Situation:Sensory tools are items that can negate a sensory issue, help a child cope with a sensory issue and/or provide the child with a more appropriate behavior to use in a particular situation. In this case pre-teaching coping strategies and incorporating more favorable or tolerable smells within an aversive environment can help a child cope with sensory stimuli that may be aversive or overwhelming.
A Behavior story is a simple description of an everyday social situation, written from a child’s perspective. The situation is described in detail and focuses on the important social cues, events, expectations and ways for the child to react in the situation. Behavior stories are intended to be used with a child prior to an event. It is rehearsed with an adult so that when the event actually occurs, the child can use the story as a guide for behavior.
A mini-schedule is a listing of the events that will occur in a situation; in order or simply as a listing. A mini-schedule can be a listing in words or pictures or both. Children often like to check off or cross off each item as it occurs or is finished. This can provide a sense of control over a situation thus reducing problem behaviors due to anxiety.
Environmental control is changing the environment to prevent negative behaviors.
Choice control is a strategy that gives children control over situations when they feel at a loss or ‘out of control’.
My grand-daughter is age 7 and I take care of her. She receives speech, O.T., P.T. and feeding programs. She has a lot of sensory problems. I try everything to help her. I can’t take her out to eat because the smells make her go wild. Please help.