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Early on in my music therapy career, I had the privilege of working in a sensory integration center in Boise, Idaho. They had the most amazing clinicians, and as a new music therapist, they took me under their wings, and they became very dear friends and mentors to me.
Many of the kids that came through the clinic had either some kind of sensory sensitivity or sensory processing disorder. Their sensory needs were really at the forefront of everything that we were doing. It was during that time working there that I started noticing sensory quirks and sensory preferences on your average everyday person. I've really come to believe that most people tend to either be sensory seeker or a sensory avoider. Or, maybe they are a combination of the two, seeking certain stimuli while avoiding other stimuli.
This belief is a big part of my philosophy and inclination as a music therapist and as a music educator towards a sensory-based approach. This approach comes out in both the music I write for kids and the music I use for kids. At the end of this blog post, I will be sharing a song called “Breathe,” which shares a little bit of my sensory regulation approach with kids.
Sensory Seekers
If the average person seeks out sensory input, they might like to have music or the TV on a lot. It might actually make them more productive to have a lot of background noise. Maybe they love to blast music in the car, or receive multiple stimuli at one time. A young child who seeks sensory input may be able to regulate their sensory systems by talking really loudly or having really big reactions, crashing into things again and again, or by receiving deep pressure - I actually share a detailed example of a kiddo I encountered who is a sensory seeker on this podcast episode.
Sensory Avoiders
Those who avoid sensory input might cover their ears at loud sounds, have trouble wearing a wide variety of clothes, be bothered by seams, or prefer silence while driving. Maybe they don’t like to have the TV on while they’re working. The less stimuli, the better. You might see these kids looking distressed, becoming irritable, or exhibiting resistance during group activities.
Why I See Through A Sensory Lens
An invaluable lesson I have learned about myself is that I was probably one of these sensory kids growing up. I talk more about this on the podcast, but I can look back and remember specific quirks and struggles I had that were likely sensory-related. Even now, I am a self-proclaimed sensory avoider. As an adult, it doesn’t cause problems in my life because I do have control over my choices. Kids that are young and having a hard time with life in general probably don’t even know what is really bothering them - imagine if they could advocate for their needs.
My life experiences helped to shape the sensory lens that I approach kids with, and each of our own life experiences directly impacts the kind of teacher or clinician that we are.
Taking A Sensory-Based Approach
When I walk into a group or classroom of kids, their sensory needs are truly at the forefront of what I do. If you were to walk into one my groups with 20 or more kids, you would probably be surprised by how quiet it is. Why? Because I want to make sure that I am supporting all of the kids there, and that includes the sensory avoiders. You would also notice that while I often start off and end quiet, at some point in the middle when everyone is with me and feeling good, I challenge those kids and bring the stimuli up — but in a really safe and controlled environment. Then, I bring that stimuli back down so that we end with this level of calm.
You may wonder, “Does this work?” I will be honest — sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t. Anyone who works with kids, whether one-on-one or in a group, knows that those crash-and-burn moments happen. It sometimes feels like it’s one step forward and 12 steps back. There will be times where it feels like you are trying to dig yourself out of a “sensory regulation hole” and you are trying to capture everyone’s attention again. But sensory needs are still at the forefront of what I do, and I can use the general flow of the session, speed, and volume to adjust the way that songs are presented.
The Importance of Empathy
Something to consider that I really believe goes hand-in-hand with a sensory-based approach is empathy. I’m sure that many of us working with kids strongly believe that if a young child is acting out, more often than not there is a sensory, physical, or social-emotional reason for that behavior. So, we have this role and opportunity to show kids a huge amount of empathy to kindly help them and guide them to help their bodies regulate. We can also et them referrals to other professionals like occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, counselors, etc.
Music For Kiddos Podcast
I dive in a little deeper about this topic on my first episode of the Music for Kiddos podcast. Yes, we have a podcast!! We will also continue the conversation of using a sensory-based approach in future blog posts and podcast episodes.
Have you ever had an idea of something you’ve been wanting to do for a long time, and when it happens you can’t almost believe it? That’s how I feel about the Music for Kiddos podcast.
This podcast is for music therapists, music, educators, teachers, SLPs, OTs, PTs parents, and anybody who is interested in supporting a child's development with the use of music. My hope for this podcast is that it can foster feelings of community and support while expanding our commitment to supporting kids, loving kids and helping them to have joyful and happy lives. I really, really think that as clinicians, as educators, we are better together.
Today’s song:
The song “Breathe.”
Do you have a child that you work with (or maybe your own child) who has a hard time calming, paying attention, and self-regulating? We probably all do!
This meditation-type song focuses on sighing (can you hear the sighs in the music?) and it’s meant for self-regulation.
🎵 Download the chords and lyrics of the song here↓
We have partnered with West Music to offer free shipping on orders above $59.95 to Music For Kiddos Podcast’s listeners. Check out their incredible instruments and their incredible offerings at WestMusic.com or you can place your order at their customer service hotline at (800) 397-9378.
The code for free shipping is KIDDOS25. Make sure to check them out!
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