Since realizing the impact that LuLu’s sensory integration problems (SPD) have on her ability to learn, I’ve been reading everything I can find about this topic. Here’s a “tips for teachers” list from the SPD Network website that I found extremely helpful. You may as well. In fact, I found the whole website helpful, so check it out!

General Classroom Organizational Strategies
-- Use graph paper to help organize math problems.
-- Provide lined paper for writing assignments.
-- Provide pencil grippers for children who have trouble using a mature pencil grasp.
-- Remind children to use their non-dominant hand to hold the paper.

Wow, maybe I’m not doing such a bad job of figuring out this stuff after all! It occurred to me the other day that LuLu would probably do better with those soft pencil grips on her pencils, because she does have trouble with her grasp and she presses so hard that her hand cramps. And I’ve started reminding her to steady her paper with the other hand.

-- Adjust chairs and tables to the proper height for each child. (Feet should touch the floor. Table height should be just below the child's elbow when the fist rests under the chin.)
-- Keep visual and auditory distractions to a minimum.

Oooo…I’ve accidentally stumbled onto this one! We opted to put LuLu’s desk in the closet of my office. It made the most sense to give her access to computers and give me a space that I could do things while she worked, but still remain in the same room with her. She loves the closet space. I was seriously thinking about sprucing up the walls with pictures, etc. But this reminded me that part of the reason she may be attracted to this space (has played in there everyday since we set it up.) is because of the lack of visual distractions. The closet doors act as a visual buffer – almost like blinders on a horse) from seeing the rest of the room, unless she turns around. Hmmm…

-- If a child presses too hard on the pencil, give him a mechanical pencil.
I’m thinking this would frustrate LuLu. It frustrates me. I’m always breaking the lead of mechanical pencils!
-- Always present information in the child's best modality. Visual, auditory, or multi-sensory learning activities can facilitate understanding and memory.

Now if I could just figure out what modality that is! With both visual and auditory processing at 2%, I’m going to present things in as many modalities as possible. A wise homeschool mom suggested books on tape while reading along with the written book. She said it works well for children with CAPD. Makes sense to me!

Children Who are Oversensitive to Light Touch
Children who are sensitive to light, unexpected touch often prefer firm touch/pressure, which helps organize their behavior. Keep the following tips in mind:
-- Approach the child from the front to give a visual cue that light touch is coming.
-- Use firm pressure to the shoulder or back, rather than a gentle hand placement or a brush to the sleeve, arm, or face.
-- Place the child’s desk out of traffic, towards the periphery of the room, so that the child has a good view of who is moving and where they are going.
-- Seat a small child in an adult’s lap or next to a quiet child during a group gathering. Place older children to the side or in back of the group. Crowded places and situations can cause discomfort because of the possibility for unexpected bumps and brushes.
-- Put children "in charge" of the back of the line. The back of the line should not be viewed as a punishment, but as a place of worth.

Again, some great tips! Things I would never have thought of . Guess that’s why children with SPD need an OT experienced in SPD working with them!

To be continued...