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. 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. 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] To learn more about using sensory activities to help your child calm and focus, take our free workshop here (includes a workbook)!

Covering the child’s arms, shoulders, legs, and feet, it’s designed to offer deep pressure stimulation. This stimulation encourages focus, and a sense of calmness that is perfect if your child is dealing with ADHD, autism, or other spatial sensory challenges.

Learn How to Use More Sensory Activities to Calm and Focus Your Kid

Add another element to animal movements like bear walking, crab walk/scuttle, slithering like snakes, and hopping like a bunny. If you feel they need that extra bit of resistance, then you can go down a size or a couple inches. If you want them to get more use out of it and not outgrow it within a year, then go up in size. If you have any doubts, simply look at the manufacturer’s sizing guide where they lay out height and age in relation to their sizes. Fabric On top of that, the design is laid out so that children won’t get tangled up in them. They can feel free to play, eat, relax – just about anything, with them on. Sew several inches across both sides of the shorter edge, leaving a gap in the middle for your child’s shoulders to fit through. 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.

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. 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 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 Stretchy, resistant walls provide a tactile means of self-referencing that improves body image and sensory integration. Expand a movement activity on a swing or suspended equipment in an OT office to involve several sensory systems at once. 4) PretendFurniture, 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. Gentle pressure affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which regulates heart rate, breathing, and other significant bodily functions. First, you have to know these should never be used for infants or toddlers. Even though they are made to be as safe as possible, they are designed for children who are at least 4 years old or so.

When we think about proprioceptive movement, we can also include heavy work - any movement that works the muscles, deep pressure - any input that provides pressure to our body, and vibration. Proprioceptive input is typically calming to the nervous system.Reach arms up and out diagonally, keeping feet wider than shoulder-width apart to form a kind of star shape. Practice partner yoga or with a friend in front of the mirror and try to copy each other’s poses! 3) Motor Activities 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. Try the “Superman”: Lie on your stomach on the floor, stretching your arms in front of you, lifting them up off the surface as you simultaneously lift your legs off the floor. 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.

Are you a teacher or homeschool parent of kids with autism? Join my Facebook group for practical classroom or homeschool advice & support! If you want to use it year-round, then it needs to be cool and lightweight enough for use in the summertime, too. Closures 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. They also help some kids calm down for sleep at night, so using one as part of your bedtime routine might also be helpful. 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.Sensory Blanket – These have been used for years by many occupational therapists to help regulate emotions or behavior. They offer deep pressure therapy similar to what weighted blankets do. Proprioception is the awareness of the position and movement of the body. Sensory receptors are located on your skin, joints, and muscles. When we move, these sensory receptors send signals to our brain, telling it about the effort, force, and heaviness of the movement. Then our body is able to provide an appropriate response.