February 22, 2014

Help With A Sensory Issue

291b0f1c8b1d20566808abad4f5c425aI have a sensory question for the mama’s out there. Cooper has started doing this new thing that is making me CRAZY. And I need help.

Here is the scenario.

In the corner of our living room I have a little play area set up. There is a mini toy box and 3 or 4 bigger push toddler toys. Cooper will be playing in his area and then all of a sudden he will get really silly. He’ll start kicking the toys and thrashing. It’s like a rave. Lights are flashing, firetrucks are going off, dogs are barking, cows are mooing, etc.

And if Sawyer is there he usually get’s hurt from the kicking and thrashing. Cooper will do this for 30 seconds or so and then move on. I can’t tell what brings it on. And in the 30 seconds the room is trashed and Sawyer is crying.

So, do I ignore it?

He will do this in other areas too.

For example, I have a pretty stocked changing table in Sawyer’s room. Lots of diapers, wipes, blankets, etc. Cooper will be reading books next to the changing table and then all of a sudden he is ripping every single item off the changing table.

I know this is totally a sensory thing. But, what do I do? Not only is it destructive it’s messy and frustrating. Should I do a ‘time-out’ every single time? Honestly, I usually can’t catch him during the 30 seconds because he is moving so fast.

HELP PLEASE!

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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2 Comments

  1. Avatar photo findingcoopersvoice on February 22, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    I can’t thank you enough for this comment! So many amazing resources. I am going to dig into this soon. Thangs again!



  2. Jenny Michelle Rapson on February 23, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    You may have already looked into this so I apologize if this is old news – but my nephew who has some sensory issues wears a weighted vest to help him sit still & feel calm and it has really helped. He’s 4 now but started using it between 2 & 3. Just something to check on if you haven’t already.