We are on week two of Adeline's brushing program. This is a program designed for kids that are sensory defensive. That is Adeline in a nutshell. She doesn't like to hold hands, touch paint or (for the moment) get wet. It goes far beyond what I just mentioned but unless you are in my house everyday, there is really no way to get a handle on her sensory needs.
I have put the brushing program off until now because I knew I could never follow through on it when by myself. It involves stripping clothes off, brushing Adeline's back, arms, hands, legs and feet. We use the brushes in the picture above and apply quite a bit of pressure. The brushing is followed by joint compressions working from the shoulders down to the toes. This is her least favorite part. This kicker is that we have to do this five times a day. Yes, Occupational Therapists will tell you that it should only take five minutes but that does not include the dressing and redressing. The other complicating factor is that we are rarely home during the times that Adeline needs brushing.
Thankfully, daddy is home for these two weeks and we are on holiday which places us at home with an extra set of hands. Most days we get five brushes in. Adeline doesn't like it and I can't say that her defensiveness had decreased. We are half way through the two week program. Hopefully, I will be singing a different tune when it is over. I feel that Miss Belle puts up with a lot and being brushed five times a day is certainly not a walk in the park for any of us.
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