As a parents of children with Sensory Processing Disorder we often deal with “the looks” from others about our child’s “behavior”. We are left to explain the reason why our child is hiding behind us in social situations, does not respond to social greetings or needs more support than the other kids when playing with peers. We are often put in a situation where we have to decide – do we speak about our child’s challenges in front of him in order to help others understand his behavior or do we just not explain why she is acting a certain way and ‘take it’ when she is labeled as behavioral? It is these very situations that lead me to create these cards.
Download the sheet, print, cut these cards apart and hand them out as needed. They will become a new way for you to respond when you feel stuck about the best way to respond to others. They are a great way to prepare family before you see them if you have not in awhile or to communicate to fellow parents on the playground when you feel something needs to be said, but you are not sure what.
I hope they help you to navigate this tricky social space we all get ourselves into!
Michele
Download and print online
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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