Chynna's Sensational Pearls: Helping Kids With SPD Through Transition Issues

Well, it happened again. Jordy came home from school yesterday telling me that she found Xander hiding under the bridge by the structure on the school playground at recess, crying. He was completely unresponsive and wouldn't even let Jordy console him, and she's his favorite person next to me.

Jordy told me that she sat under the bridge with him for the last half of recess. "I was playing with Konsolor and forgot to check on Xander before that," she said. "I remembered while we were playing this cool game that I didn't see how Xander was first. Then I got Konsolor to come find him and that's where he was."

What an amazing sister she is! Such a 'mom'. But, seriously, I can't rely on my other kids to take care of Xander. Somehow we (meaning me, his daddy Steve, and the teachers) have to work together in teaching Xander to help himself. What's going on here is difficulty with transitioning from home after a long break back to school routine. Jaimie and Xander share this struggle but after a TREMENDOUS amount of time, effort and work, Jaimie is finally able to self-regulate...for the most part. But Xander still needs alot of help.

I know what to do here at home for Xander, when I can see him and know what triggered his meltdown. But at school, when he's out of my sight, I don't have answers. And that's why it's so important for caregivers to ensure that every person in their 'sensational' kid's different environments understands the child's form of SPD, his triggers as well as the individual things that help bring him back down.

Here's my own short checklist of things I make sure I do during transitions like going back to school after a long break:


1) Prepare the body and mind. Whatever your own routine is in terms of Sensory Diet (we call it 'Xander's Games' and 'Jaimie's Games') make sure to do that before your child goes to school. I can't stress enough how very important it is to start your child's day off with his exercises. It's as important as breakfast and morning vitamins. If his body is regulated and calm, he'll be in a better state of mind to tackle the changes ahead.

2) Give extra input on the way to school. If you live close enough to the school...walk. If you don't, park a little bit away and walk a few blocks. And get your child to wear her backpack (extra weight is a good thing, as long as it isn't too much.). Both Xander and Jaimie hated wearing backpacks but now they find the 'hugging' sensation and the little bit of weight so calming there are no problems. You could also leave early enough to get some extra playground time in.

3) Reconnect with the teachers and TAs. Re-establish that home/school connection by letting them know how your child's Holidays were, if there are any new concerns or triggers and what helps to calm your child down. If your child has an IEP, be sure to list things that should be added or altered so things are up to date. That is so important to making sure your child still gets his support!

4) Have 'calm down' time after school. This is just as important as doing the exercises before school. Your child needs a healthy and effective way to decompress when he comes home from school. If your child is like Xander or Jaimie, when they don't get this time they take their day out on their siblings (or you) and that is not okay. So whether it's a bit of time in their 'Calm Down Space' or curling up and reading or laying down in their room or even just having cuddles with a favorite stuffy or with you, allow them that time. Xander likes laying under the couch cushions with his blanket and Pillow Pet Pee Wee bee (whose name is 'Bizz Buzz') while Jaimie puts her headphones on and writes on the computer or reads.

5) Do afterschool exercises. These would be different from the pick me up stuff in the morning but kids need the exercises/Sensory Diet stuff to get them through the rest of the evening and bedtime. A little piece of advice I got from our OT is not to do it too close to bedtime or the exercises may have the opposite affect and perk them up. The whole key is to have regular input to keep the body regulated. Of course, getting outside is an awesome way to get this input too...whether it's warm or wintery, it's all good.

These are just a few things to try or add to your own list. Transition is very difficult for our 'sensational' kiddos but the whole point of why we do these things is to teach them how to regulate on their own eventually. That way, there won't be as many days where, like Xander, he becomes so overwhelmed he hides in fear. Just keep doing what you're doing and stick with it.

It's making a difference!