Preparing for Thanksgiving part 4
This is part 4 in a 10 part series leading up to Thanksgiving by our parent contributor, Beth Lattime. You can read part 3 here.
Team up for sensory needs.
If you have family and friends that you feel comfortable with more than others, ask them ahead of time if they would mind getting up to walk your child around outside or in another room. Let them know what you do when you give your child a chance to regroup as a result of sensory overload or overstimulation. If you are on your own, can you bring things with you or think through the environment you are entering to best serve your child’s needs? For instance, does Cousin Johnny have a CD player that you can utilize with a set of headphones for your kiddo who calms down to classical music? Does Aunt Jane care if your kiddo plays the piano after they finish a few bites of their food? Be mobile, but have a structured plan. If you aren’t sure how to do this, ask your child’s occupational therapist or teacher what they do to help your child regain focus during the school day.