Any ideas for a desensitization program?

[mumgoingcrazy]

DD2 has just come home from a fairly disastrous party. I think I'm so pleased that she's been invited to some mainstream parties that I always say yes, but come away thinking 'why do I put her through this'.

Party whistles are her biggest hate. She has a long history of sensory difficulties and over the years we have gradually ironed them out, but we are left with a couple of niggly things. Certain noises she hates, babies crying, party whistles and balloons popping. The balloons and party whistles are also the unpredictablility of it as well as the noise.

I say yes to her party invites when I know the parent and can ask in advance about what the party is, will there be whistles and balloons etc, I have no idea why but I felt this mum knew DD2 well enough and I didn't need to ask. More fool me! We ended up making a very swift exit before the food as there was a whistle on every plate, I took one look at them the first one went off and then that was it, DD2 started screaming and I knew there was no going back.

I really want DD2 to carry on getting invites, she doesn't talk to other kids or play with them so generally the invites are from mums I know, or class parties where they don't feel they can leave 1 out.

How can I help her with these dreaded whistles and balloons. She is 4.11 years at the mo so know the invites will drop off soon anyway.

TIA
x

bump

Let her use the whistle

You use the whistle but warn her beforehand - then do it very quietly, gradually increasding the nosie over time

Balloons - warn her your going to burst one, then do so. Let her burst one.

Bursting balloons still make me jump so I doubt you'll ever desensitise her

Oh - another tip we got was to record the noises. That way you can control volume.

Do one of the many listening therapies and actually cure her hyper sensitive hearing.

Thank you everyone.

wetaugust some great ideas thank you, I'll give those a try.

hotheadpaisan This was a small room with 25 kids, all with a whistle, like you I wouldn't like it either. We had ear defenders but she hates wearing them and tells me to take them off.

indigobell We've done Therapeutic Listening 4 times, AIT once and are currently on the Listening program with bone conduction. Although she has massively improved, it isn't cured unfortunately.

pipinjo Yes hand dryers are another one for DD2 as well. I agree about the fear of the noise, often there is no noise but it's the anticipation of it, ie sees a lawnmower and freaks, however once the lawnmower is on she's fine and happy.

Thank you all.

That is reassuring to know, thank you hotheadpaisan

Sorry MGC - I remember you now. We have spoken before :)

Have you tried sensory integration therapy or talking to somebody who does it? A specialised OT?
Our DS is sensory seeking, but very sensitive to noise. We are doing the listening program which has helped, but it is the Sensory therapy that is really making a difference to him.

Just want to say Hi to MGC Can I just say mine has become agrophobic due to his. Ear defenders worked for a while. All I can say is readdress all you have done so far.

Good luck x

Thank you mrslaughan. Over the years we have done tons of sensory therapy and listening therapies, however I'm not sure if it has been 'sensory integration' as such. Since DD2 was 11 months we have had a great sensory trained OT, plus we do private therapy as well. Can you tell me exactly what is involved with sensory therapy? I'd like to see if it's what we've been doing all this time or it's something that's been missed.

Hi devientenigma how's things with you? I must check facebook and check in on you!