Meeting the Sensory Needs of Your 2e Child
Summary: Ways to meet the sensory needs of children who have sensory processing disorder. Tips for everyday issues and frustrations such as dealing with clothing and setting up a routine.
Our daughter has been a
blessing to us, ever since we flew to China to adopt her as an infant.
At the same time, having a child or one with Sensory Processing Disorder has been a challenge.
At the same time, having a child or one with Sensory Processing Disorder has been a challenge.
Can you relate?
Many gifted kids have sensory needs and intensities.
But we found that ours showed the signs of more than that, and was found to have sensory processing disorder (SPD). That was one of the ways she was twice exceptional.
And since I have an OT background, we just worked to accommodate things to meet her needs, as best we could.
But we found that ours showed the signs of more than that, and was found to have sensory processing disorder (SPD). That was one of the ways she was twice exceptional.
And since I have an OT background, we just worked to accommodate things to meet her needs, as best we could.
We knew that our school
district did not have a program that would help her deal with her sensory issues and meet her needs. So we
took the plunge and tried our hand at homeschooling.
Our daughter was a sensory seeker as a little one, always jumping off the couch, doing summersaults across the living room floor, spinning in her dad's desk chair, and seeking out sensory input all day long.
She also reacted to loud noises, did not like to be touched, ie was hyper-reactive to tactile input, and hated the tags in clothes. And zippers. And buttons, or anything that put pressure on her body from her clothing.
Solving the Clothing Issue
This was easy for us, as we just went with what seemed to work out best for her. So it was sweatpants and tee shirts for years. The other advantage of this, beyond the sensory issue, was that both were very easy for her to put on by herself.
Through trial and error, we went about solving her other sensory needs, one day at a time. Many families seek out the help of an Occupational Therapist for sensory processing disorder. But since I was an O.T. myself, we didn't need to do that.
Here are the things that worked well for us.
She also reacted to loud noises, did not like to be touched, ie was hyper-reactive to tactile input, and hated the tags in clothes. And zippers. And buttons, or anything that put pressure on her body from her clothing.
Solving the Clothing Issue
This was easy for us, as we just went with what seemed to work out best for her. So it was sweatpants and tee shirts for years. The other advantage of this, beyond the sensory issue, was that both were very easy for her to put on by herself.
Through trial and error, we went about solving her other sensory needs, one day at a time. Many families seek out the help of an Occupational Therapist for sensory processing disorder. But since I was an O.T. myself, we didn't need to do that.
Here are the things that worked well for us.
Meeting Sensory Needs -
Lots of information on that is here, in a post for younger kids but all the techniques listed apply just as well to older kids, too. Just scroll down to the section on
Lots of information on that is here, in a post for younger kids but all the techniques listed apply just as well to older kids, too. Just scroll down to the section on
-----Meeting Sensory Needs-----
Providing Routine in
the Day
Our sensory seeking daughter did best with some structure in her day. Knowing what was next helped her anxiety.
We set up a simple routine of meals, errands, etc. We built a rhythm to our days.
Structure was a help. We also needed to help our daughter to prepare for changes in her life. Lots of kids with SPD struggle with change. Ours especially did, with all the changes she had moving to the US and being adopted.
Preparing for Changes
We took time to prepare our kiddo for any changes.
Kids with SPD often get upset with changes in their routine. So we let her know ahead of time if we could. And she got a vote in any changes to physical things, such as rearranging the furniture. Giving her some control helped her to process the changes and then to feel safe.
Now as a college graduate, we still see the intensities, but the other issues have dissipated over the years, or are well compensated for as she grew.
I was recently asked to write for the top special education site on this topic. I invite you to click 8 Tips for Homeschooling a Twice Exceptional Student for more ideas and encouragement.
What would you add to this list? I love reading your comments.
Thanks for stopping by BJ's Homeschool,
Betsy
Betsy is retired O.T, homeschool blogger, and most importantly is mom to her 2e college grad, whom she homeschooled through high school. She blogs at BJ's Homeschool, about the early years, high school, college and 2e.
Want to stay in touch?
Teaching Homeschool Science - Hands-On - for Elementary and Middle School Kids
Teaching science using hands-on approaches, science kits, science experiments,Magic School Bus science kits, ,elementary hands-on science, educational gifts, science kits for homeschoolers, preschoolers, kindergarten, and elementary aged children. This post has affiliate links to products that we love and would use in our homeschool. Please see my disclosure policy.
Blessed by our Twice Exceptional Homeschooled Kid
We knew our daughter was gifted when we adopted her in China, as an infant. She was just so aware of everything around her, especially on the long bus trip from her orphanage to the government offices there. But that is another story. Link to that story is here.
Homeschool Testing
Summary: How to test your homeschooled child or teen at home. Annual achievement testing is not hard to do and here are some great homeschool testing resources to help make it easy to do.
Are you thinking of testing your child at home this year? In our state of Washington, annual testing is required starting at 8 years of age.
This article has moved. Please click on the link below to read how we dealt with the annual homeschool testing requirement, when we first started out. The link is here:
Are you thinking of testing your child at home this year? In our state of Washington, annual testing is required starting at 8 years of age.
This article has moved. Please click on the link below to read how we dealt with the annual homeschool testing requirement, when we first started out. The link is here:
Thanks for stopping by BJ's Homeschool,
Betsy
Betsy is a homeschool blogger, former O.T, preschool teacher and published author of children's stories. She is mom to her 2e college grad whom she homeschooled through high school. She blogs at BJ's Homeschool about the early years, high school, college, and is the author of "Homeschooling High School with College in Mind". She offers homeschool help through messages at BJ's Consulting.
Homeschooling in Washington State and Where to Find Support - -
This post has moved. To reach all of my tips and resources on homeschooling in Washington state, please just click the link below:
More high school posts are on Pinterest here: Homeschooling High School Pinterest Board.
This post is linked to the blog hop at Homeschooling State by State, where there are many resources from all around the US. And I work with families from all over, too.
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- My own homeschoolers guide to the Common Application
10 easy to do steps to homeschool high school with college in mind. And it really is NOT that hard!!
This book does not tell you how to homeschool high school. Instead it gives you guidance for doing it your way!
Keep your nurturing homeschool style and showcase their accomplishments to the colleges!
Recommended by: Lessa Scherrer, Certified College Counselor
For more information, click here - Frugal College Prep for Homeschoolers or to buy it here - my book on Amazon for only $11.99.
Do you want a step by step guide to college, plus my exclusive guide to the Common Application for homeschoolers? It is the top feature in my new book!
I have gathered together all my best tips for high school and college and put it into my new book, Homeschooling High School with College in Mind, 2nd Edition.
It gives you everything that you need to plan your high school homeschool for your college bound teen. Plus how to help them get into the college of their choice.
Amazon for only $11.99 |
Paperback is on Amazon for only $11.99
This book is an easy-to-read guide to college for homeschoolers, recently updated with 7 NEW chapters, including:
- My own homeschoolers guide to the Common Application
- How to write the Counselor Recommendation Letter
- Where to find college scholarships
- SAT/ACT Prep
- How to make your own homemade courses
- Included are also 12 homeschool high school planning printables to make your record-keeping easier.
10 easy to do steps to homeschool high school with college in mind. And it really is NOT that hard!!
This book does not tell you how to homeschool high school. Instead it gives you guidance for doing it your way!
Keep your nurturing homeschool style and showcase their accomplishments to the colleges!
Recommended by: Lessa Scherrer, Certified College Counselor
from College Inside Track
"Betsy has a wealth of understanding and knowledge to share with the parents of college bound homeschoolers. She provides support, encouragement and step-by-step advice on all aspects of the homeschool high school and college application process. This book is a must-read for parents considering homeschooling high school and for parents in the thick of the application process."
And help for record keeping! With my exclusive high school and college planning printables.
The high school and college planning forms include:
College Entrance Requirements Form
Overall High School Plan
Curriculum Planning Sheet
High School Credit Record Form
Transcript Form
Activities and Awards Form
Homemade Course Form
Writing the College Essay Form
Course Descriptions Record Keeping Form
Reference Letter Request Form
PE Record Form
For more information, click here - Frugal College Prep for Homeschoolers or to buy it here - my book on Amazon for only $11.99.
And don't worry about forgetting things!
Thanks for stopping by BJ's Homeschool,
Betsy
Betsy is mom to her now college grad, whom she homeschooled through high school. She blogs at BJ's Homeschool, about the early years, highschool,
college, gifted/2e and wrote -Homeschooling High School with College in Mind, 2nd Edition, She offers homeschool help through messages at BJ's Consulting, and has had some of her articles picked up by the Huffington Post.
college, gifted/2e and wrote -Homeschooling High School with College in Mind, 2nd Edition, She offers homeschool help through messages at BJ's Consulting, and has had some of her articles picked up by the Huffington Post.
Want to stay in touch?
All Rights Reserved
Three Ways to High School Credit - -
It's not hard to do. And there's more than one way to do it. ALL of their work counts.
Click the link below for my article on
We used all 3 of the methods for assigning credit, allowing us to make our own courses and follow our daughter's interests.
One year my daughter wanted to study video-making. We did that, had a lot of fun, and I was able to assign her 1/2 credit in video production.
Another year she joined in a 4H type Creative Kids contest, working on a number of submissions, including photography and creative writing. All of that work counted. We were able to give her high school credit for those activities, too.
To find out how we did that and 3 easy ways to assign high school credit, click on the link below.
---- 3 Ways to High School Credit ----
Thanks for stopping by BJ's Homeschool and I wish you joy in your journey,
Betsy
Betsy is mom to her now rising college grad, whom she homeschooled from preK through high school. She blogs at BJ's Homeschool, about the early years, high school & college and wrote - Homeschooling High School with College in Mind. She offers free homeschool help through messages at BJ's Consulting.
Copyright, 2019, All Rights Reserved
How Homeschooling Helped Our Teen Make Dean's List ------
Summary: Do you worry that your homeschooled teen would not be able to get into college? How homeschooling helped our daughter not only get into college, but also do well there. We use aff links only for products we used or love for our homeschool.
Are you considering homeschooling your college bound teen, but wondering if they could get into college?
Do you ever ask yourself, like I did, these sorts of questions...….
- Will my teen be ready for college level work?
- Will they be able to compete with other students, whether public schooler or those from private schools?
- Can I find the homeschool curriculum that they will need for college prep
I did worry about those things at first.
But after seeing our daughter do well in her first quarter of college, getting onto Dean's List (who knew?), I began to wonder why I worried so much.
It is not hard to get into college as a homeschool grad! Some colleges are even starting to recruit homeschooled applicants. They want those self motivated teens who know how to find the answers to their questions and know where to look.
And do so independently.
Our daughter graduated college, after studying for 4 years there. She developed an interest in political science in high school, and that lead to a minor in that along with a B.A. in Communications. And she loved it.
We credit homeschooling for not only helping our daughter get into college, but also making Dean's List.
Here’s 7 ways that it did:
1. Homeschooling can best meet your teen's individual learning needs.
Homeschooling created an environment that nurtured and prepared our daughter well for college. It gave us the flexibility to not only challenge her intellectually, but also explore and find ways to accommodate forany learning issues, early on.
If she had been in public or private school, she would have been faced with learning most everything through listening to the teacher, in front of the class.
That would not have worked for our daughter. And if she was tested, with only verbal directions, she would have failed. In homeschooling, we used visual and tactile (hands-on) approaches, and she loved learning and excelled in it.
You get to choose the homeschool high school curriculum that fits your teen's needs. Some of our favorites include:
As a homeschooler, she was able to learn in the way that she liked best. That is just the tip of the iceberg...
2. Homeschooling builds confidence by providing a strong foundation, and a soft place to fall, so crucial for kids, during the teen years.
Nothing like knowing that a cozy home is a waiting our teens, when they just finished a difficult day at their part time job, a new activity, or just finished up with the ACT test.
She was well rested and able to focus on her test prep. Later, in college, she is still taking advantage of this, as she commutes to campus.
3. The 1 on 1 focus of homeschooling catches any learning gaps.
As homeschoolers, we can review, go back, switch up our curricula, or even add another year of high school, if that would help our teen.
My daughter benefited from the freedom to switch curricula or approaches when needed, gearing our homeschooling to her strengths. She was a visual learner, and we could set up her learning to focus on that, as opposed to auditory learning, and that made all the difference for her.
4. Homeschooling allows for time to build special gifts and foster and grow your teen's interests.
Following their interests motivates our teens so much, even for doing the less interesting work that would be required for their chosen field of study.
Helping our kids discover their inner-most gifts and interests, not only helps them grow, it also creates strong motivation for them to learn, study those things that will help them in the future.
When my daughter wanted to try her hand at becoming a leader, we found activities that would foster those skills.
Homeschooling gave her the time, and the resources, to pursue her interests in leadership. And when my daughter applied to her college honors leadership program, her high school activities helped her get accepted.
5. Interest-led learning produces motivated, self-starters.
Encouraging their interests builds self starters! That is just what many colleges are looking for, motivated and independent learners,and those are things that makes a college student succeed.
6. Homeschooling teaches self management skills
Homeschoolers learn how to organize their studies, plan their days, and prioritize what needs to be done first, etc....... all skills that are essential to success in college or a new vocation.
7. Homeschooling teaches problem solving and researching skills
My daughter watched me search and choose homeschool curriculum each year. During homeschool, she had often seen me search for resources, as we chose curricula, searched for a dance class, or surfed the net for help in algebra, from Khan Academy.
Through the years she learned how to problem solve and research things for herself, as she did that every day in our homeschool.
When faced with a difficult class in college, she put her problem solving skills to work.
So her first thought, when faced with this difficult college math
class was not how she could find a way to drop it. It was, instead, a question to be answered - What resource would help me to deal with this?
She came to me and we worked out a plan together. She completed the class and did well in it. Homeschooling taught her the problem solving skills to do that.
Those are my top 7 reasons why homeschooling prepares our teens well for college. What would you add to this list?
I helped my teen get into each of the colleges that she applied to with scholarship offers. Then I wrote this book which tells you how to do the college admissions process. Plus the details that you will need re transcripts, etc. It was featured at the 2021 Homeschool Superheroes Conference.
Ebook/Paperback On Amazon
It is a FRUGAL easy-to-read guide for homeschooling your college bound teen including:
- what is needed for college admissions
- homeschool transcripts
- assigning high school credits
- preparing for college writing
- make your own homemade courses
- scholarships
- my Common Application guide
- reference letters
- course descriptions
- lots more.
Thanks for stopping by BJ's Homeschool,
Betsy
Betsy is a Christian and mom to her college grad whom she homeschooled from the early years onward. She blogs at BJ's Homeschool, about the early years, high school & college and wrote Homeschooling High School with College in Mind, 2nd edition. She offers homeschool help through BJ's Consulting.
Making Our Own Community - One Day at a Time
Summary: As a homeschooling twice exceptional family, we wanted to make sure that our daughter developed friendships and community. This is how we went about trying to create community for her and for us, too. Using community groups and following our daughter's interests were key.
We began homeschooling when our daughter was ready for kindergarten but was too young to go. It worked out well academically for our 2e daughter. But being that she was an only and also gifted my husband and I were concerned about her finding friendships and community.
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