An individual with dual sensory impairments can become tense, frightened,
or angry due to confusion, medical conditions, and unexpected change. Various
strategies have been developed which can help an individual learn to relax
his body. When relaxed, he is better able to position his body, to use his
senses, and generally feel better.
It is important to teach ways of relaxing on a regular basis, just as you
would any other motor skill. You should not wait until the individual is
rigid or in a tantrum to work on relaxing.
Some of the following techniques may be helpful:
1. The individual can relax his body through deep breathing. (For infants
and small children, this can be done by holding the child in your lap with
his face against your chest. For older individuals, you can sit face to
face.) Breathe deeply in and out of your mouth, exhaling so the individual
can feel the force of the air. Do this as slowly as possible. It may also
help to have the child feel your chest as you breathe, to feel how the lungs
expand. (An older individual can feel your pulse to achieve the same results).
After the demonstration, have the individual imitate the breathing and feel
his own chest to match your breathing.
2. The individual can also relax his body by working on each body part separately
until the whole body relaxes. You can start with arms and legs by gently
shaking the limb until it relaxes. When the lower arm relaxes, move to the
upper arm, then to the shoulder, etc. Be very careful to avoid injury of
the joints. For individuals with physical impairments, consult the physician
or therapist providing services before trying these suggestions to make
sure you are moving the limbs properly.
3. The individual can also relax through massage. Deep, firm touch, moving
from the head down the spine will help individuals with sleep difficulties.
lndividuals who become overstimulated easily may benefit from massage throughout
the day to help them calm down and relax.
Note: A tickling type of touch will cause the child to become very excited
and may cause inappropriate reflex movements in individuals with physical
impairments.
Once the individual becomes familiar with these strategies, you will then
be able to demonstrate them for the purpose of imitation during times of
stress. The individual will know what to do and can adjust his body to match
your breathing, muscle tone, or body posture.
Adapted from Sternberg-White, S., Chen D., Watts, J., 1992,
Developing Social-Emotional Skills, INSITE, Utah State University, Logan,
Utah
Fact sheets from California Deaf-Blind Services are to be
used by both families and professionals serving individuals with dual sensory
impairments. The information applies to students 0-22 years of age. The
purpose of the fact sheet is to give general information on a specific topic.
More specific information for an individual student can be provided through
individualized technical assistance available from CDBS. The fact sheet
is a starting point for further information.
Order #015 3/6/92