Sensory expert wanted

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

This is something I know NOTHING about. Sensory issues. I'm just wondering if being scared of the dark or maybe just not wanting to be in the dark is a sensory issue? Brook HATES riding in the car after dark. She will start screaming/bawling/snot flying/freek out as soon as I buckle her in her seat, after dark. Durring the day she is super We will jam to tunes and she is just fine I don't know, we just try reallllly hard to not have to be out after dark w/ her. My poor head can only take so much freak out and I just hate to see her throw such a fit cuz I think she is scared but I drive w/ the dome light on and still, no fun. Just wondering, thx girls

[hannahph]

Sorry no advice for you but want you to know you are not alone. Hannah went through a stage llike this. I have no idea why but it did get better in time. I did let her play with a small flashlight and sometimes it distracted her about the dark.

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

Tried the flash light idea too. She just threw it at me I was going to ask her girls but I took a month off from home visits. Sometimes you just need a break Hopefully it is just a phase. Thx Heather

[momofrussell]

Well I think lots of kids in general have dark/light issues when they are younger. The fear of the "unknown" can be scary for wee ones. As far as it being sensory related, if you think about it, there are TONS of things in all of our daily lives that are sensory related... so in a broad sense, maybe the dark IS a sensory issue...i.e. makes her feel weird or something. BUT..it's when the sensory issues take over and impede development is when we really start talking about sensory issues.

I don't know your daughter but it could very well be a phase.... my youngest is going through a "door open" phase when she goes to bed

A.

[Kristin]

I agree that it may be a phase. Clarice used to freak out if a fly was in the car. Imagine driving along and all of a sudden have a child getting hysterical and screaming over a fly buzzing around in the car. Startled me so much the first time, I nearly had a car accident!

If anyone is interested, one of the local OT's that works with a lot of our kids recommends the book Building bridges through sensory integration. It includes easy and practical ideas to implement. Clarice had more sensory issues when she was younger, but they still show up every now and then. Here's the link. You can also find it on Half.com.
www.amazon.com/Building-Bridges-through-Sensory-Integration/dp/1931615128

[ALLISA]

Erin HATED dark just the same as your daughter !! SHe didn't like driving in the dark, doesn't like walking around outside in the dark......

Whenever we drive into Boston for appointments.....there is a portion of the road that is underground in a tunnel.....and she would FREAK The whole time we were underground because it is dark .,...as soon as the road emerged backup and we were in daylight....she'd be fine.....

Not sure that it is sesnsory vs. plain old fear....and Erin is the QUEEN of sensory issues !! LOL But I wanted to say....that it did pass !! ALTHOUGH......she absolutely, posittively HATES the carwashes that you drive into and they propel you......it is pure torture to the poor frightened child. .....makes me think that her fear of the dark....was just that....fear not sensory......

[damarasmom]

Damara doesn't have an issue with the dark, HOWEVER, she HATES when we go in reverse. She will scream, cry, etc...until we are stopped and going forward!
Go Figure huh?