Ask Monarch

Dear Monarch,

I enjoyed listening to yesterday’s episode of The Monarch Hour on ADHD. During the show you talked about how “soothers” can help kids stay focused in the classroom. As both a teacher and a mom of a kid with ADHD, I would like to know more about different types of soothers and how to use them. Can you help?

Thank you,
Diane in Kingwood

Dear Diane,

We’d be delighted to help you learn more about soothers. The following is adapted from a chapter in Monarch’s recent publication, “A Place for All: Ministry for Youth with Special Needs” Although the book was written in response to a request for help in religious educators’ work with youth with special needs, the principles and practices can be applied in other settings, such as school and home.

“Soothers” are sensory items that can help with attention, self regulation issues, problems with anxiety, sensory integration difficulties and many other challenges.

An essential feature in any learning space is a “sensory station,” which includes squeeze balls and other tools which help young people focus, calm, organize thoughts, take a break, etc.

Below is a sampling of suggested soothers, grouped by sensory needs. Within each sensory area, include a variety of sizes, colors, textures and shapes.

Tactile Soothers

Include a variety of textures, as preference and effectiveness will vary with each person. A basic, tactile soother drawer could include items such as:

• squeeze balls (e.g., Koosh®, both soft and firm, and make sure they don’t make a noise when squeezed)
• bean bags
• swatches of material (from rough burlap to smooth silk or satin scarves)
• squares of carpet material

Auditory Soothers

Auditory processing differences as well as other neurological issues are impacted by loud or echoing environments, and are supported through the use of tools such as:

• noise-reduction headphones (buy these inexpensively at a sporting goods store in the gun department)
• ear plugs (individual, not shared. The foam type can also be purchased inexpensively at sporting goods stores)
• mp3 players with headphones, including a variety of music, white noise, nature sounds, etc. (CDs can be uploaded to these)

Visual Soothers

Visual processing differences and other neurological issues are impacted by variation in lighting style and intensity, room design, color patterns, etc. The following tools may be helpful:

• sunglasses (include a variety of tints)
• translucent page overlays (include a variety of tints)
• cut-out cardstock “frames”(to limit amount of text visible at one time. These can be taken from small photo frames purchased at a dollar store, or cut from card stock)

“ A Place for All” contains much more information about soothers, including olfactory, proprioceptive/vestibular, and oral soothers, as well as guidelines in how to help children use soothers appropriately, so that your sensory station doesn’t turn into a “distracter depot”!

Copies of “ A Place for All” are available at The Monarch School, or click here to purchase online.

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