Re: sensory intergration

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/30/2004 12:56:51 PM Pacific Standard Time,

srkearns@... writes:

<<His activity level, social skills, behavior issues are now the most

frustrating things for me. His hearing impairment actually takes a back seat

to these

issues. >>

I'm with you on that too. Neal has one more year of preschool before being

mainstreamed in Kindergarten. I'm more worried at this point about his behavior

and social skills being ready for it than I am about language. Sensory

integration techniques as well as brain gym really can help. His teachers now

can

see a difference immediately when I brush him or do brain gym with him. But

in public school I won't be there to do that for him and the teacher won't have

time. Hopefully the parts of his behavior that ARE just developmental will

work themselves out this year so that what's left is easier to deal with...

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/30/2004 12:56:51 PM Pacific Standard Time,

srkearns@... writes:

<<His activity level, social skills, behavior issues are now the most

frustrating things for me. His hearing impairment actually takes a back seat

to these

issues. >>

I'm with you on that too. Neal has one more year of preschool before being

mainstreamed in Kindergarten. I'm more worried at this point about his behavior

and social skills being ready for it than I am about language. Sensory

integration techniques as well as brain gym really can help. His teachers now

can

see a difference immediately when I brush him or do brain gym with him. But

in public school I won't be there to do that for him and the teacher won't have

time. Hopefully the parts of his behavior that ARE just developmental will

work themselves out this year so that what's left is easier to deal with...

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/1/2004 6:56:59 AM Pacific Standard Time,

babydewe2@... writes:

<<However the things I find quirky are not academically related, so I've

never pushed for a diagnosis.>>

The thing is, all of these issues can have a big affect on self-esteem, which

can then affect behavior, which can then affect academics. I've seen a video

from Neal's SI clinic with a woman on it describing how her sensory issues

affected her learning and self esteem in school. Granted she was an extreme

case, but I can see how the same cycle could appear in less extreme cases as

well.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/1/2004 6:56:59 AM Pacific Standard Time,

babydewe2@... writes:

<<However the things I find quirky are not academically related, so I've

never pushed for a diagnosis.>>

The thing is, all of these issues can have a big affect on self-esteem, which

can then affect behavior, which can then affect academics. I've seen a video

from Neal's SI clinic with a woman on it describing how her sensory issues

affected her learning and self esteem in school. Granted she was an extreme

case, but I can see how the same cycle could appear in less extreme cases as

well.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/1/2004 6:56:59 AM Pacific Standard Time,

babydewe2@... writes:

<<However the things I find quirky are not academically related, so I've

never pushed for a diagnosis.>>

The thing is, all of these issues can have a big affect on self-esteem, which

can then affect behavior, which can then affect academics. I've seen a video

from Neal's SI clinic with a woman on it describing how her sensory issues

affected her learning and self esteem in school. Granted she was an extreme

case, but I can see how the same cycle could appear in less extreme cases as

well.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I can't believe how on target these messages have been with me and my son

Nate. We just recently joined the group and have always felt one-sided

before- either people understood only the deafness issues or only the

behavioral/SI issues. I'm so glad I joined the group.

We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it. I'd love to hear more about other SI

techniques (or other) that have been useful with HI/deaf children.

Especially in terms of social skills and attending skills. Nate could care

less about interacting with people, and REALLY resists it when we encourage

it.

Anyway, I hope this isn't a dumb question. What are the brain gym

exercises?

If these questions are getting too off-topic, feel free to email me

directly.

Thanks,

Cris

Re: sensory intergration

In a message dated 6/30/2004 12:56:51 PM Pacific Standard Time,

srkearns@... writes:

<<His activity level, social skills, behavior issues are now the most

frustrating things for me. His hearing impairment actually takes a back

seat

to these

issues. >>

I'm with you on that too. Neal has one more year of preschool before being

mainstreamed in Kindergarten. I'm more worried at this point about his

behavior

and social skills being ready for it than I am about language. Sensory

integration techniques as well as brain gym really can help. His teachers

now can

see a difference immediately when I brush him or do brain gym with him. But

in public school I won't be there to do that for him and the teacher won't

have

time. Hopefully the parts of his behavior that ARE just developmental will

work themselves out this year so that what's left is easier to deal with...

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I can't believe how on target these messages have been with me and my son

Nate. We just recently joined the group and have always felt one-sided

before- either people understood only the deafness issues or only the

behavioral/SI issues. I'm so glad I joined the group.

We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it. I'd love to hear more about other SI

techniques (or other) that have been useful with HI/deaf children.

Especially in terms of social skills and attending skills. Nate could care

less about interacting with people, and REALLY resists it when we encourage

it.

Anyway, I hope this isn't a dumb question. What are the brain gym

exercises?

If these questions are getting too off-topic, feel free to email me

directly.

Thanks,

Cris

Re: sensory intergration

In a message dated 6/30/2004 12:56:51 PM Pacific Standard Time,

srkearns@... writes:

<<His activity level, social skills, behavior issues are now the most

frustrating things for me. His hearing impairment actually takes a back

seat

to these

issues. >>

I'm with you on that too. Neal has one more year of preschool before being

mainstreamed in Kindergarten. I'm more worried at this point about his

behavior

and social skills being ready for it than I am about language. Sensory

integration techniques as well as brain gym really can help. His teachers

now can

see a difference immediately when I brush him or do brain gym with him. But

in public school I won't be there to do that for him and the teacher won't

have

time. Hopefully the parts of his behavior that ARE just developmental will

work themselves out this year so that what's left is easier to deal with...

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I can't believe how on target these messages have been with me and my son

Nate. We just recently joined the group and have always felt one-sided

before- either people understood only the deafness issues or only the

behavioral/SI issues. I'm so glad I joined the group.

We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it. I'd love to hear more about other SI

techniques (or other) that have been useful with HI/deaf children.

Especially in terms of social skills and attending skills. Nate could care

less about interacting with people, and REALLY resists it when we encourage

it.

Anyway, I hope this isn't a dumb question. What are the brain gym

exercises?

If these questions are getting too off-topic, feel free to email me

directly.

Thanks,

Cris

Re: sensory intergration

In a message dated 6/30/2004 12:56:51 PM Pacific Standard Time,

srkearns@... writes:

<<His activity level, social skills, behavior issues are now the most

frustrating things for me. His hearing impairment actually takes a back

seat

to these

issues. >>

I'm with you on that too. Neal has one more year of preschool before being

mainstreamed in Kindergarten. I'm more worried at this point about his

behavior

and social skills being ready for it than I am about language. Sensory

integration techniques as well as brain gym really can help. His teachers

now can

see a difference immediately when I brush him or do brain gym with him. But

in public school I won't be there to do that for him and the teacher won't

have

time. Hopefully the parts of his behavior that ARE just developmental will

work themselves out this year so that what's left is easier to deal with...

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/4/2004 8:17:19 PM Pacific Standard Time,

MunzingGC@... writes:

<<We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it. I'd love to hear more about other SI

techniques (or other) that have been useful with HI/deaf children.

Especially in terms of social skills and attending skills. Nate could care

less about interacting with people, and REALLY resists it when we encourage

it.

Anyway, I hope this isn't a dumb question. What are the brain gym

exercises?>>

With brushing, you really have to do it like it's a prescription in the

beginning. I was told to brush Neal every 2 hours for the first two weeks, and

we

did. After that it dropped to about 4 times a day. Now it's on an as needed

basis while at home, but I still do it before school each day at the very

least. You also really have to do the joint contractions along with the brushing

to

get the full effect. It truly works. It's also very helpful to brush them

before going into a situation that might overwhelm them, like a big party or

something.

Asking what brain gym is is not a dumb question. I'm sure many people

haven't heard of it. It's something that I had heard about from other parents

and

that Neal's OT used a bit, so I decided to take a class myself and get

certified in it. It involves exercises that enhance whole brain learning and

can also

help to calm a person down and refocus, etc. It's a useful tool for many

kids including those with sensory issues, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc. (It's

also good for adults.) You can do a search for brain gym or educational

kinesiology and find lots of info on it. www.braingym.org is probably the best

place

to start though.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4 1/2, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/4/2004 8:17:19 PM Pacific Standard Time,

MunzingGC@... writes:

<<We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it. I'd love to hear more about other SI

techniques (or other) that have been useful with HI/deaf children.

Especially in terms of social skills and attending skills. Nate could care

less about interacting with people, and REALLY resists it when we encourage

it.

Anyway, I hope this isn't a dumb question. What are the brain gym

exercises?>>

With brushing, you really have to do it like it's a prescription in the

beginning. I was told to brush Neal every 2 hours for the first two weeks, and

we

did. After that it dropped to about 4 times a day. Now it's on an as needed

basis while at home, but I still do it before school each day at the very

least. You also really have to do the joint contractions along with the brushing

to

get the full effect. It truly works. It's also very helpful to brush them

before going into a situation that might overwhelm them, like a big party or

something.

Asking what brain gym is is not a dumb question. I'm sure many people

haven't heard of it. It's something that I had heard about from other parents

and

that Neal's OT used a bit, so I decided to take a class myself and get

certified in it. It involves exercises that enhance whole brain learning and

can also

help to calm a person down and refocus, etc. It's a useful tool for many

kids including those with sensory issues, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc. (It's

also good for adults.) You can do a search for brain gym or educational

kinesiology and find lots of info on it. www.braingym.org is probably the best

place

to start though.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4 1/2, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/4/2004 8:17:19 PM Pacific Standard Time,

MunzingGC@... writes:

<<We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it. I'd love to hear more about other SI

techniques (or other) that have been useful with HI/deaf children.

Especially in terms of social skills and attending skills. Nate could care

less about interacting with people, and REALLY resists it when we encourage

it.

Anyway, I hope this isn't a dumb question. What are the brain gym

exercises?>>

With brushing, you really have to do it like it's a prescription in the

beginning. I was told to brush Neal every 2 hours for the first two weeks, and

we

did. After that it dropped to about 4 times a day. Now it's on an as needed

basis while at home, but I still do it before school each day at the very

least. You also really have to do the joint contractions along with the brushing

to

get the full effect. It truly works. It's also very helpful to brush them

before going into a situation that might overwhelm them, like a big party or

something.

Asking what brain gym is is not a dumb question. I'm sure many people

haven't heard of it. It's something that I had heard about from other parents

and

that Neal's OT used a bit, so I decided to take a class myself and get

certified in it. It involves exercises that enhance whole brain learning and

can also

help to calm a person down and refocus, etc. It's a useful tool for many

kids including those with sensory issues, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc. (It's

also good for adults.) You can do a search for brain gym or educational

kinesiology and find lots of info on it. www.braingym.org is probably the best

place

to start though.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4 1/2, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/4/2004 11:17:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

MunzingGC@... writes:

We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it.

I'm interested in what brain gym excercises and brushing are as well.

We've never gone for any SI therapy or even sought out any information about

it because Ian's little oddities never seemed to interfere with anything other

than clothes or the occassional dinner.

The talk of " brushing " made me think of this -- I wonder if it falls into SI.

Before his hearing loss was identified, Ian was exhibiting some nervous ticks

(not nearly severe enough to meet the any standard for Tourettes). Especially

during any tests, he'd get nervous and fidgety just like any kid, except he

would wind up and not know how to wind down, so he'd make funny noises or say

silly things. The psychologist suggested that we try simple things like a touch

on the shoulder to bring him back to focus. It worked. The teachers knew

about it and just touching his shoulder was enough. It was rather amazing to us.

As he got older he needed to learn to refocus on his own. Eventually it was

his TOD who knew how to help him refocus the engery most successfully. (I just

adore his TOD and her colleagues.) Over time he has become very good at taking

control of that nervous energy (I don't know what else to call it) and

refocusing it. Now when he has the urge to vocalize (the odd little noises) he

takes

his pencil and jiggles it below the table so that it does not distrub the

other kids in class. A worry stone was also a good thing because he could hold

it

and just rub his thumb on it. But he kept losing those, so the pencil

jiggling has been the best because he always has a pen or pencil.

I guess I should go read a bit about SI since I'm not even sure about the

range of symptoms or what it's key issues are.

Best - Jill

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/4/2004 11:17:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

MunzingGC@... writes:

We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it.

I'm interested in what brain gym excercises and brushing are as well.

We've never gone for any SI therapy or even sought out any information about

it because Ian's little oddities never seemed to interfere with anything other

than clothes or the occassional dinner.

The talk of " brushing " made me think of this -- I wonder if it falls into SI.

Before his hearing loss was identified, Ian was exhibiting some nervous ticks

(not nearly severe enough to meet the any standard for Tourettes). Especially

during any tests, he'd get nervous and fidgety just like any kid, except he

would wind up and not know how to wind down, so he'd make funny noises or say

silly things. The psychologist suggested that we try simple things like a touch

on the shoulder to bring him back to focus. It worked. The teachers knew

about it and just touching his shoulder was enough. It was rather amazing to us.

As he got older he needed to learn to refocus on his own. Eventually it was

his TOD who knew how to help him refocus the engery most successfully. (I just

adore his TOD and her colleagues.) Over time he has become very good at taking

control of that nervous energy (I don't know what else to call it) and

refocusing it. Now when he has the urge to vocalize (the odd little noises) he

takes

his pencil and jiggles it below the table so that it does not distrub the

other kids in class. A worry stone was also a good thing because he could hold

it

and just rub his thumb on it. But he kept losing those, so the pencil

jiggling has been the best because he always has a pen or pencil.

I guess I should go read a bit about SI since I'm not even sure about the

range of symptoms or what it's key issues are.

Best - Jill

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/4/2004 11:17:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

MunzingGC@... writes:

We are attempting brushing- it hasn't been a huge difference so far, but we

have to get more strict about it.

I'm interested in what brain gym excercises and brushing are as well.

We've never gone for any SI therapy or even sought out any information about

it because Ian's little oddities never seemed to interfere with anything other

than clothes or the occassional dinner.

The talk of " brushing " made me think of this -- I wonder if it falls into SI.

Before his hearing loss was identified, Ian was exhibiting some nervous ticks

(not nearly severe enough to meet the any standard for Tourettes). Especially

during any tests, he'd get nervous and fidgety just like any kid, except he

would wind up and not know how to wind down, so he'd make funny noises or say

silly things. The psychologist suggested that we try simple things like a touch

on the shoulder to bring him back to focus. It worked. The teachers knew

about it and just touching his shoulder was enough. It was rather amazing to us.

As he got older he needed to learn to refocus on his own. Eventually it was

his TOD who knew how to help him refocus the engery most successfully. (I just

adore his TOD and her colleagues.) Over time he has become very good at taking

control of that nervous energy (I don't know what else to call it) and

refocusing it. Now when he has the urge to vocalize (the odd little noises) he

takes

his pencil and jiggles it below the table so that it does not distrub the

other kids in class. A worry stone was also a good thing because he could hold

it

and just rub his thumb on it. But he kept losing those, so the pencil

jiggling has been the best because he always has a pen or pencil.

I guess I should go read a bit about SI since I'm not even sure about the

range of symptoms or what it's key issues are.

Best - Jill

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/5/2004 9:57:16 AM Pacific Standard Time,

JillcWood@... writes:

<<I guess I should go read a bit about SI since I'm not even sure about the

range of symptoms or what it's key issues are. >>

There are many aspects to it, from taste and touch issues, to balance and

fear issues. It can affect behavior and attention as well as willingness to

participate in situations. I would suggest reading The Out of Sync Child as an

introduction. I'm not an expert, but I've learned alot in the last year and a

half through Neal and his teachers and therapists and would be willing to

attempt an answer to any questions you or anyone else might have. If nothing

else,

I could at least give you personal insight.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

What exactly is Brushing in regards to Sensory Integration issues? I've

heard it mentioned before, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. Thanks for

the input!

Sara

Tessa, 21 mo, Severe-Profound SN HL

[Guest guest]

What exactly is Brushing in regards to Sensory Integration issues? I've

heard it mentioned before, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. Thanks for

the input!

Sara

Tessa, 21 mo, Severe-Profound SN HL

[Guest guest]

What exactly is Brushing in regards to Sensory Integration issues? I've

heard it mentioned before, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. Thanks for

the input!

Sara

Tessa, 21 mo, Severe-Profound SN HL

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/5/2004 2:14:29 PM Pacific Standard Time,

snobordnwifey@... writes:

<<What exactly is Brushing in regards to Sensory Integration issues? I've

heard it mentioned before, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. Thanks for

the input!>>

You literally brush the child's body. You use a brush that is just like one

doctor's use to scrub for surgery. It basically stimulates the central

nervous system to help it organize itself. Different OT's apparantly promote

different brushing techniques. Neal's said to do his right arm, going around it

three times and including the hand, then his back once, then his left arm three

times, then his left leg three times, then his right leg three times (including

feet with legs). The instructions specifically said to never brush the

stomache or chest or face. I have heard from others that their OT's also said

to

brush slowly without ever lifting the brush. You press hard enough to bend the

bristles of the brush. After brushing you do joint compressions, which are

harder to explain here.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4 1/2, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/5/2004 2:14:29 PM Pacific Standard Time,

snobordnwifey@... writes:

<<What exactly is Brushing in regards to Sensory Integration issues? I've

heard it mentioned before, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. Thanks for

the input!>>

You literally brush the child's body. You use a brush that is just like one

doctor's use to scrub for surgery. It basically stimulates the central

nervous system to help it organize itself. Different OT's apparantly promote

different brushing techniques. Neal's said to do his right arm, going around it

three times and including the hand, then his back once, then his left arm three

times, then his left leg three times, then his right leg three times (including

feet with legs). The instructions specifically said to never brush the

stomache or chest or face. I have heard from others that their OT's also said

to

brush slowly without ever lifting the brush. You press hard enough to bend the

bristles of the brush. After brushing you do joint compressions, which are

harder to explain here.

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4 1/2, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/6/2004 4:12:42 PM Pacific Standard Time,

babydewe2@... writes:

<< is cool in there until someone turns on " the bubbles " then she just

stands there screaming about the bubbles until they get turned off again. I

asked her about it, but all she can say is that she doesn't like the way they

tickle. None of the other kids seem bothered by it and I certainly don't mind

it...so I wonder???>>

All I can say is that Neal freaks out about the bubbles in our spa too. He

doesn't say they tickle, but he IS extrememly ticklish and being so is one of

the signs of sensory problems. In fact at one time I realized that his SLP was

tickling him when he did a good job, you know just a little light tickly touch

that to most people would be pleasant, and Neal was saying " OW. " . I

mentioned it to his OT and she pointed out that to Neal he was getting negative

feedback for a positive action, which would be very connfusing to him. I was

told

that you should never ever tickle a kid with sensory issues. There are so many

things you see in a different light once you start to understand any sensory

issues your kid may have. Just like you see things differently from the

perspective of a parent with a deaf child. I just happen to get both of them

:-)

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4 1/2, CII 6-11-02

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/6/2004 4:12:42 PM Pacific Standard Time,

babydewe2@... writes:

<< is cool in there until someone turns on " the bubbles " then she just

stands there screaming about the bubbles until they get turned off again. I

asked her about it, but all she can say is that she doesn't like the way they

tickle. None of the other kids seem bothered by it and I certainly don't mind

it...so I wonder???>>

All I can say is that Neal freaks out about the bubbles in our spa too. He

doesn't say they tickle, but he IS extrememly ticklish and being so is one of

the signs of sensory problems. In fact at one time I realized that his SLP was

tickling him when he did a good job, you know just a little light tickly touch

that to most people would be pleasant, and Neal was saying " OW. " . I

mentioned it to his OT and she pointed out that to Neal he was getting negative

feedback for a positive action, which would be very connfusing to him. I was

told

that you should never ever tickle a kid with sensory issues. There are so many

things you see in a different light once you start to understand any sensory

issues your kid may have. Just like you see things differently from the

perspective of a parent with a deaf child. I just happen to get both of them

:-)

~Rhonda~

Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 4 1/2, CII 6-11-02