First Steps: Kentucky Early Intervention System Big Sandy District

09/28/2022

Reading to your child every day is a great way to spark their imagination and stimulate curiosity. Share your favorite book from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in the comments below! (📸 : Sarah T.)

09/24/2022

Early intervention is SO crucial.

I share some of the signs in hopes to bring awareness, to help another child get the help they need at an early age. 💓

Note - the child doesn’t need to have ALL these behaviors, and they can also vary in severity too.

My doctor didn’t believe my daughter had autism because she responded to her name 🤷🏻‍♀️
But she had delayed milestones, non-verbal, sensory issues… the list was long.

Just be aware of what it could look like 💕

09/24/2022

09/22/2022

"Sensory processing" can be broken down into different categories, but one thing is clear: interpretation of sensory input is “off”.

Here, you will find a list of common sensory responses that might be seen with sensory processing disorder. Use this sensory processing disorder checklist to better understand responses to sensory input.

It will be helpful to read this sensory processing disorder chart to get a bigger picture on this umbrella term.
https://www.theottoolbox.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist/

09/21/2022

09/21/2022

‼️ Kids learn so much just by watching what we do.

09/21/2022

SENSORY SEEKER VS SENSORY AVOIDER
Get some regulating activities here - https://www.funsensoryplay.com/20-self-regulating-activities-for-preschoolers/

This chart gives you an overview of some of the main traits of a child who may be a sensory seeker or a sensory avoider (sensory sensitive).

SENSORY SEEKER:
- Can be loud and/or enjoy loud noises
- Loves to jump, climb, crash, etc!
In order words loves any movement that provides vestibular or proprioceptive input.
- May fidget a lot - constant need to move
- High tolerance for pain
- Loves to be touched and love to touch
- Can be a chewer and/or enjoy crunchy foods
- Prefer rough play
- May seem to have behavior issues

In other words, a sensory seeker is looking for sensory stimulation. Most sensory seekers are undersensitive to the input so they are always seeking more.

SENSORY AVOIDER:
- Fear of climbing, unstable surfaces, heights, etc.
- Sensitive to touch
- Hates to have hair brushed and/or washed
- Prefers to be alone or withdraws when there’s too many people/noise
- Picky eater
- Can’t tolerate certain type of clothes, tags, etc.
- Startled by and/or afraid of loud noise
- May have meltdowns in large crowds or unfamiliar places

A sensory avoider is hypersensitive - they experience the sensations more intensely.
They often avoid because it’s overwhelming for them.

And yes - your child can be both!
One child could be sensitive to sounds (noise sensitivity) but may seek lots of movement.
This is very normal.

If your child is showing signs of either and it’s impacting your family’s daily life, please seek the help of an Occupational Therapist.

09/21/2022

09/16/2022

Remember...

09/15/2022

One giant step for humankind and another milestone to add to the books! Help encourage baby to take those first steps by trying these 6 tips!

➡️ Find out if baby is ready to walk here: https://pathways.org/baby-walking-on-their-own/

09/13/2022