When a child’s autonomic nervous system is poorly regulated, he may easily over- or under-react to various types of sensory input. For example, he might misinterpret certain types of touch, and may find some touch input very uncomfortable or even threatening. This might make him avoid that type of input, and his behaviour might become disorganised.
Loud noises as well as low and high pitched sounds might be experienced as overly alerting for the child and he may find it difficult to maintain his attention and focus in such situations. He could display disorganised and even disruptive behaviour.
The impact of deep pressure to the skin and the impact of deep pressure massage, has long been known to have an organising effect on the autonomic nervous system. This is because the pathways involved in transmitting deep touch pressure input to the nervous system are “organising” pathways, while those which convey light touch, pain and tickling sensations are more likely to be disorganising and to have a disruptive effect on the nervous system.
Simply applying a deep pressure massage for your child can be very organising and reassuring for your child. Avoid using light touch and avoid tickling, as this is most often has an alerting effect, rather than a soothing one.
