Mothering when Mothers and Children Both have Sensory Processing Challenges

Abstract

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of mothers when mother and child both have sensory processing challenges, and how the mother's coping strategies for managing her sensory needs influence mothering co-occupations and parenting ideals.

Method:

Four mothers with sensory processing challenges participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using grounded theory principles.

Findings:

Mothers described managing their sensory needs while negotiating the conflicting sensory preferences of their children. Coping strategies included understanding sensory processing patterns of behaviour and structuring daily activities and the environment. Some coping strategies had secondary consequences of a ripple effect, a reverberating impact that exacerbated the challenges of unmet sensory needs and interfered with co-occupations and parenting ideals.

Conclusion:

Implications for mothers include understanding how their sensory processing transacts with their children's sensory preferences. Implications for practitioners include attending to the sensory processing patterns and coping strategies of both children and parents.