My Sensational Boy

A whole new world has opened up for me this past week. Last Thursday night I attended Jonah's school conference. I was a little nervous at first-- worried that they were going to recommend Jonah stay in the special education program. They do want him to stay another year, but I was assured by his teacher that they're hoping to teach him to "self-regulate" next year so that he could move into regular education. She acknowledged that he was bright and capable, and for that, I am grateful. But I left the meeting realizing that, on a daily basis, we forget to acknowledge how much of his behavior is out of his control. When I'm trying to fix dinner and feed Lydia and Jonah is climbing, yet again, on top of the kitchen counter, it's easy to forget that he needs to climb. So it was perfect timing that we discovered the latest book about Sensory Integration Dysfuction (now called Sensory Processing Disorder) called "Sensational Kids."

My eyes were opened. As I read, tears filled my eyes. I was encouraged, relieved, and overwhelmed.

It feels like the whole book was written about Jonah. We knew he was sensitive to noise and lights, but I learned that Jonah is primarily considered a "sensory seeker." Of course! It all makes sense!

"Some degree of sensory seeking is normal in children as they learn, grow, and try to master new challenges, but children like [Jonah] are extreme in their quest. On a playground or in an amusement park, they may seek out a scary ride that other children approach with apprehension, and then gleefully return to it over and over, as if they can't get enough stimulation. At school, they clown around by throwing themselves against a wall and falling to the floor with such violence that supervising adults worry they'll hurt themselves. When their quest for sensation is thwarted, children who crave sensation can become extremely demanding-- even explosive. Most children can be a little wild at times, but the thrill-seeking of these children is well beyond average...[they are] not 'mean' or 'bad,' but people sometimes apply these labels because such children behave in ways that distress those around them....The dichotomy between [the child's] aggressive and upsetting sensation seeking and his equally energetic and endearing affection creates conflict in the people around him. Sensory seekers are often responsive, creative, and fun to be around. They can be immensely enjoyable. But when their drive for sensory stimulation is running their lives and running the lives of those around them, they can be overhelming, too."

Can you believe how perfectly this describes my son? It makes so much sense. No wonder he's bored at home. No wonder he's such an angel with new experiences. No wonder he rides big roller coasters five times in a row at the amusement park. No wonder he can be difficult and endearing at the same time. No wonder he's a daredevil in the skatepark. No wonder he wants to swing and play in the rain and spin in circles... He's seeking to fulfill sensory needs.

So after discovering this new information, we've tried some new techniques the past couple of days when it's not practical to leave the house. I've made him carry groceries, wear his weighted vest, carry large books, knock me over, jump on the couch/bed, etc. And it's worked wonderfully!

He certainly is a sensational kid!