Activities That Can Be Done With Your Child
Sensory Room
A sensory room can be a theraputic safe place and valuable resource available to assist in the process of developing sensory integration. It should be talored to the individual childs needs. It can be used to either calm or excite the sensory system. If an entire room is unrealistic try devoting a corner of a room as a safe sensory area for your child. Having sensory time with your child will help them cope with daily life and create a bond between the two of you.
Senses and things to include in your sensory room:
1. Vestibular- swings, slides, balance boards, tubes to roll in, rocking horses, hammocks, or a sit and spin,etc.
2. Visual- Controllable light source, no fluorescent lights, Christmas lights (that don’t flash if it bothers individual), play tents, lava lamps, tabletop water fountains, etc.
3. Smell- Scented oils, scented candles (is safe for individual), scented markers, scented playdoh, potpourri or sprays.
Calming scents- Vanilla, lavender, peppermint, and jasmine.
Stimulating scents- Cinnamon, floral scents, spices, and strong sour or sweet scents.
4. Taste- A variety of foods, liquids, gum, or textured food is a great activity to include in your sensory room. Use supervision depending on
the individual.
5. Proprioception- Anything that allows the individual to be“hugged” or comforted via pressure works
well. Examples include: bean bag chairs, weighted vests and/or blankets, squishy beds or sofas, therapy balls to roll on top of them,
etc.
6. Touch- Many things have texture; playdoh, funny foam, textured balls, textured wallpaper, textured puzzles, coloring over textured materials, finger
paints , koosh balls, using various materials such as satin, carpet swatches, silk, lamb’s wool, washcloths, cotton balls, etc., massagers and vibrating kids toys.
7. Auditory- Soothing sounds CD’s, nature sound machine, white noise (ie. Fans), classical music
Sensory rooms can be expensive, but they dont have to be. Many of the items above can be purchased online or in stores near you. With some creativity, many of the things to incorporate can even be made. There are so many possibilities for you and your child. To get more ideas for your sensory room check out http://www.premiersolutions.co.uk/detail.php?id=15&s=SensoryRooms. (websource 9)
Senses and things to include in your sensory room:
1. Vestibular- swings, slides, balance boards, tubes to roll in, rocking horses, hammocks, or a sit and spin,etc.
2. Visual- Controllable light source, no fluorescent lights, Christmas lights (that don’t flash if it bothers individual), play tents, lava lamps, tabletop water fountains, etc.
3. Smell- Scented oils, scented candles (is safe for individual), scented markers, scented playdoh, potpourri or sprays.
Calming scents- Vanilla, lavender, peppermint, and jasmine.
Stimulating scents- Cinnamon, floral scents, spices, and strong sour or sweet scents.
4. Taste- A variety of foods, liquids, gum, or textured food is a great activity to include in your sensory room. Use supervision depending on
the individual.
5. Proprioception- Anything that allows the individual to be“hugged” or comforted via pressure works
well. Examples include: bean bag chairs, weighted vests and/or blankets, squishy beds or sofas, therapy balls to roll on top of them,
etc.
6. Touch- Many things have texture; playdoh, funny foam, textured balls, textured wallpaper, textured puzzles, coloring over textured materials, finger
paints , koosh balls, using various materials such as satin, carpet swatches, silk, lamb’s wool, washcloths, cotton balls, etc., massagers and vibrating kids toys.
7. Auditory- Soothing sounds CD’s, nature sound machine, white noise (ie. Fans), classical music
Sensory rooms can be expensive, but they dont have to be. Many of the items above can be purchased online or in stores near you. With some creativity, many of the things to incorporate can even be made. There are so many possibilities for you and your child. To get more ideas for your sensory room check out http://www.premiersolutions.co.uk/detail.php?id=15&s=SensoryRooms. (websource 9)
Body Sock
Body socks are made of different kinds of materials such as lycra or spandex and range in price. Body socks increase spacial awareness through balance and resistance, allowing children with sensory dysfunction to more effectively use their body, leading to less falls, more coordination, and overall increased confidence in daily activities.
Another benefit the body sock offers is deep pressure input. Deep pressure is often sought out by many children on the autistic spectrum. Incorporating this therapy into their daily sensory diet can help to minimize self-stimulating behavior (such as rocking or mouthing) and increases a child's ability to concentrate and organize therefore allowing the child to respond more efficiently to both academic and social stimuli.
Prices range from $20 and up. Find some here http://www.laceandfabric.com/category.sc?categoryId=16. Or if you or someone you know can sew, make one inexpensively. (websource 10)
Another benefit the body sock offers is deep pressure input. Deep pressure is often sought out by many children on the autistic spectrum. Incorporating this therapy into their daily sensory diet can help to minimize self-stimulating behavior (such as rocking or mouthing) and increases a child's ability to concentrate and organize therefore allowing the child to respond more efficiently to both academic and social stimuli.
Prices range from $20 and up. Find some here http://www.laceandfabric.com/category.sc?categoryId=16. Or if you or someone you know can sew, make one inexpensively. (websource 10)
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
How do you communicate with a person who has no ability to talk or use sign
language? Many people with autism communicate using picture cards. Whether cut
from magazine, printed out from CD's, or purchased as a set, picture cards offer
individuals with autism the ability to communicate needs, desires, and even ideas
without the need for spoken language.
Since many people on the autism spectrum tend to learn visually, it makes
good sense to communicate with images. Just as important, images are a universal
means of communication and they are just as understandable by strangers or
young peers as by parents or therapists.
You can create your own PECS by purchasing a three ring binder, paper, glue, and three ring binder plastic sleeves. Cut out pictures from magazines, labels, internet, or draw them. Glue the pictures to the paper and place in the plastic sleeves. OR you can purchase kits online. Go to this site for more details, a starter kit is priced at $149 http://www.difflearn.com/category/picture_communication/a?gclid=CLO5p7Te9awCFchM4Aod4EHXRw (websource 11)
language? Many people with autism communicate using picture cards. Whether cut
from magazine, printed out from CD's, or purchased as a set, picture cards offer
individuals with autism the ability to communicate needs, desires, and even ideas
without the need for spoken language.
Since many people on the autism spectrum tend to learn visually, it makes
good sense to communicate with images. Just as important, images are a universal
means of communication and they are just as understandable by strangers or
young peers as by parents or therapists.
You can create your own PECS by purchasing a three ring binder, paper, glue, and three ring binder plastic sleeves. Cut out pictures from magazines, labels, internet, or draw them. Glue the pictures to the paper and place in the plastic sleeves. OR you can purchase kits online. Go to this site for more details, a starter kit is priced at $149 http://www.difflearn.com/category/picture_communication/a?gclid=CLO5p7Te9awCFchM4Aod4EHXRw (websource 11)
Sensory Box
A Sensory Box is a container filled with any kind of tactile material that kids
explore with their hands. With a Sensory Box children are using their sight,
touch and smell to experience their environment in a totally new way. It’s a
great way for children to engage their senses and also to relax. A sensory box can be made with rice, pasta, beans, or sand, and different objects are place on top and inside the container. For children who are sensory avoidant it is a great way to get them comfortable with different tactile experiences. For sensory avoidant children grade the activity by first placing toys on the surface, over time as the child gets more comfortable with the textures start hiding the toys in the medium. To make purchase a plastic bin, rice, pasta, beans, or sand, and different objects. This activity should cost about $20 or less.
explore with their hands. With a Sensory Box children are using their sight,
touch and smell to experience their environment in a totally new way. It’s a
great way for children to engage their senses and also to relax. A sensory box can be made with rice, pasta, beans, or sand, and different objects are place on top and inside the container. For children who are sensory avoidant it is a great way to get them comfortable with different tactile experiences. For sensory avoidant children grade the activity by first placing toys on the surface, over time as the child gets more comfortable with the textures start hiding the toys in the medium. To make purchase a plastic bin, rice, pasta, beans, or sand, and different objects. This activity should cost about $20 or less.
Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is an activity plan for your child to to stimulate or calm his sensory system. An Occupational Therapist can help you come up with a diet that best suits your child. Every child is unique and has different needs. Some children have a nervous system that is too high/wired and needs calming input, while other children may have a tired/sluggish nervous input and need excitatory stimulation. This plan should be implemented throughout the day. Activities that perk up your child or calm him down are not only effective in the moment; they actually help to restructure your child’s nervous system over
time so that he is better able to: tolerate sensations and situations he finds challenging, regulate his alertness and increase attention span, limit sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors, handle transitions with less stress.
Touch/Deep Pressure
Swaddle Bear hugs
Backscratch Massage with/without lotion
Joint compressions Therapy brushing
Warm bath Scrub with washcloth/scrubby
Water play Play with whipped cream
Wear certain fabrics Explore various textures
Sit in the sunshine/shade Jump on “crash pad”
Log rolling Use hand fidgets
Play with stuffed toys Make mudpies
Use fingerpaint or other paints Use glitter glue
Arts& crafts
Use foamy soap/shaving cream
Pet a dog, cat, or other animal Mix cookie dough, cake batter
Weighted blanket, vest, lap pad Roll up in a “burrito” blanket
“Sandwich”between pillows Climb under sofa cushions
Play in sandbox Use Play-doh, Gak, Floam,
Sculpey, Silly Putty, clay Sensory bin with dry rice beans or other materials
Help with gardening Vibrating toys - pens, balls, stuffed toys, Use vibrating toothbrush, Vibramat/Tender Vibes mattress
Others: Note:
Never force a child to touch something he finds “gross.” Let him use a paintbrush, stick, gloves, or even a toy for cautious exploration. The mouth is also lined with skin - see “oral comforts
Movement/Proprioception
Rocking (in your arms, hobby horse, or rocking chair) Playing horsie on your knee
Crawling on hands and knees Commando crawling with full body
Walk Run
Jump March
Dance Bunny hop
Wheelbarrow walk Animal walks
Jumping jacks Floor push ups
Wall push ups Sit ups
Use swings Playground slides
Use monkey bars Climb stairs
Climb ladders Jump on mini-trampoline
Use Sit n’ Spin, Dizzy Disc Jr., or other spinning toys Hop-It Balls
Inflatable seat cushions Bounce on a therapy ball
Ride a tricycle/bicycle Ride a scooter/skateboard
Amusement park rides Swimming
Push a grocery cart or stroller Brain Gym and yoga exercises
Roll down a hill Hokey Pokey
Play catch Balloon tennis
Play hopscotch Cartwheels and somersaults
Ice skating/sledding/skiing Pogo Stick/Bungee Jumper
Others: Notes:
Generally, rhythmic movement is calming while erratic movement is arousing. Never force movement. Look out for physiological responses such as increased distractibility, disorientation, nausea, breathing changes, unexpected tiredness, suddenly pale or flushed skin.
Listening/Auditory
Listen to favorite music Discover calming vs. arousing music
Bang on pots and pans Play musical instruments
Listen to sounds of nature outdoors Singing
Humming Whispering
Blow whistles Therapeutic Listening programs
Sound Eaze/School Eaze CDs White noise machine or CD
Observe silence Identify and label sounds
Use earplugs or sound-canceling headphones Explore the stereo volume control knob “Safe space” with quiet and low light
Looking/Vision
Look at mobiles, lava lamps, bubble lamps Colored lightbulbs
Avoid fluorescent bulbs (visual flicker, noise, and mercury content in compact fluorescents) “Safe space” with minimal visuals
Respect color preference in clothing, objects, and interior decorating Reconsider complicated prints and patterns on clothing, walls, and floors
Toys in opaque containers Leave out 5-10 toys at a time to avoid visual overload
Look at photos Look at picture books
Look at nature - fish tanks, farm, zoo, ocean Watch cartoons and movies
High-quality sunglasses outdoors Tinted lenses indoors if sensitive to glare
Wide brim hat or visor outdoors Games and activities that develop visual skillsmazes, dot-to-dots, I Spy, drawing, flashlight tag, etc.
Smell/Taste/Oral Comforts
Essential oils and scented candles
Explore personal preference and discover invigorating (typically lemon and peppermint) vs.calming (typically vanilla, rose, and sweet orange) Smell flowers
Sniff spices and herbs Blindfold smelling game
Explore tastes: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter Eat frozen/cool/warm foods
Explore textures: crunchy, creamy, chewy, lumpy Chew gum/suck on lollipop
Blow bubbles
Suck thick liquid through straw Use age appropriate “chewy”
Others: Note: Avoid lavender and tea tree oil as studies show they may cause hormonal imbalances in young boys.
(websource 12)
time so that he is better able to: tolerate sensations and situations he finds challenging, regulate his alertness and increase attention span, limit sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors, handle transitions with less stress.
Touch/Deep Pressure
Swaddle Bear hugs
Backscratch Massage with/without lotion
Joint compressions Therapy brushing
Warm bath Scrub with washcloth/scrubby
Water play Play with whipped cream
Wear certain fabrics Explore various textures
Sit in the sunshine/shade Jump on “crash pad”
Log rolling Use hand fidgets
Play with stuffed toys Make mudpies
Use fingerpaint or other paints Use glitter glue
Arts& crafts
Use foamy soap/shaving cream
Pet a dog, cat, or other animal Mix cookie dough, cake batter
Weighted blanket, vest, lap pad Roll up in a “burrito” blanket
“Sandwich”between pillows Climb under sofa cushions
Play in sandbox Use Play-doh, Gak, Floam,
Sculpey, Silly Putty, clay Sensory bin with dry rice beans or other materials
Help with gardening Vibrating toys - pens, balls, stuffed toys, Use vibrating toothbrush, Vibramat/Tender Vibes mattress
Others: Note:
Never force a child to touch something he finds “gross.” Let him use a paintbrush, stick, gloves, or even a toy for cautious exploration. The mouth is also lined with skin - see “oral comforts
Movement/Proprioception
Rocking (in your arms, hobby horse, or rocking chair) Playing horsie on your knee
Crawling on hands and knees Commando crawling with full body
Walk Run
Jump March
Dance Bunny hop
Wheelbarrow walk Animal walks
Jumping jacks Floor push ups
Wall push ups Sit ups
Use swings Playground slides
Use monkey bars Climb stairs
Climb ladders Jump on mini-trampoline
Use Sit n’ Spin, Dizzy Disc Jr., or other spinning toys Hop-It Balls
Inflatable seat cushions Bounce on a therapy ball
Ride a tricycle/bicycle Ride a scooter/skateboard
Amusement park rides Swimming
Push a grocery cart or stroller Brain Gym and yoga exercises
Roll down a hill Hokey Pokey
Play catch Balloon tennis
Play hopscotch Cartwheels and somersaults
Ice skating/sledding/skiing Pogo Stick/Bungee Jumper
Others: Notes:
Generally, rhythmic movement is calming while erratic movement is arousing. Never force movement. Look out for physiological responses such as increased distractibility, disorientation, nausea, breathing changes, unexpected tiredness, suddenly pale or flushed skin.
Listening/Auditory
Listen to favorite music Discover calming vs. arousing music
Bang on pots and pans Play musical instruments
Listen to sounds of nature outdoors Singing
Humming Whispering
Blow whistles Therapeutic Listening programs
Sound Eaze/School Eaze CDs White noise machine or CD
Observe silence Identify and label sounds
Use earplugs or sound-canceling headphones Explore the stereo volume control knob “Safe space” with quiet and low light
Looking/Vision
Look at mobiles, lava lamps, bubble lamps Colored lightbulbs
Avoid fluorescent bulbs (visual flicker, noise, and mercury content in compact fluorescents) “Safe space” with minimal visuals
Respect color preference in clothing, objects, and interior decorating Reconsider complicated prints and patterns on clothing, walls, and floors
Toys in opaque containers Leave out 5-10 toys at a time to avoid visual overload
Look at photos Look at picture books
Look at nature - fish tanks, farm, zoo, ocean Watch cartoons and movies
High-quality sunglasses outdoors Tinted lenses indoors if sensitive to glare
Wide brim hat or visor outdoors Games and activities that develop visual skillsmazes, dot-to-dots, I Spy, drawing, flashlight tag, etc.
Smell/Taste/Oral Comforts
Essential oils and scented candles
Explore personal preference and discover invigorating (typically lemon and peppermint) vs.calming (typically vanilla, rose, and sweet orange) Smell flowers
Sniff spices and herbs Blindfold smelling game
Explore tastes: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter Eat frozen/cool/warm foods
Explore textures: crunchy, creamy, chewy, lumpy Chew gum/suck on lollipop
Blow bubbles
Suck thick liquid through straw Use age appropriate “chewy”
Others: Note: Avoid lavender and tea tree oil as studies show they may cause hormonal imbalances in young boys.
(websource 12)
