P.S. If you have any questions or comments about any of my resources, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me at [email protected] Sew several inches across both sides of the shorter edge, leaving a gap in the middle for your child’s shoulders to fit through. Challenge yourself to Twister! Pretend to be a popcorn kernel and start by curling up into a kernel (ball) and “pop” out all 4 limbs when you hear the ‘word of the day’ or when the music stops, etc. 7) Races

it’s so open-ended. Surprise an unexpecting visitor as they walk in the door. With a good imagination and even incorporating some props around the house, the options are endless. 5) Alphabet Much like the others on this guide, you’ll find a Smart Snap closure, which is much more efficient and less irritating than Velcro alternatives which can scratch the skin and pull hair. However, it’s still secure enough to allow for resistance and excessive movement. Individuals are usually not over-responsive to proprioception, meaning they don't have over-reactions to this type of sensory input. We do, however, see individuals who are under-responsive or sensory craving, meaning they want more heavy work, crashing, hugs, etc. There are other ways to offer this type of sensory input. You can use various sensory toys for autism so your child doesn’t get bored or receives the best experience possible.Furniture, large play equipment, heavy items etc or items marked with **may incur an additional delivery charge to Northern Ireland, Isle of Wight, Offshore Islands and some parts of Scotland. To learn more about using sensory activities to help your child calm and focus, take our free workshop here (includes a workbook)!

Your child doesn’t always have to be active to receive benefits, either. Many children love crawling inside just to calm down. It is recommended, however, that they be monitored while using it. Nylon, on the other hand, does not offer much stretch; but it does add a bit of durability which is why you’ll often see Lycra or Spandex blended with it. Sensory Swing– These are a load of fun, but also offer vestibular and proprioceptive input to stimulate your child’s senses and help them to relax. Summary Squat as low to the ground as possible, keeping your body curled up and compact. Then move into a standing position as slow as you can – almost like you’re “blooming” or coming out of your cocoon! Expand a movement activity on a swing or suspended equipment in an OT office to involve several sensory systems at once. 4) PretendReach arms up and out diagonally, keeping feet wider than shoulder-width apart to form a kind of star shape. Tactile inputis received through our skin. It includes light touch, firm touch, and the discrimination of different textures, including dry to wet and messy. The tactile system is also responsible for the processing of pain and temperature. Tactile input can be alerting, calming, or over-stimulating, depending on the person. Weighted Blanket – These are perfect if your child has autism and needs that extra sensory input. These typically weigh 15 pounds or more and create a very calming effect. Whichever you decide on, just make sure it is soft and breathable. You do not want anything scratchy against your child’s skin as it can cause even more irritation. Breathability is important to let air in and out, as it’s likely your child will be active while using it. Act out the ABCs! Use a mirror to sing and position yourself throughout the whole alphabet song. “Spell” something out and have a friend guess the word! Add another motor component to weekly spelling words, or word-wall words by spelling them with your whole body. 6) Games

Proprioception is one of our 8 senses that has receptors all throughout our joints and muscles. Those receptors send signals to the brain anytime they’re squeezed or activated through pressure. Many kids that are sensory seekers love proprioceptive input which they get when they climb, jump, run, squeeze into a tight space, or hug somebody. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear. This system is directly related to balance and vision - specifically eye movements. Because of the location in the inner ear, the vestibular system is activated with head movements. When the head moves, the eyes move, and the brain and body must respond - balance! Add another element to animal movements like bear walking, crab walk/scuttle, slithering like snakes, and hopping like a bunny.

Some individuals become easily over-stimulated by vestibular input. This can cause adverse reactions such as nausea/vomiting or irritability (among others). Some individuals seek vestibular input - constantly on the move, seeking out opportunities to spin and jump. They also help some kids calm down for sleep at night, so using one as part of your bedtime routine might also be helpful. Gentle pressure affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which regulates heart rate, breathing, and other significant bodily functions.