Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that my venture would contribute, not only to moms looking pretty with a nursing necklace or our little ones easing their teething discomfort with teethers, but also to doing my bit for children with or without neurodevelopmental difficulties.
Additionally, I discovered that I could also help adults with various emotional and/or physical difficulties.
I speak of this topic with the utmost respect because I am not a therapist, nor a pediatrician, much less a neurologist, but I do want to express a feeling of gratitude and share some experiences of what I have learned from sensory jewelry and how a venture like VazART® can add value so that, to a greater or lesser extent, all those with special needs feel balanced, comfortable, and safe.
Special needs
Before delving into this blog post, it is necessary to clarify that when I say people with special needs, I am referring to any child or adult who requires additional help not only physically, but also (from its components) emotionally and cognitively.
Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are some of the special needs I have read about and to which I feel absolutely committed to contributing, thanks again to those moms and other customers (adults) who have found a way to feel better through my products.
I love challenges, and this one comes from the heart.
When I started to understand much more about ASD, ADHD, SPD, anxiety, and stress in children, I discovered that the focus of my company was not only on the aesthetics of a nursing necklace; I knew I wanted to contribute much more.
Children are extraordinary beings from whom we have much to learn, and if I have the possibility to develop products that help reduce stress and anxiety levels and stimulate them sensually, I will be the first to raise my hand.
That's how I started receiving affection and notes from many moms telling me that, thanks to the use of teethers and necklaces, their children felt much calmer in different scenarios.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD?
SPD is a "difficulty" and probably a constant struggle for humans to organize sensations coming from the body and the environment; it is why many children feel overwhelmed by so much information.
Therefore, they are reluctant to certain sounds, textures, or activities. I had not noticed the importance of this disorder, which could easily be confused with another, so I dedicated a few lines to it just to keep in mind that, as parents, we might be going through a similar situation at home, but we fail to understand our little ones and instead of helping them, we get angry.
I invite you to be attentive to any signs our children may show and to achieve an early diagnosis so that both they and we know what to do and how to help in moments when an episode where they don't feel comfortable arises.
What sensory jewelry or chewable accessories provide
First of all, it's worth clarifying that we can speak of sensory jewelry, but at some point, we can say they are chewable jewelry, accessories, or nursing necklaces due to the function they provide to those who use them to stimulate their senses or calm down.
One of the significant contributions of sensory jewelry is based on the possibility of feeling balanced and thus, being open to learning and socialization, and this is reflected in:
- Some children and even adults with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) stop biting their hands, clothes, and objects like pencils, and even their fingers.
- They help them achieve an adequate state of relaxation (sensory regulation); teethers improve this condition.
- They help increase their concentration levels; the teether can also be used not only by putting it in the mouth.
- They prevent self-harm by allowing all their attention to be focused on the object.
What to consider when using sensory jewelry or chewable accessories
While their contribution is immense, it is necessary to consider the environment, the activities being carried out, and the context in which the child or adult develops.
Example:
- The teether, as we mentioned above, helps with the child's concentration, but it is also effective in a moment where a situation that generates anxiety could arise; we must be attentive, monitoring and respecting their time to calm down again, experts say.
- Regarding stress management, necklace teethers have proven very useful; children who go to school and adults in their respective jobs use them as calming agents and to reduce anxiety levels.
Should I be concerned about my child's excessive need to bite?
It depends; when they are young, discovering the world means putting everything in their mouth. In fact, letting you know they are upset or need attention could also happen through this action.
However, biting should disappear around 3 or 4 years of age. If it doesn't, I advise you (very respectfully) to consult your pediatrician to determine if there is something more and, in that case, to be able to make an early, accurate, and responsible diagnosis of what is happening with your child.
Thank you again for taking the time to read my blog post. As I said at the beginning, I am not an expert on these topics, and my intention is certainly not to misinform. In fact, I was supported by a pediatric neurologist whom I thank for taking the time to share information sources with me, allowing me to convey the value that sensory accessories bring to the lives of our children and some adults, all this from the gratitude and deep respect that VazART® feels for all of you.
I am happy because I have been able to contribute to the creation of products made for the needs of each person and guided by their therapist. I have many testimonies from mothers, and that is a true motivation to remain committed to the cause.
Tell me if you have any personal experience with VazART® products that you would like to share and how I could contribute from my venture so that we grow as a community and remain united through empathy, which is so much needed for those who live their challenges and difficulties in silence.
Best regards.
