Reducing Sensory Trauma and Increasing Sensory Safety

I want start by explaining this first.....everything I am going to discuss in this blog I have done as a therapist. So if you are a parent or a professional reading this, you will be just like me and be doing the best you can with the knowledge you have BUT there is always new research from neurodiverse people themsevles and I want to share with you some more modern approaches that will hugely support neurodivergent learners. 

So I am going to share with you the 'older approach first' and then the 'modern approach' so that you can see the comparison a littler clearer. Let's go!

Sensory Exposure

Sensory exposure is where neurodivergent individuals would be encouraged to repeatedly be exposed to a sensory environment which would be uncomfortable. This may vary in the activities, the length of time there and other factors but basically, it used to be thought that with the repeated exposure individuals would 'get used to it'. However, we now know that the exposure is based n the neuromajoirty experience and this repeated exposure can make them feel unsafe and be traumatizing. This kind of approach also encourages them to ignore their interoception (internal bodily) sensations and therefore, dampening their ability to self-regulate. 

Sensory Safety

This is where we nurture the individual and their environment to meet their sensorry needs, making their needs the 'norm'.  By this I mean we normalise their preferred sensory comfort strategies. We adapt teh environment and allow individuals to explore sensory strategies which they may need in order to feel safe and secure within their own bodies and therefore, within the environment. 

How can we further develop this?

• Seek the individuals insight wherever possible.
• Observe their behaviour throuh a sensory lens and watch what they seek or avoid. 
• Use the information to honoour their interoception needs and help them get more/less of it. 
• Help the individual to learn their sensory profile.
• Partner with a sensory based OT: this will alos support you developing a sensory safety plan. 
• Normalise the use of a wide variety of sensory comfort items. 
• Collaborate and problem solve to truelly achieve sensory comfort. 

If you would like further support in understanding your child's sensory profile please check out our online therapy services or alternatively, you can receive bespoke advice on achieving sensory safety within our Regulation Revolution Therapeutic Coaching Programme

I hope you find these tips useful and if you ahve any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or on social media and I will support you to achieve sensory safety in your home. 

Speak Soon 

Kate xx