1. They share super powers

Our sensory kids experience the world in a way that many of us do not and they invite us into these experiences.  In other words, we engage in sensory experiences to try to understand why they might make our kids feel the way they do.

We feel objects, clothes, materials.  We stop and smell the aromas.  We sit with them through movement experiences – riding swings and going down slides long after we would have typically stopped.

Let’s be grateful for this pause in life to take in sensory experiences that would otherwise go unnoticed as we go about our day.

2. They sure do exercise our bodies and minds

Our sensory kids keep us on the move.  Whether they are looking for increased sensory input, moving from one activity to another because they are unsure of how to engage in certain activities, move because it is easier to move than to be still for our kids with poor posture – they are keeping our bodies moving too.  They also keep our minds moving.  We are always thinking of new ways to help them experience the world and be successful.   What new sensory toy is available? How can I get him to engage with things longer?

3. They are great story tellers

This holds very true for our sensory kids with dyspraxia.  They tell us the best stories in the world…we don’t mind that it is often because they do not want to leave space in the conversation for us to add something, just in case they are not able to do it. As mentioned above many sensational kids experience the world in ways we do not.  Their stories provide us with details that we may not even notice in our own stories.

4. They actually make shopping easier

Let’s be grateful that our sensory kids will only wear a certain kind of socks, pants and shirts.  This sure does minimize the guess work in buying school clothes!

5. They share strong emotions

Lastly, our sensory kids are quite often the most empathetic people you will ever meet.  They are as attuned to emotional experiences as they are sensory experiences.  Sure this makes the challenging emotions more challenging but today let’s be thankful for the strength in their positive emotions – the depth of the love and appreciation they give.

I hope this will help us all remember to feel grateful for these special gifts that are often hidden among the daily challenges.

If you are looking for SPD treatment for yourself or your child fill out a child or adult intake form now to be treated at STAR Institute Treatment Center or search our Treatment Directory to find services in your area.

For the latest SPD research and strategies attend our 20th International 3S Symposium in Denver, Colorado October 6-7! Learn more.

Michele Parkins is an occupational therapist, specializing in working with children with sensory processing disorder and autism.  She currently works with children and families at her private practice – Great Kids Place - in Rockaway, New Jersey using the STAR model.  Prior to this she worked in schools for ten years infusing sensory integration, visual spatial, and DIR goals throughout daily activities and curriculum.  Michele has been using, learning, and teaching the DIR model for over ten years.  She is also faculty of the STAR Institute where she educates therapists on SPD assessment and treatment.  Michele is DIR and SIPT certified with advanced training in visual spatial capacities.  She co-developed a unique handwriting program – Connect Experience Write^® – that highlights the importance of affective engagement in learning as well as sensory integration using music and movement to teach letter formation and pre-writing skills.  Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and she continues to do so as a clinician and educator.