Using Sensory Products to Enhance Daily Living in Children with ADHD with Kozie Clothes
By Kozie Clothes, 11 March 2024
Our special guest blogger, Kozie Clothes, shares insights into the transformative power of sensory products for children with ADHD. The blog delves into sensory processing differences that are often overlooked in individuals with ADHD.
Living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be challenging, as it affects a person's ability to focus and regulate their emotions and impulsivity, which can also affect their self-esteem. Fortunately, there are various sensory products specially designed to support children with ADHD. These products aim to provide sensory feedback and promote focus, self-regulation, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of sensory products and explore how they can be beneficial for children living with ADHD.
Note: Although we are focusing on children here, the benefit of sensory products extends to adults.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain-based disorder that involves executive functioning, and is a disorder of performance not ability to perform. Executive functioning can be described as a set of brain-based skills mostly located in the frontal lobe (the last part of the brain to develop) responsible for planning, alertness, organising, sustaining focus, shifting attention, working memory, emotional regulation, effort, processing speed (affected by anxiety, pressure, etc.). Basically, skills to help manage oneself, and reportedly takes 25-30 years to fully develop. The standout features of ADHD include impulsive/hyperactive, and inattentive behaviors. Many with ADHD also demonstrate Sensory Processing Differences.
ADHD is among the most common mental conditions in children, affecting millions of children, it was estimated that 6 million children ages 3 to 17 years have been diagnosed, using data from 2016-2019 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(1).
What is Sensory Processing?
As beings immersed in sensory experiences, we navigate both the external world and the internal realm of our bodies through our senses. Every encounter and action we undergo is intertwined with our sensory perceptions.
The concept of sensory processing, also known as sensory integration, pertains to how our brains receive, interpret, and respond to sensory input from both our surroundings and our internal physiological cues. It serves as our brain's mechanism for comprehending the external environment and the internal dynamics of our bodies, guiding us on whether to respond to or disregard the received information.
Sensory processing plays a pivotal role in our daily activities, influencing tasks such as dressing, eating, movement, social interactions, as well as learning and working. Variations in sensory processing are a shared human experience, we all have our preferences and differences, yet for some individuals, these differences pose challenges in daily tasks. This is when the term "sensory processing challenges" comes into play. Additionally, you might encounter phrases like 'sensory integration difficulties,' 'sensory issues,' 'sensory processing difficulties,' or 'sensory processing disorder' to describe such conditions.
The Power of Sensory Input:
Children with ADHD not only struggle with the above-mentioned executive functioning issues but could also have anxiety and sensory overload or a lack of appropriate sensory input. Sensory products offer a valuable solution by providing controlled sensory experiences that help children with ADHD improve their attention, focus, and self-regulation skills. It has been found that decreased or even inhibiting body movements can cause deficits in performance in their everyday life such as school (2).
It would be advantageous to find non-disruptive ways to create movement opportunities (and would be especially helpful in learning environments). Small fidgets and activities will allow for this movement while the child can stay in their seat. Activities such as squishing stress balls, using fidget spinners, using theraband at the desk, or manipulating textured objects can engage multiple senses simultaneously. These activities not only provide opportunities for movement but also promote self-soothing, reduce anxiety, and therefore enhance concentration levels, which can ultimately improve academic or work performance.
Fidgets Sensory Fun Girls T-Shirt, Ashley - Perfect For Children With Sensory Processing
Weighted Products for Children with ADHD:
Weighted products, such as weighted blankets, vests, and compression clothing provide deep pressure stimulation, which has been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Many children with ADHD struggle with sensory regulation, often seeking out excessive movement or touch as a way to self-soothe. Compression garments and weighted blankets, specifically, have been shown to stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine, aiding in relaxation and improving sleep quality. These products can be used anytime throughout the day, during stressful situations, school or social situations, or in quiet moments when a sense of calmness is needed. In this study(3) focused on Autism but can still be applied to individuals, it was found that deep pressure had significant effects on participants based on physiological indicators of skin conductance. It was found that activating touch processing pathways can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase levels of dopamine or serotonin, neurotransmitters that control mood, motor behaviour, and impulse control. Before recommending a weight blanket take a look at RCOT's Official Weighted Blankets Guide.
Visual Aids and Time Management Tools for Children with ADHD:
One of the core symptoms of ADHD is difficulty with time management and organisation. Sensory products that incorporate visual aids, timers, or reminder systems can greatly assist children in managing their time more effectively. Visual timers provide a concrete representation of time passing, helping children plan and allocate their time more efficiently. Additionally, visual schedules or task boards can outline a daily routine, breaking tasks down into manageable steps. These tools provide structure and direction, reducing anxiety and supporting engagement in day-to-day activities.
Sensory products have a remarkable ability to improve focus, attention, and self-regulation for children with ADHD. The combination of tactile engagement, visual aids, and time management tools provides a multi-sensory approach to managing ADHD symptoms. By offering controlled sensory experiences, these products promote calmness and enhance concentration, allowing children with ADHD to navigate their daily lives more effectively. Whether it's using fidget tools, weighted products, or visual aids, incorporating sensory products into daily routines can make a significant difference in improving the overall well-being and quality of life of children living with ADHD.
This article has been written by Kozie Clothes, and edited by Sensory Integration Education.
Kozie Clothes strives to provide quality sensory products for children with special needs. We invite you to take a look at our wide selection of sensory products which are made right in the USA, and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our product or the special needs of your child. Some products are available for delivery worldwide.
Offer from Kozie, Use Code: 10forU (valid until May 31)
References
1) Data and statistics about ADHD (2023) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html (Accessed: 29 February 2024).
2) Hartanto TA, Krafft CE, Iosif AM, Schweitzer JB. A trial-by-trial analysis reveals more intense physical activity is associated with better cognitive control performance in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Child Neuropsychol. 2016;22(5):618-626. doi:10.1080/09297049.2015.1044511
3) SITNFlash (2016) Research into our sense of touch leads to new treatments for autism, Science in the News. Available at: https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2016/research-into-our-sense-of-touch-leads-to-new-treatments-for-autism/ (Accessed: 29 February 2024).
