In this post we will discuss how TACPAC can help with sensory self-regulation. It follows on from our previous post discussing what we mean when we talk about sensory self-regulation.

Using TACPAC in “hot” moments to help self-regulation

TACPAC works on the well-trodden pathway of “we like what we know”. TACPAC’s routine, predictability and reliability help to give a sensory message of “I know this. I recognise this. This is a safe place, a calm place, and I know who is going to be with me. I can relax”.

Whether we are a Giver or a Receiver in the communication pattern, we all like what we know. When routines can be anticipated and they are reliable, they become a safe space and a place for Receivers to feel able to gain balance and calm.

There are “hot” moments in the trigger process, and there are “cooling down” moments in the trigger process. Very little can be done in a hot moment, but if you as a Giver can anticipate a hot moment, you might avoid a trigger by introducing TACPAC. TACPAC Set 6 doesn’t need setting up: you just need to plug your device in to get the Set 6 music. Set 6 is called Handypac, because you use your hands in various forms of deep and light pressure. Its quick to set up and easy to run.

Better still, in a cool moment, if it’s possible you can teach your Receiver to ask for TACPAC when they begin to feel anxious.

Case Study: when TACPAC Set 6 helped cool a “hot” moment

TACPAC’s founder, Hilary Wainer, remembers: “I worked with a little boy of 4 years old. When he became anxious he stood on his head. Upside down. On the floor with his feet against anything he could find, or on the sofa at home. He did this so often he displayed a bald patch on his head and his hot moments followed his headstand.

“We started doing TACPAC Set 6 with him. Realising that he needed a lot of sensory input and feedback on his head, we took special care in the head massage activity, and played the relevant track two or three times. We involved his parents, who watched the sessions at preschool. The boy started to ask for TACPAC when he felt he needed pressure on his head. His key worker responded each time, his incidents of headstanding disappeared, his hair grew back on his head and he started requesting more things that he wanted. It was as though he had not realised he could ask for what he wanted when he wanted them”.

There are two main reactions Receivers have to sensory input. They might be sensory seeking, needing a lot of sensory input to become regulated again; or they might be sensory avoidant – they are in overwhelm from too many sensations, and may need to be in a space of little sensory stimulation.

TACPAC caters for both types. The benefits of having TACPAC at a known time and place and with a known partner are endless! Our Receivers of any sensory level of regulation have the chance to  recognise their environment, their partner and the music almost as soon as a session starts. It takes no time at all to register that they are going into a safe and familiar place, with a safe and familiar person. Moving from the chaotic to the controlled is highly beneficial.

The structure and discipline of the sessions, the sensory alignment of the touch exactly to the music all give one sensory message – we are in familiar territory, we are safe, we can relax. Here there is no danger. You know what’s coming.