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.
Founder and Creator of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model
Michele Parkins, MS, OTR, is an Occupational Therapist specializing in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR, and Sensory Treatment and Research Institute faculty.
Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a book to help support parents and families to understand better the impact of SPD on family dynamics and relationships and the day to day demands of life with sensory processing differences. Follow her on Facebook for updates and tips!
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