[Source:  The Child Mind Institute]

By Rae Jacobson

For many kids, summer vacation holds the promise of months of school-free fun. But for children with sensory processing issues, summer can be a challenging time.

From the sand on the beach to the fireworks on the Fourth of July, the season is full of exciting but potentially difficult experiences. An unfamiliar playground, a visit to an amusement park, a messy ice cream cone: all involve sensory surprises that can be overwhelming or upsetting if a child is unusually sensitive to light, noise, and tactile sensations. But with some preparation and planning parents can help kids with sensory issues get the most out of summertime.

Study your child’s specific needs

The first step to helping a child with sensory processing issues enjoy summertime is having a strong understanding his specific needs. Sensory processing issues come in many shapes and sizes, and no two kids are exactly the same. An activity like going to the beach might be a huge treat for one child and miserable for another, depending on their individual sensitivities.

Read the Rest of this Article on The Child Mind Institute Website

Lindsey Biel (featured in this article) is the Author of Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with Kids & Teens.  She is also the Co-author of Raising a Sensory Smart Child, foreword by Temple Grandin

You can learn more about Lindsey Biel’s work at  www.sensorysmarts.com www. sensoryprocessingchallenges.com

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