pressure on the back or
         shoulder rather than a gentle touch.
· Seat the child next to quiet calm children.
· Some children are disturbed by the hardness of the chair. 
         Allow the child to sit on a pillow on cushion.
· Specific Advice For Children Who Need Extra Sensory Input
· Some children need sensory input to help them to stay
         focused.  Here are some things you can do to help these
         children.


Allow the child to sit on an air cushion pillow that is slightly
filled with air.  This allows for movement without the child
leaving his desk. 

· Encourage the child to run or climb during recess.
· Give the child tasks requiring sustained repetitive
         movements, such as washing the desks or erasing the
         blackboard.
· Have these children move heavy objects like rearranging
         books or desks.
· Give the child opportunities to move around by making him
         your messenger.  Let him run notes to other teacher or
         to get things the class needs.
· Never discipline the child by taking away recess privileges
         or physical education.


Some children do better if they are able to stimulate their mouths
or hands.  Here are some things you can do to help these children.

· Let them keep a water bottle at their desks.
· Let them chew on something like a straw or coffee stick. 
· Let them keep a small squeeze ball in their pocket.


Some Things to Remember

· Children with multiple disabilities often have sensory
         motor integration deficits.
· These children may have difficulty with motor planning
         and knowing the position of their body in space.
· These children often have poor balance.
· Being in crowded places and situations makes these
         children anxious and uncomfortable.

Children with sensory processing disorders experience the world
differently.  They may have extreme discomfort or pain from
sensations that other people might find pleasant.   This is a
functional disorder.  Remember it is not the child's fault, nor
can he control the problem. 



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Anthony Kane, MD

ADD ADHD Advances

http://addadhdadvances.com



================================================================
 Anthony Kane, MD is a physician, an international lecturer, and
director of special education.  He is the author of a book,
numerous articles, and a number of online programs dealing with 
ADHD treatment (http://addadhdadvances.com/childyoulove.html),
child behavior and discipline
(http://addadhdadvances.com/child-behavior.html), ODD, and
education. 

You may visit his website at http://addadhdadvances.com. 
To sign up for the  free ADD ADHD Advances online journal send
an email to: subscribe@addadhdadvances.com?subject=subscribeart 

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