Sensory activities for kids

Autism and Head banging: Tips and Foods to manage it

Head banging
| nirkayani

Does your child hit themself in the head when they are anxious? Is your child hitting their head against the wall, the floor, or the bed? Head banging appears to be one of the most prevalent acts of self-harm that many children with autism may engage in. Every parent finds it distressing to see their children harming themselves. Keep reading to understand why kids engage in head banging and some effective tips and foods to manage head banging in children. 

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What is Head banging?

Head banging is the most common sign of autism. According to studies, about 30% of autistic children harm themself by engaging in activities like head banging, skin picking, hair pulling, scratching, biting etc. Head banging is the means of expressing demands and self-soothing activity. Some kids may get rid of this before starting school but others could continue this act for years. This is not only bad for your youngster, but it’s also concerning for the parents and people nearby. 

Also check, Autism and Behavioural issues

Why do kids engage in head banging?

Children may engage in head banging because of various reasons. Here are some main causes of head banging:

  • Sensory processing issues
  • Attention seeking behaviour
  • Pain
  • Frustration
Sensory processing issues

Head banging results from either a sensory deficit or a sensory overload. Children can be sensitive to light, touch, texture, smell and colour of the food. A child may engage in head banging to stimulate their sensory system. Kids will feel better as a result of this. 

Also check, Sensory sensitivity in kids

Attention seeking behaviour

Occasionally, kids may use hand banging to seek their parent’s attention. As a result, they might repeat this every time they need your help so you can get to them right away.

Frustration

Head banging can also occur when a youngster is experiencing a tantrum or extremely powerful emotions because they find it difficult to express their thoughts verbally and instead turn to physical activities.

Also check, Cognitive behavioural therapy for kids

Pain

Although it might sound strange, head banging is frequently used to relieve pain. This is due to the fact that it serves as a diversion from the pain and discomfort. Furthermore, research demonstrates that self-harming activity boosts endorphin production, which gives anesthesia-like effect and the youngster does not sense pain during head-banging.

Risks associated with head banging

Head banging can rarely have an impact on kids below the age of 3. However, as they get older, there is a greater chance of experiencing permanent harm. Early interventions and behavioural therapies can help to reduce self-harming behaviours.

Also check, Tips to manage sensory overload in kids

Tips to manage head banging in children

1. FIND OUT WHAT IS THE TRIGGER:

Knowing what sets off your child’s tantrums can make it easier for you to diffuse the situation immediately. Is your kid hungry? Are they worn out? Try to address the issue once you’ve identified it. This is a useful technique for averting meltdowns and head banging as well.

Also check, How to manage tantrums in kids?

2. Sensory activities

You can use the following tactics if you’ve concluded that your child’s head banging is mostly caused by sensory processing issues.

For understimulated kids:

  • The vestibular system is stimulated by sensory swings, rocking, jumping on a trampoline.
  • Weighted blanket and stuffed animals can help to calm kids

For overstimulated kids:

  • Noise cancellation headphones
  • Let your kid play with clay, slime or play sand
  • Sensory bins

Also check, Sensory activities for kids

3. Create a safe environment 
  • Provide them with secure alternates like pile of soft pillows, bed etc
  • Make your kid to wear helmet
  • If your youngster frequently bangs their head on a specific place, make soft padding there.
4. Take it slow and be patient

Here are some steps you can take while your kid is angry or frustrated:

  • Count from 1 to 20
  • Advise them to breathe deeply when experiencing strong emotions.
  • To discuss safety techniques, read social stories.

It is not easy to teach children new ways to cope up with anger and it takes time. Keep repeating and practising things. Take it slow and work on one behaviour at a time. Observe the changes and reward them. 

Also check, Tips to manage anger in kids

5. Give the required attention 
  • Make sure your child receives required attention when they are not banging their heads.
  • Avoid scolding or punishing the child for hitting his head because  can make matters worse.
  • Try not to highlight the behaviour too much because doing so can encourage it.

Also check, Focus and Attention building games for kids

Foods to manage head banging in kids 

1.NUTS:

All nuts, including almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, and hazelnuts, are high in vitamin E and aid in memory enhancement. They are also antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Walnuts are high in omega 3 fatty acids and are beneficial to sensory sensitivity, brain function, memory, and cognitive abilities. This fatty acid is also beneficial to cognitive functions.

 Also check, Best nuts for protein

2.SEEDS:

Aside from nuts, seeds such as flax, chia, melon, sesame, and pumpkins contain potent antioxidants such as vitamin E, which protect the brain from free radical damage. Sunflower seeds have an effect on overall mood and mental processing abilities, so they are regarded as a brain-boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds contain more magnesium, copper, and zinc than other seeds, which aid in eye contact, concentration, and memory. One of the simplest brain-boosting foods for children to consume.

Also check, Benefits of pumpkin seeds

3.ASHWAGANDHA:

It is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. Ashwagandha has a strong affinity for GABA receptors. As a result, Ashwagandha can be used to treat Autism symptoms such as sensory issues, memory loss, anxiety, and attention deficit.

Also check, More benefits of Ashwagandha

4.BRAHMI:

Brahmi is a brain superfood that is believed to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals involved in learning and memory. It acts on the CNS, where it improves grasping power, eye contact, memory, intellect, and speech, as well as correcting sensory sensitivity, emotional, mood, and personality aberrations in an individual.

Also check, More benefits of Brahmi

5.SHANKHAPUSHPI:

In order to improve brain functioning, shankhapushpi is an old remedy. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Since it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhapushpi have improved autism features like sensory issues, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.

Also check, Herbs that help to manage brain fog

6.OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS:

There is a link between omega 3 fatty acids and early childhood brain development, according to research. These healthy fats have incredible brain-boosting properties, additionally play an important role in improving autism features like sensory sensitivity, memory, and attention span. Fish and walnuts are excellent sources of omega 3.

Also check, Why is Omega 3 important for your kids?

7.MAGNESIUM:

Magnesium is responsible for nerve transmission and nerve-muscle coordination in our bodies. In other words, it guards against a child’s excessive excitement (which can be traumatic). It also increases the effectiveness of vitamin B, which is important in the production of enzymes required by the brain. It  may improve sensory sensitivity and reduce behavioral issues.

Also check, What are some disorders in which magnesium can help?

8. ZINC: 

Zinc is a mineral that our bodies require in trace amounts. Because our bodies do not store zinc, we must consume small amounts of it on a regular basis to maintain our health. It is required for proper brain development and function, immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing.

Also check, How can zinc help with hair and skin health?

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India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.

For Kids who engage in head banging, having Sensory processing issues, give Kids & Teens Brain Booster Chocolate Spread and Brain Veggie and Dal powder | 0% preservatives | 0% refined sugar | 0% palm oil | Fortified with SHANKHAPUSHPI, ASHWAGANDHA, BRAHMI | Contains OMEGA 3, PROTEIN | ORDER |

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Autism and Sound Sensitivity in Children

Hyperacusis sensitivity
| nirkayani

Does your child get irritated by loud noises? Did your child pay attention to some noises that you are unaware of? Does your child cover his or her ears when they hear loud noises like alarms, crackers or speakers? Does your kid like to visit quiet places like museums or libraries rather than crowded places like malls, theatres and concerts? These are some of the strong signs of sound sensitivity in children. Children with autism can often have excessive sensitivity to sound or overcrowding. Do you understand why this occurs?  Let’s learn more about sound sensitivity in children and tips and foods to manage it.

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What is Sound sensitivity ?

Autism spectrum disorder is frequently characterised by decreased sound tolerance disorders. The most typical forms of sound sensitivity are hyperacusis, misophonia and sonophobia.

Hyperacusis, which is also known as sound sensitivity is the extreme sensitivity to sounds including television, speakers, alarms, sirens, crackers etc. This can make a child feel uncomfortable and irritated.  A child who finds a sound upsetting may express their uneasiness by covering their ears, attempting to mute the source, or escaping the noisy area.

Misophonia is a response to certain noises, most frequently throwing tantrums, anger or hatred. This response can be triggered by breathing, whispering, chewing or slurping sounds.

Sonophobia is a prolonged and abnormal aversion to sound, whether it is a particular sound like an alarm or background noise in general.It may interfere with one’s sleep, focus, psychological control and also can induce stress. On the other hand, children who are not sensitive enough will not be able to fully utilise their senses.

Also check, Autism and Sensory sensitivity

Possible causes of sound sensitivity in children

Our ears can sense the vibrations in noises. Our brain may misinterpret or amplify some vibrations in case of sound sensitivity.To put it simply, when a noise is made, the brain reacts more strongly than necessary. Your child may experience a fight or flight reaction as a result of this, which is characterised by a strong sense of discomfort that something will go wrong. There is still no clear explanation for what causes sound sensitivity. Hyperacusis is not commonly inherited from birth. Typically, specific illnesses or other health problems cause it. Here are the most typical causes of sound sensitivity:

  • Brain injury
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Viral infection in the inner ear
  • Migraine
  • Epilepsy
  • Chronic tiredness
  • Trauma
  • Depression
  • Surgery on the jaw

Also check, Toe walking in kids

Signs and symptoms of sound sensitivity

Children who deal with sound sensitivity may scream or cry in distress. Symptoms of sound sensitivity can differ from mild to moderate. Here are some mild signs:

  • Normal sounds being overly loud
  • Feel discomfort in ears (due to the volume of own voice)
  • Brain fog
  • Trouble focusing

Here are some severe signs of sound sensitivity:

  • Discomfort upon hearing loud noises
  • Ear bursting feeling when exposed to loud noises
  • Tiredness
  • Lack of sleep 

Also check, Early signs of Autism

Treatments and therapies for sound sensitivity

Dialectical/ Cognitive behavioural therapy

DBT is a kind of cognitive-behavioural therapy that seeks to alter behaviour by helping people acknowledge, accepting their current emotions and providing tools that can help with regulating their emotions to sounds and improving sound tolerance and mindfulness. Its main goals are teaching coping mechanisms, identifying problematic thought patterns, and regulating intense emotions to particular sounds.

Also check, Types of therapies for autism

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

When you hear ringing noise or other disturbances in your ears, it’s called tinnitus. Other people normally cannot hear the sounds you hear since it is not caused by an outside sound. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) employs a tool resembling a hearing aid. This medical device produces low-intensity sound. This can eventually assist your brain in placing less focus on the tinnitus.

Also check, Speech therapy fun exercises

Desensitization of sound

Your child has to listen to gentle static noise for a certain period of time each day during sound desensitisation. Your kid’s tolerance level for sound or noise may progressively rise as a result of this.  To observe results, it may take up to 6 months.

Also check, Obsessive compulsive disorder

Tips to manage sound sensitivity in children

Parents can follow some strategies to manage sound sensitivity in children. Here are some effective tips to manage sound sensitivity:

1.Acknowledge the issue:

Without understanding a child’s situation, it is impossible to make adjustments for them. When you acknowledge the issue, you see that his or her behaviour is not unreasonable but instead a typical fight-or-flight reaction to prolonged exposure to noises.

Also check, Tips to improve academic performance

2. Find the trigger

The most crucial step is probably figuring out which sounds make your child anxious. A television, vehicle horn sound, washing machine or dishwasher noises are few examples of the triggers. If your child shows signs of discomfort when a sound first appears, list it out.

Also check, Tips for personality development

3. Use Noise-Cancellation headphones

A set of earplugs is generally sufficient for children to block out external sounds or noises to certain points where they feel safe and relaxed. Preferably, parents should always have these with them especially when they are going out with their children to set off the reaction.

Also check, Tip to personal hygiene and health

4.Identify a quiet place

Note down the locations where your youngster feels secure and at peace. It might be meditation centres, religious places like church or temple, painting classes, library, or a walk in a park.

Also check, Tips for home schooling

5. Distractions

Diverting your child’s attention may help them cope with the intrusive sound. Engage your child in some focus building activities which can really help them to divert their focus from upsetting or unpleasant sounds.

Also check, Sensory activity for kids

6. Practice

Providing your child with a sense of control over the sound may help them cope with new sounds more easily. For example, if the vacuum cleaner makes a lot of noise, let your kid operate it. This can help your child to increase their tolerance level.

Also check, Tips to improve concentration of kids

Foods and herbs that help to manage the symptoms

1. NUTS:

Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and macadamia nuts all have unique qualities to offer. Macadamias support healthy brain functioning and pistachio nut oils store fatty acids and fight inflammation. Almonds aid with memory improvement. They all help in alleviating ASD symptoms.

Also check, Best Nuts and seeds for protein.

2. SEEDS:

Flaxseeds are a great source of fibre and omega-3 fats. They help in enhancing the parts of the brain involved in controlling mood and cognition. Flaxseeds are best eaten ground, and can easily be added to baked goods, oatmeal, sprinkled on salads, or desserts. According to research, Muskmelon seeds help in increasing oxygen flow to the brain thereby calming and making it stress free. Seeds rich in omega-3 and Vitamin E  help in maintaining brain health.

Also check, Health benefits of pumpkin seeds.

3. ASHWAGANDHA:

Ashwagandha’s most highly valued advantages includes it beneficial effects on stress, anxiety and mood. The ingredients in ashwagandha have anti-inflammatory, brain-protective, and stress-reducing properties that may shield your body from a number of ailments. Ashwagandha is offered at nutritional stores and health food markets in the forms of powder, extract, and also as supplements.

Also check, Health benefits of Ashwagandha.

4. SHANKHAPUSHPI:

According to Ayurveda, Shankhpushpi relieves tension and anxiety and helps in calming the brain. Its Medhya (improves intelligence) characteristic also helps memory by functioning as a brain tonic. Take Shankhpushpi powder with warm milk or water as it assists in improving focus and memory.  Shankhapushpi is a traditional remedy for increasing the functioning of the brain. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Since it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking Shankhapushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.

Also check, Brain foods for kids

5. BRAHMI:

A wide variety of herbs with therapeutic properties are the center of the ayurvedic world. Brahmi is a popular herb in Ayurveda and is one of these because it can transform your health from unhealthy to highly healthy. It helps to enhance focus and memory. Some of the chemical constituents in brahmi stimulate the neural pathways involved in cognition, which aids in the development of cognitive and sensory skills. Furthermore , this plant finds its use in treating dementia, ASD and also other mental diseases like Alzheimer’s. So it helps in maintaining brain health.

Also check, More benefits of brahmi

7. COCOA:

Pure cocoa powder (unsweetened) contains brain boosting components as it is packed with a large number of antioxidants molecules, the main is epicatechin helpful to improve cognition and also speech impairment in studies. Hence cocoa powder is also an important brain development food for children and contributes in maintaining sound brain health.

Also check, Benefits of Cocoa powder.

Product

It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Kids Ayurvedic Brain Booster is also an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Brain development to kids without any fuss. Made with Proven Ingredients. No Preservatives or Artificial Colour or Flavour. No Side Effects. Trusted by 20000+ Parents and Practitioners. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods – SHOP HERE

India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.

For Sensory Motor Skills, Cognitive function and Brain development , give Kids & Teens Brain Booster Chocolate/ Savoury Spread | 0% preservatives | 0% refined sugar | 0% palm oil | Fortified with SHANKHAPUSHPI, ASHWAGANDHA, BRAHMI | Contains OMEGA 3, PROTEIN | ORDER |

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Sensory Activities for Kids with ADHD and ASD

Sensory
| nirkayani

Does your child have excessive energy or a complete absence of reaction? Do they get distracted frequently? Do you find it difficult to engage your children in any activities? Kids with ADHD have complicated sensory system. When this sensory system doesn’t function properly, they may act aggressively, become hyper and inattentive. Here are some sensory activities for kids at home that not only help them reduce hyperactivity but also improve their attention and stimulate their senses.

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Types of sensory issues

Many autistic children have difficulties processing sensory information. Children who are either hyporesponsive or hyperresponsive may exhibit meltdowns, withdrawal, or other challenging behaviours. Desensitization tools can help these children deal with sensory inputs.

To feel satisfied, under-sensitive (Hyposensitivity) children seek out more sensations. This could mean they turn up the volume on the TV, jump on the bed, or spin the wheels of their toy car over and over. Sensory toys provide them with the sensations they seek in a fun and safe environment.

Over-sensitive (Hypersensitivity) children attempt to avoid overpowering sensations. This could mean they cover their ears when the vacuum cleaner is on, want clothing tags removed, or cry when placed on a swing. In these cases, sensory toys serve as an enjoyable introduction to unpleasant sensations for children, with the goal of making the sense more tolerable in the future.

Also check, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Importance of sensory activities

Activities should constantly be customized to each child’s unique support strategies because children with autism exhibit a variety of different behaviours. It is advantageous in a number of ways to involve children with autism in sensory activities because it can help in:

  • Stimulating the brain, forming neural connections, and enhancing sensory processing mechanisms
  • Developing interpersonal abilities like cooperation and communication
  • Enhancing coordination and fine/gross motor skills
  • Calming down agitated children
  • Promote independent play or personalized learning, both of which can help children’s academic performance
  • A simple and approachable sensory experience for autistic kids 

Also check, Fun and engaging activities for autistic kids

Sensory activities for kids with ADHD and asd

Children with ASD are less likely to learn through traditional education, such as reading and writing; instead, they favour activities that use their senses. Extracurricular activities like art and craft activities and outdoor activities which involve their senses can be an effective method to improve their motor skills and enhance their brain’s ability to recognize and comprehend things through their sensory skills.

1.Swing

Swinging or rocking motion stimulates the sensory system and calms a hyperactive brain. The sensory nervous system of a child detects and processes movement of the swing as it goes back and forth, which has a relaxing and stabilising effect on the brain. Set up an indoor ceiling mounted swing or outdoor hammock.

Also check, 5 foods to manage hyperactivity in kids

2.Magic bottle

It is a very easy activity to play at home where a bottle with some water is taken and different things like glitters, marbles, buttons and other shiny items with some colours are added to make a vibrant and spectacular magic bottle/ sensory bottle. Just tilt the bottle and see how these colours and glitters move. This increases the attention span of the autism kids and helps them stay focused.

Also check, Tips to improve concentration

3.Magic of rain

Water has the capacity to heal and calm a person. So, next time when it rains don’t stop your kids from enjoying it. Let them dance, play and get soaked in the rain which will provide them a refreshing experience and calm their anxiety.

Also check, How to manage anxiety in kids?

4. Play with clay or slime

Playing with clay or slime is commonly utilised as an element of senses. Help your kid to make different structures like balls or snakes with that clay. Allow your kid to pull, twist, and press the slime. This activity has calming effect which will eventually improve the sensory as well as motor skills in kids.

Also check, Techniques to improve fine motor skills in kids

5. Play with sponge

This game is very simple. It only requires a sponge and a bowl with water. First, tell your kid to soak the sponge in the water. Then, tell him to squeeze the water in another bowl. You can also join with your kid and challenge them. This is an easy exercise to relax your kid and it aids in sensory motor development.

Also check, Speech therapy fun exercises to improve speech

6. Play with sand

When you go to the beach, give your kid a toy shovel. Allow them to play with sand like digging, scraping, building castles, etc. Your kid will enjoy it and it may improve their sensory skills. In indoors you can use play-sand or edible sand.

Also check, Techniques to reduce stammering in kids

7. Obstacle courses

Tell the kids to hug a tree, run around bushes, jump over a rope, etc. Place objects like chairs, bottles or toys evenly spaced apart in the kitchen, living room, or bed room. Instruct your child to move over, under or around those objects. Play some music or songs to make the task more enjoyable.  This helps them to keep their mind and body fully energetic and contributes in developing their sensory skills and also motor skills.

Also check, Activities to improve logical reasoning skills

8. Amuse your mouth

The mouth functions as an incredible organiser for handling sensory stimuli. Give crispy and crunchy snacks like carrot, cucumber, apple etc to improve the sensory as well as motor skills. The mouth stimuli can also be stimulated by humming a song, blowing soap bubbles, and drinking juice or water through a straw.

Also check, Oral motor exercises for kids

9. Sensory bin

A sensory bin is often a large container or plastic tub loaded with items and things that have been chosen specifically to stimulate the senses. Chopped paper, water beads, water, sand, pebbles, spaghetti, rice or wheat, marbles and a number of other objects can also be used to fill a sensory bin. These bins offer sensory stimulation as a soothing activity and several chances for learning and exploration.

Also check, More benefits of sensory bin

10. Spend some time in nature

Another tip to improve the sensory stimuli in kids is spending time in nature. Research suggests that natural environments could benefit brain development and may also improve concentration in children. Show them different types of flowers, pets, and other kids around. Let them walk in the grass. This will help children to explore more and stimulate their senses.

Also check, Brain development foods for children

Products

It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Kids Ayurvedic Brain Booster is also an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Brain development to kids without any fuss. Made with Proven Ingredients. No Preservatives or Artificial Colour or Flavour. No Side Effects. Trusted by 20000+ Parents and Practitioners. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods – SHOP HERE

India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.

For improving Sensory skills, Cognitive function and Motor skills , give Kids & Teens Brain Booster Chocolate/ Savoury Spread | 0% preservatives | 0% refined sugar | 0% palm oil | Fortified with SHANKHAPUSHPI, ASHWAGANDHA, BRAHMI | Contains OMEGA 3, PROTEIN | ORDER |

CHECK MORE PRODUCTS FOR:

Immunity, Gut health, Digestion, Weight, Brain development, Speech delay, Epilepsy, Eye health, Hormones, Sleep, Hyperactivity, Bones and Overall growth

what is the down's syndrome

Read more blogs