Contributed by: Terry Matlen, ACSW
In my earlier Share Post titled
ADHD and Hypersensitivities, I described the
difficulties both children and adults often have with sensory
overload in the areas of sound, touch, sight, etc. Little is
written about this common ADHD related problem and most with ADHD
are unaware just how common it is. This often leads to frustration
for children, their parents, teachers and peers.
Many children become highly distracted and
irritable over such things as tightly fitting clothes, various food
textures and flavors, certain sounds and much more. But what can be
done to help them when faced with an onslaught of stimuli?
For the child who is:
Hypersensitive to sounds
Use white noise machines or music via headphones to block out
sounds when studying or if fears creep up during thunder storms or
other unpleasant sounds and noises.
- For the younger child, work on de-sensitizing him if certain
sounds are overwhelming. For example, for the child who is
horrified of thunder storms, ambulance sirens, etc., purchase CDs
of these sounds and play them at very soft levels during activities
the child enjoys. Gradually increase the volume until the child is
used to and accepts the sounds.
- Have the child create the sound he is afraid of in order for
him to feel in control of the situation. Give him pots with wooden
spoons to duplicate the sound of a thunderstorm, for example.
Purchase a toy siren and let him make a game of being the ambulance
driver while riding his bike.
Continue Article Here...
