Sometimes a sensory diet is great to add into our busy routine to ensure self-regulation needs related to sensory processing difficulties, in absence of time outside or access to balanced activities, if recovering from illness, or during growth spurts. Other times it helps to have a calming bin, or a calm down kit there are plenty of lists and beautiful images online, these lists in the link I like to keep in my binders if I'm ever stuck in a conversation during meetings or as quick reference.
Another great way to incorporate sensory preferences, (especially with seekers) are fidget tools. Sensory integration can help build tolerance for hypersensitivities like avoiding activities, places, or objects that give unfavourable sensory input. For us, that may be like favouring lukewarm food and drink or avoiding soft toys. While sensory rooms are fantastic as a space to relax in, while reflecting the person's sensitivities or anxieties; there are also sensory gyms! These set-ups would have the right balance of play to fulfillment or cut out a lot of the noise and chaos of open play areas. which is what sets them apart from indoor playgrounds or open play spaces. Check out this explanation of the sensory experience in how it may be different for a person with sensory processing disorder. Here is a bit about how sensory diets are helpful for a person with ADHD or ADD.
While below are what I see a lot, it is totally possible, and very likely you may see them used differently! You can ask your doctor to refer to an occupational therapist who can help by creating a sensory profile.
As a mom of two kids, who have reached the preteen era, it can get overwhelming for sure! But behind almost every inability to follow through, a pattern shone through, this pattern beyond all else, was made up of subtle hesitations and reactivity. What if the day to day gets mundane, and your loved ones (or mine!) are resisting just brushing their teeth without concern for the why and how?!
Brain breaks are very important too! When we focus on just what is on the surface and aren't taking into consideration those sensory profiles, moving forward gets murky!
Below are some of this mum's least-resistance go-to's!!
TACTILE
- sensory pits - allows for predominantly tactile experience (arms, legs, maybe they are small enough to climb in!) and reduces messes!! we use a pit for water, mud, or snow.
- fuzzy pillow or rug - it is much more humane to hold onto a furry weighted pillow than a family pet!
- fleece blankets and lined sweaters - can't say much here! super soft and satisfying for short spells or long books
- acupressure rings - prickly metal rings to roll over or between fingers, maybe even toes? who knows!
- hot/cold pads - safety is a big concern, so we only use ones that are heated by going in the microwave, as opposed to an electric pad.
- slime - of course!
KINESTHETIC
- kinetic sand - I find it perfect for low muscle tone, creative play, and a substitute for dough
- chewelry - or chewing gum if you will!
- sensory bins - of a size that suits pouring and transferring without mess!
- cup stacking - or anything repetitive that doesn't need visual differentiation to make things come together
- simple machines - we've seen hours of inventive and experimenting play with components of these science projects
AUDITORY
- xylophone - because it isn't an electric keyboard, it could be less aggravating to a person who wants to know how things work
- drums - same thing as above!
- water fountain - as long as it doesn't hum when turned on!
- noise cancelling headphones - focus on the sounds in front of you
- speakers - drown out the unfavourable with the preferred, bluetooth speaker can be paired with most anything, broadcast that playlist throughout the room!
VISUAL
- water beads - this one is easy. they slide, they bounce, they spin, the light goes through them, and what is not to love?
- dyed dried beans - very much the same as above
- liquid timers - a nice way to pass the time while waiting or breathing
- balloons - target practice? fill them with water? see how big they can get? don't let it hit the ground!
- art implements - Waldorf's wet-on-wet painting is a good example of how captivating art can be.
PROPRIOCEPTIVE
- crash pad - a bean bag, or giant foam bean bag
- body sock
- weighted blanket
- giant yoga mat
- peanut ball
- compression wear
{the way we use these align with recommendations from our consultative occupational therapists}
OLFACTORY
- scented slime
- scented kinetic sand
- scented markers or paint
- scented playdough
- essential oil diffuser
- essential oil plush animal
{these are part of our brain breaks}
GUSTATORY
- guessing game with jelly beans
- lollipops
- freezer pops
- electrolyte drinks
- variety trays for grazing
- making smoothies
- flavoured jelly
- homemade gummies
{the way we use these align with recommendations from our consultations in workshops}
VESTIBULAR
- saucer swing
- trampoline
- wobble deck
- balance beam
- scooter board
{the way we use these align with recommendations from our consultative physical therapists}
OTHER INTERESTING MUST-READS!!
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