Why Do Our Senses Affect Children’s Behaviour? | Jo Grace

We all know about the 5 senses we have: seeing, hearing, smelling, touch and taste. But did you know we have other senses too?

Guest expert, Jo Grace, is talking to Clare this week about the impact the different senses can have on your child’s behaviour.

Jo shares examples of what sensory needs might look like at home and how it’s important to distinguish between behaviour choices and neuro differences. Jo explains the meaning of “proprioceptive awareness” and how important it is to make an individual feel safe.

Jo Grace is a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist. She’s a doctoral researcher, author, and trainer, and a TEDx speaker. Jo is also the founder of The Sensory Projects and is autistic herself.

Jo recommends the book My Mummy is Autistic by Heath Grace.

You can find Jo at The Sensory Projects, Twitter @jo3grace and on Facebook.

Jo also shares three tips during the episode:

1. Make sure you distinguish between neuro differences and behaviour.
2. Don’t look for a single trigger to understand your child’s behaviour. Think about the bigger picture and consider what the individual is dealing with in their environment.
3. Recognise the impact of our senses and how proprioceptive awareness can make a child feel safe and secure.

The My Family Coach podcasts covers every aspect of children’s behaviour, all in handy 15 minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use at home.