Sensory Processing - small aids, big difference
Author: Stefanie Groeneveld - van Hout
Orthopedagogist
A Fast-Paced, Busy World
We live in a fast-paced world. There is a lot of information, many stimuli, and little real rest: school days are full, screens are everywhere, schedules quickly fill up, and even at home, things are often "on" (non-stop noise, light, toys, expectations, and so-called 'must-dos').
Children are expected to be able to switch gears quickly, adapt, and continue to learn and function socially. For more and more children, this is simply too much. Their brains receive so much input that they can struggle to filter, process, and settle down. This is reflected in their behavior, concentration, emotions, and sleep (or lack thereof).
Sensory Processing
Do you notice that your child easily gets overwhelmed, stays "on," or has difficulty concentrating and sitting still? This could be related to sensory processing: the way a person processes stimuli (sounds, crowds, touch, movement, emotions) and reacts to them.
With under-stimulation, a child often seeks extra stimulation. For example: fidgeting, wiggling, biting, making noises, touching everything. With over-stimulation, a child might withdraw, react emotionally intensely, or show hyperactive behavior.
A recognizable example: a child who constantly fiddles with a sweater, bites a pencil, or wiggles their legs is often not "just restless." Behavior has a function; it serves a purpose. It can actually be a way to regulate oneself. By providing appropriate stimulation (feeling, squeezing, biting, fidgeting, or moving something), the brain can better "get to level," making listening, focusing, learning, and cooperating sometimes easier. Sensory tools can sometimes be helpful in this, and I always have them on my table during my work.
Tools
What I always observe in practice: children themselves choose what suits them, and they use it precisely when needed. These tools are popular for a reason. They give children something tangible to release tension, maintain focus, or calm down.
That's why, in collaboration with Tanja, I have put together a Sensory Bag: a small trial package with different types of sensory tools. This allows every child to discover what is pleasant, because everyone is different. While one child relaxes from feeling something soft, another benefits from firm squeezing, twisting, or subtle movement stimulation. The goal is not to "get rid of" behavior, but to help your child regulate themselves in an appropriate way.
Trying Out
Trying things out is so valuable, because every nervous system reacts differently to stimuli. What helps today might be different tomorrow. After a busy school day, a child might need something different than during the weekend. By discovering together what works, your child gains words and tools to better understand and guide themselves.
When can the Fier en Focus Sensory Bag help? For example, with:
· Homework or a moment of concentration
· After school to de-stimulate
· Waiting (in the car, at the doctor's, in a restaurant)
· Anxious moments or changes (in the dentist's chair)
· During a quiet play moment to keep hands busy (during a film)
What's in the Sensory Bag?
There are 6 products in the bag:
· Balance finger bird: a small balance toy that encourages gentle movement and observation. Helps with slowing down and can support attention.
· 2 different squish balls (flutschibal and sugar ball): for squeezing and applying pressure. Especially good for under-stimulation: firm input through pressure can help to "activate" and listen better. Deep pressure also helps many children to release tension.
· Acupressure rings: provide clear tactile and pressure stimulation around the fingers. Often works well for stress relief and as a subtle fidget tool.
· Magnetic discs: for fidgeting and seeking tactile stimulation. The clicking and "connecting/disconnecting" can be helpful for regulation.
· Squish maze: a sensory stimulus through sight, touch, and a soft sound. Good for children who benefit from multiple stimuli at once to de-stress.
It is possible that a product may be temporarily unavailable. In such cases, an alternative will be carefully selected to ensure the package always offers sufficient variety.
Tip: allow your child to explore the tools in a calm moment first. This way, they learn what feels pleasant, so the bag can truly help during stressful or busy moments later on.
How to use it: place the bag in a designated spot (e.g., in a corner of the couch or next to the bed) to help calm down or focus better. By placing it in a fixed (calm) spot, the child always has a place to retreat to, for example, when sad or angry. What works can then be used more frequently and purposefully. The bag is also handy to take with you, for example, during a busy birthday party (to retreat for a moment), during a stressful visit to the dentist, or during a long car ride. More and more schools are also using these types of tools, as they help some children improve focus or manage under-stimulation, thereby reducing restlessness.
Curious? With the Sensory Bag, you give your child a safe, accessible way to discover which stimuli help. Balance, pressure, touch, or a combination of senses. Order the Sensory Bag and try together what works for you.
Please note: the Sensory Bag is a supportive tool and not a substitute for (ortho)pedagogical guidance or treatment. If you have ongoing concerns about behavior, stress, or development, it is always advisable to consult with a professional.
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