Good things take time
As a child, our family always did their Christmas shopping in a large mall. Although this is very practical and the most shops can be found within a short distance of one another, shopping in a mall can cause a lot of challenges. I remember that I often got lost in large malls and almost every shopping expedition ended off with tears. I even learnt the skill of finding my parents again and going to the customer service on my own so that they could call my parents over the microphone. Getting lost in a mall is not only dangerous, but can traumatise a child and the people that lost them.
Thinking back on my experience as a child and the negative connection I have with malls, I realise as an adult (with the ASI® knowledge I have now), that I was totally overstimulated and even felt nauseous at times during Christmas shopping. Although Christmas time involves a lot of shopping, other times of the year (like shopping for school clothes) can also be challenging, and when parents have more than one child to shop for, it can even be more challenging!
Knowing that I am not a fan of shopping malls, as a parent I have adapted my life and will much rather use a smaller shop that sells school clothes, or I will buy stationery and other essentials from smaller retailers that are not situated in malls. Malls often have bright lights, slippery floors, and bathrooms are not conveniently placed. I often think that architects and engineers that design buildings should collaborate with occupational therapists to make shopping experiences more positive.
Some people really enjoy malls and also like bigger crowds and loud noises, but most people prefer a happy and relaxed area to do their shopping and would like to spend time with their loved ones and family during shopping. However, most shopping malls play faster music to get people to buy more items and restaurants play music to encourage people to eat faster. This might attract some people, but the more sensory sensitive people prefer an area where they can be calm and relaxed.
Starting a new school and adapting to a new grade can also be stressful for some children. They may experience an increased workload or even an increased pace at which the teacher goes through the work. Some people adapt very slowly to new environments and the sensory challenges that go with them, while other people seem not to mind the change and will just continue as if there was no change in environment. Parents often have high expectations of their children, and their behaviour plays a critical role in the development of a child. Parents need to be mindful of children who adapt slowly. It is like the story of the rabbit and the tortoise…eventually, we will all finish, and the child who adapts slowly will also reach the expected milestones and expectations; but it will be a lot slower than some other children. Parents need to be mindful of these children and set realistic expectations, and realise the impact of words and unreasonable expectations. Quite often, the people who adapt more slowly are the people who are more sensory sensitive.
I currently work as an occupational therapist in a mental health institution and have realised through clinical experience that people who are sensory sensitive are more prone to develop a mood disorder or anxiety. My current manager finds it very difficult to move to a new office and gets totally overwhelmed when placed in a new environment and situation. However, if you give her time, she will adapt and she still contributes more than what is expected of her. Although she finds the first six months to a year very challenging and has to control what is on her desk to manage the situation; she has found a way of adapting to change and to functioning in the moment. Yes, starting a new job or moving to another department also has new challenges. A new environment means exposure to new sensory information and sensory information on different levels.
In conclusion, in all walks of life we are exposed to new sensory environments. Some of use might adapt easily, but others do not adapt that easily and need more time and patience. As therapists, teachers, parents and other adults, we need to be mindful and considerate. After all, the best wine was not made overnight. Good things take time!