Our Children's Sensory Cups: Finding the "Just Right"

As parents, educators, and caregivers, we often find ourselves in the midst of a child's overwhelming behavior, struggling to understand the root cause. What if we told you that these behaviors could be linked to their sensory systems?

We humans are inherently sensory beings. Every moment of our lives is filled with a symphony of sensory input. What we see, hear, touch, taste, smell, and even our internal bodily sensations, all play a crucial role in shaping our experiences.

Let's take a closer look at the intricate world of sensory processing and how we can help our children navigate it.

Beyond the Five Senses

When we think of senses, we typically think of the five basic ones: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. However, there are three additional senses that are equally important:

• Proprioception: Our sense of body awareness in space.
• Vestibular: Our sense of balance, movement, and gravity.
• Interoception: Our sense of internal bodily sensations (hunger, thirst, etc.).

Each of these senses contributes to our overall sensory experience. It's important to remember that everyone's sensory system is unique. The way we respond to, avoid, or seek sensory input varies from person to person.

The Sensory Cup Analogy

Imagine each of our senses as a different-sized mug. Now, picture pouring 12 ounces of coffee into each of these mugs. Some cups will be perfectly filled, others will be partially full, and some will overflow, creating a mess. This is akin to how our sensory systems work.

• Sensory Overload (Overflowing Cup): This occurs when a child receives too much sensory input. It can lead to overwhelm and dysregulation. Behaviors like covering ears, shutting down, task refusal, fatigue, irritability, heightened anxiety, and angry outbursts can all be signs of sensory overload.
• Sensory Seeking (Cup Not Full Enough): This happens when a child needs more sensory input to feel regulated. Behaviors like running, jumping, using excessive force, making loud noises, spinning, chewing, needing touch, and difficulty sitting still can all indicate sensory seeking.

It's crucial to remember that these behaviors are not intentional acts of defiance or misbehavior. They are a child's way of communicating that their sensory cup is either overflowing or not full enough.

Supporting Children with Sensory Needs

As adults, we need to start viewing challenging behaviors through a sensory lens. Instead of focusing solely on stopping the behavior, let's try to understand the underlying sensory need.

In classrooms, sensory-related behaviors are often misinterpreted and met with disciplinary actions. This can further dysregulate a child and hinder their learning. We need to foster a more supportive and inclusive environment where children's sensory needs are recognized and accommodated.

Creating a "Just Right" Environment

The next time you see a child struggling, take a moment to observe their environment. Are there adjustments that can be made to either fill their sensory cup or prevent it from overflowing?

Let's work together to create safe and supportive spaces where all children feel understood and empowered. Remember, every child's sensory cup is unique. By recognizing and honoring their individual needs, we can help them thrive.

At Calmily, we use Deep Pressure to help stablize and support the Just right Environment.