“Understanding when and which activities trigger me and how my children's sensory profiles affect me made it clear where I should go in the house or when I should retreat to the garden .” - Sarah Munn

Mastering Sensory Environments for a Peaceful Home: A Parent’s Guide 

How you can use environmental supports to provide a safe and sensory friendly learning experience

Wiggling the Sensory Environment into Shape - Unravelling the Sensory Puzzle at Home

Getting the home environment right can sometimes feel like detective work. In my household, there were numerous dynamics and conflicts, and initially, the reasons behind these remained unclear. One significant factor was sensory issues, a phenomenon I refer to as "sensory-based triggering." This occurs when the sounds, sights, smells, movements, and physical sensations in our environment become overwhelming.

A Symphony of Sensory Overload

In our home, the kids are noisy and full of boundless energy, which used to induce severe anxiety and stress in me. Our house was predominantly filled with noise: shouting and yelling from the gaming room, "The Wiggles" blaring on the TV in the lounge room with the volume cranked up to a hundred, accompanied by exuberant dancing and acrobatics. This spectacle not only subjected my auditory senses to an assault but also my visual senses.

Understanding Sensory Challenges

With all the couch cushions strewn about, instruments scattered on the floor, clothes and costumes scattered everywhere, and indoor acrobatics, even watching all that movement can disrupt your vestibular system. Furthermore, the constant "thud thud ROOAAARRR HE’S SCORED" from indoor basketball significantly elevated my heart rate, leading to the emergence of "Grumpy Mum." As I tried to remain calm while asking them to tone it down, do something else, and listen, I found it increasingly futile. "LISTEN! Yeah right!" I'd often lament.

The Role of Sensory Regulation

My children employ these activities as a means of self-regulation. When the effects of their daily medications have waned, my 14-year-old becomes fixated on "The Wiggles" (insert an eye roll and wiggly pointy fingers) for hours on end, every day. We wonder if this obsession will persist indefinitely. For parents like us, raising children who may not become fully independent due to physical or intellectual disabilities, the typical hope of them moving out someday might not be realistic.

Embracing a New Reality

As a result, we bear the weight of this ongoing sensory assault on our already weary and frazzled central nervous systems, making us far from the calm and nurturing earth mothers we aspired to be. We often wonder if we will be "wiggling" through this chaos for the rest of our lives.

Ready Steady WIGGLE - An Ever-Present Soundtrack

"READY STEADY WIGGLE" is now ingrained in my brain as a permanent fixture, to the extent that it plays in my sleep. I've become Greg, Murray, Jeff, and Anthony, the old Wiggles. Ask me anything about the Wiggles, and I can answer it, including the newer lineup of eight members. Yes, I've already attended their concert this year. However, I've had to accept that the auditory and visual pressure that has challenged my own central nervous system must be incorporated into our daily lives because that's the life we live.

Finding Calm Amidst the Chaos

You learn to live in the life you have. Personally, I cherish quiet. I spent decades without a TV pre-children and relished going to loud music gigs and dancing the night away. But now, with two exceptionally energetic kids with ADHD, I found myself drained. Yet, things have changed. I've come to understand it better now. I've reorganized our sensory environment to work for me.

Navigating Sensory Challenges

The days of me crying in the kitchen, yearning for peace and quiet, are now a thing of the past. When I delved deeper into our sensory processing profiles, I began to recognize sensory stimuli as triggers and sources of stress, making all those irritations much more understandable.

Creating Harmony in the Home

When sensory seekers coexist with sensory avoiders, it can disrupt harmony in an instant. So, what can be done about it? First and foremost, if you consult with an occupational therapist, you can request sensory profiles for the entire family.

The Path to Peaceful Transitions

Understanding when and which activities trigger me and how my children's sensory profiles affect me made it clear where I should go in the house or when I should retreat to the garden. It was essential for me to satisfy my sensory preferences first and maintain my calmness before addressing the needs of my children.

Transition Times: A Sensitive Period

Transitions also present an excellent opportunity to examine your sensory environment closely. These periods can offer insights into why both children and parents might be on the brink of meltdown during these sensitive times

Nurturing a Peaceful Home

In another blog post, I'll delve into adapting your environment to meet your family's needs. But, as always, the first step towards change is acknowledging what's happening and assessing the situation. Best of luck in finding ways to turn down the children's volume and discover peace amidst the chaos, all while remembering to savor the life you have.