As much as we all want our children to appreciate nature, we also know it can be distressing to some children with sensory issues. Bright sunlight, irritating wind, scratchy grass, and buzzing insects are just a few of the things that can make a child with sensory issues unhappy.
Have your child wear sunglasses with an elasticized strap to hold them on, and/or a baseball cap or hat with a wide brim. Use a beach umbrella or tent to create shade and to shelter her from insects and wind.
There are now products that contain both bug repellent and sunblock in either lotion and spray form, so you can protect your child in one step. Consider more natural repellents that don't include DEET, often found in health food stores. Neutrogena makes a spray-on sunblock that is perfume-free. Banana Boat and others make a stick sunblock you rub on the skin. A child who hates light touch might prefer this type of applicator.
Teach your child that on spinning, swinging, or dipping park rides, she should fix her eyes on a stationary spot, such as her hands or the person seated in front of her, to avoid getting dizzy and/or nauseated.
Since soaps in public places are often slimy and stinky, carry some diaper wipes or an alcohol-based hand soap that doesn't contain triclosan.
With powerful chemicals and strong odors, plus dust mites flying around, it's no wonder some children's sensory issues are significantly worse when the house is cleaned. When you're doing your spring cleaning this year, try the following:
Polish furniture with olive oil or olive oil mixed with vinegar.
Use baking soda to deodorize carpeting, refrigerators, cat litter boxes, and garbage pails.
Use baking soda with soap or vinegar to scour tubs, stovetops, ovens, and pots and pans.
Use vinegar to clean windows and mirrors.
Clean silver with toothpaste.
Look into purchasing a HEPA air filtration system and a vaccuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
Always use a damp mop or sponge to pick up dust bunnies to avoid dispersing irritants.
Hay fever season is fast approaching. Many parents report that their child's sensory issues are significantly worse when seasonal allergies crop up. Talk to your pediatrician or pediatric allergist to find the best approach to allergies for your child.
If your child has a specific food allergy, you will need to be extremely cautious at any group gathering. Ask guests to not bring foods or treats that contain the offending substance. Some food allergies can be quite serious. For example, if your child is extremely allergic to nuts, not only can she not eat a single nut, but she should also not eat food prepared anywhere near a nut! When there are lots of people and appealing things to snack on, and you're busy with the festivities, you can't expect your child to monitor everything she eats. If your child is extremely allergic, talk honestly with any guests, and politely ask that they not bring any food items into your home. Let them know that you'd be thrilled with flowers or wine.