Understanding Arousal States and Managing Stimming
Using Sensory Symptoms to Enhance Speech Therapy Sessions: Understanding Arousal States and Managing Stimming (Part 2)
In the realm of speech therapy, understanding sensory symptoms is essential for creating effective and engaging sessions. Sensory processing differences, including stimming behaviors, can significantly impact a child's ability to communicate. By incorporating sensory activities tailored to a child's arousal state, therapists can create a more conducive environment for speech development.
Understanding Arousal States
Arousal states refer to the levels of alertness and responsiveness a child exhibits at any given time. These states can range from low arousal (drowsy or disengaged) to high arousal (overactive or anxious). A child’s arousal state can directly affect their ability to participate in speech activities. For example:
Low Arousal: Children may appear lethargic or disengaged, making it difficult for them to focus or respond during sessions.
Optimal Arousal: This state is characterized by alertness and readiness to engage, providing the best opportunity for learning and communication.
High Arousal: Children may exhibit hyperactivity or anxiety, which can lead to difficulty concentrating and may result in stimming behaviors as a way to self-regulate.
Understanding these states allows therapists to adjust activities accordingly, fostering an environment where children feel comfortable and engaged.
Strategies for Managing Stimming
Stimming, or self-stimulatory behavior, can include repetitive movements, sounds, or other sensory-seeking actions. While stimming can serve as a coping mechanism for children with sensory processing differences, it can sometimes distract from therapeutic activities.
In my experience, I’ve noticed that when a child is challenged in their abilities—such as trying to learn new words—and is constantly stimulated throughout the session, stimming tends to increase.
Here are strategies to effectively incorporate stimming and sensory needs into speech therapy sessions:
Activities to Enhance Speech Therapy Sessions
Identify Triggers:
Activity: Conduct informal observations during various tasks to note when stimming occurs. Create a checklist of activities or environments to pinpoint specific triggers.
Incorporate Sensory Breaks:
Activity: Schedule brief breaks every 10-15 minutes where children can engage in calming stimming behaviors, such as squeezing a stress ball or jumping in place.
Sensory Tools:
Activity: Provide a sensory toolbox containing:
Fidget spinners or cubes
Textured balls or fabric swatches
Weighted lap pads or blankets
Chewy Necklaces: Allow children to chew on safe, sensory-friendly necklaces during sessions to help with oral motor stimulation and self-regulation. Below is the link for purchasing chewy necklaces
Movement-Based Activities:
Activity: Include physical tasks like:
Jumping Games: Use a trampoline or hop on one foot while saying words or phrases.
Ball Rolling: Roll a ball back and forth while practicing vocabulary or sentence structure.
Visual Supports:
Activity: Create visual schedules that outline the session's flow, using:
Pictures for each activity
Color-coded charts to indicate transitions or breaks
Engaging Speech Activities:
Activity: Design multi-sensory tasks, such as:
Playdough Words: Form letters or words with playdough while discussing their meanings.
Storytelling with Props: Use puppets or figures to act out stories, incorporating language practice with visual elements.
Auditory Sensitivity Solutions:
Activity: Use Headphones to help children with auditory hypersensitivity. Noise-canceling or calming music can create a more comfortable auditory environment, allowing them to focus on speech tasks without distractions. Below is the link to buy headphones:
Positive Reinforcement:
Activity: Implement a reward system where children earn stickers or tokens for engaging in appropriate stimming behaviors while practicing speech.
By understanding and integrating sensory symptoms, such as arousal states and stimming behaviors, speech therapists can create more effective and enjoyable therapy sessions. Tailoring activities to meet the sensory needs of each child not only enhances engagement but also supports their overall communication development. By fostering an environment that respects and incorporates sensory preferences, therapists can help children thrive in their speech therapy journey.
