My
inspiration is my daughter. She’s now five years old but when the book, My Brain Is Magic, was
written when she was two, we just started her assessments with medical
professionals for her neurodiversity diagnosis.
I wanted to give her an easy
way to communicate her sensory needs to me so that I could help her to regulate
and fulfill those needs.
Even though I am a health professional and I work in
health, it was difficult for me to hear about her being described in clinical
terms, as I imagine it would be for any parent.
The standardised tests can be
difficult for a parent to watch and to learn that their child is not meeting
the age requirements for certain things.
I
wanted to remind myself (and Maiya) that everyone processes information in
different ways and that should be celebrated. I wanted to focus on how she
learns and processes information from the environment and show it in a positive
light.
As a two-year old she had limited vocabulary, but all kids that age are
familiar with animals, so by using animals, children can verbalise and easily
express their sensory needs to grown-ups who can then help them to meet those
needs. For example, I feel like an octopus, I want to touch things or I feel
like a lion, I want to be loud today.
So,
what is a Sensory Seeker? They are individuals who have a strong desire for
sensory input, such as movement, touch, and sound. They may seek out intense
sensory experiences and engage in behaviours such as jumping, spinning, or
touching objects with different textures, so I wanted to write something that
helps parents and educators to provide those inputs in a safe and meaningful
way.
Educators
might not be aware that a child has additional sensory needs, so the book
provides a way for kids to communicate this. The inside jacket cover has a
poster for parents/ schools / teachers to use for kids to express what sensory
mood they are in.
I
wanted a fun story and also a resource that is easy for parents and educators
to pull out with really practical ideas to incorporate in daily routines.
I
hope that My Brain is Magic will be an empowering addition to the growing
literature on neurodiversity, offering a positive perspective on
sensory-seeking behaviour.
All
the strategies in book are based on my own experiences with a sensory seeker.
Here
are some strategies that can be helpful for sensory seekers:
1. Provide sensory-rich environments:
Create a sensory-rich environment that includes a variety of textures, colours,
and sounds. This can include sensory bins with different materials, such as
sand or rice, as well as toys with different textures or sounds.
2. Offer opportunities for movement:
Provide opportunities for movement, such as jumping on a trampoline, swinging
on a swing, or playing with a therapy ball. This can help sensory seekers
fulfill their need for movement and sensory input.
3. Use weighted items: Weighted blankets,
vests, or stuffed animals can provide deep pressure input that can be calming
for sensory seekers.
4. Provide fidget toys: Fidget toys, such
as stress balls or squishy toys, can provide a tactile sensory experience that
can help sensory seekers regulate their sensory input.
5. Provide breaks: Sensory seekers may
become overwhelmed if they are exposed to too much sensory input. Offer breaks
and opportunities to engage in calming activities, such as reading or drawing.
6. Seek professional support: If the
sensory seeking behaviours are impacting the individual’s ability to
participate in daily activities or causing distress, seek support from an
occupational therapist or other professional who specialises in sensory
integration. They can provide strategies and activities to help the individual
regulate their sensory input and improve their functioning.
My Brain is Magic was released in April 2023 to commemorate Autism Awareness Month, to recognise and celebrate the experiences of neurodiverse people.
It was beautifully and colourfully illustrated by an artist from Mumbai and published by Soaring Kite Books in 2023. What I love about Soaring Kite is their dedication to inclusivity and their mission to provide a platform for diverse authors and illustrators from around the world to share their stories.
Prasha
Sooful is a clinical audiologist and educator with master’s degrees in
Audiology and Global Learning. She has worked clinically and in research and
education for 17 years. Born in South Africa, she now lives in Australia with
her serene husband, an energetic toddler, a lazy German Shepherd, and an
ever-growing book collection.
