Continued from Part 1 ...
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Movin’ and Groovin’ for Vestibular Input
Mini Trampoline. This is a common sensory tool for many families; however, if you don’t have one, just know that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a “therapy-grade” one. I own the Jumpsmart™ Electronic Trampoline because of its triangular shape, ergonomic and intuitive handle bars, and integrated sound system. Just think, by having a trampoline that counts up (or down) for your child, he or she can get quality movement with less hands-on guidance from you, because all you have to say is, “Go do 100 jumps!” or “Can you jump for an entire song?” The Good News: All of that jumping provides great vestibular input, and making sensory activities fun encourages self-regulation. For information on the Jumpsmart™ Trampoline, and other great products for sensorimotor input, log onto: www.digginactive.com
Egg Chair. The people at IKEA deserve some kind of “Genius-Idea” award for this one! Not only does this chair offer great vestibular input because it spins smoothly and safely without any exposed parts, but also because it closes up to create a quiet “hideout” inside. This is a great way for kids to retreat and regroup after a long day. (A cautionary note: Be sure to check with your child’s physician or OT regarding the advisability of spinning.) IKEA also offers this at a reasonable price ($79 US) and in multiple colors. www.ikea.com
Hammock. Of all the ways to get vestibular input, this has to be the most relaxing. When we first got our hammock, all three of my sons would climb in on top of my husband and jostle for position. Unlike a traditional swing, the hammock allows for side-to-side motion, thus providing a different kind of vestibular movement. Gabriel prefers the side-to-side motion over traditional back-and-forth swinging both in therapy, and at home. You can find a variety of hammocks for sale, from many retailers. My advice is to choose a freestanding hammock with quality construction and frame because if your kids are anything like mine, it’s going to get a lot of use! Widely available.
Rocking Chair. We have two rocking chairs in the house, a small child-size one that my father built for me when I was two, and a full-size leather La-Z-Boy® that fits nearly all of us at once – or at least it did when the boys were younger! Rocking can have a calming effect on Gabriel’s sensory system. Reading and rocking with the boys is a nightly activity [pastime???] at our house, and most often we will use a heavy blanket while doing so. The combination of simultaneous vestibular and proprioceptive input [Does that work?] offers a strong dose of needed sensory input and calms Gabriel, and often Matthew, down almost instantly. Also, our kid-size rocking chair offers my sons the opportunity to keep their bodies moving on demand; encourages self-regulation; and keeps their bodies active while they watch a movie or TV. Widely available.
Showing posts with label vestibular. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vestibular. Show all posts
On the Road to Self-Regulation: (Part 1)
“Squeeze me.” Gabe asks for the tenth time, “Squeeze me hard mom.”
I lean over, and press his body against mine, gripping my hands together at the wrist behind him and squeezing as hard as I can. “Harder,” he says quietly.
My oldest son Gabriel is a “sensory seeker.” He needs deep pressure (proprioceptive) input so that his body can stay calm and organized. He also seeks vestibular input (that which is related to balance and movement). As a toddler he would climb to the very tippy top of the jungle gym and then stand on it. Because of his increased need for sensory input, I have acquired a virtual arsenal of therapy tools to help him meet his needs. And with my youngest son Matthew being diagnosed with Asperger’s just days ago, having these tools at my disposal has become even more vital.
For Gabriel, I am happy to report that the time and effort I have put into meeting his sensory needs over the past few years has paid off. Gabriel is learning to find adaptive ways he can independently get his sensory needs met, like asking for what he needs versus throwing himself on the ground or spinning through the house, knocking everything down in his path. Matthew, on the other hand, is just beginning this journey and I learn a little more about his needs each day. But, with Gabriel’s successes under my belt, I am optimistic that Matthew will achieve similar results with the help from the same therapy tools his brother benefitted from.
If you have a child that seeks sensory stimulation and/or benefits from deep pressure input, and could use some tools to help him or her learn to self-regulate, here are some tricks of the trade that have helped my children. (But, please remember to use common sense and consult your child’s physician or OT before trying any of the therapy tools / techniques below):
Keeping Up the Pressure
Spio Suit. I have found a fabulous company that has created a lycra suit that children can wear under their clothes to give them “grounding” all day long. The theory behind this is that the gentle pressure provided enables your child to know where his or her body is in space while engaging in normal day-to-day activities. This helps him or her to maintain an appropriate arousal level while participating in social interaction, writing, and sports activities. The lycra suit comes in three different styles: The full body suit (essentially like a girl’s one-piece bathing suit or a wrestlers leotard); a long pant (great for motor planning activities); or a long-sleeve shirt (exceptional for writing / fine motor activities). For additional information log onto: www.spioworks.com
I lean over, and press his body against mine, gripping my hands together at the wrist behind him and squeezing as hard as I can. “Harder,” he says quietly.
My oldest son Gabriel is a “sensory seeker.” He needs deep pressure (proprioceptive) input so that his body can stay calm and organized. He also seeks vestibular input (that which is related to balance and movement). As a toddler he would climb to the very tippy top of the jungle gym and then stand on it. Because of his increased need for sensory input, I have acquired a virtual arsenal of therapy tools to help him meet his needs. And with my youngest son Matthew being diagnosed with Asperger’s just days ago, having these tools at my disposal has become even more vital.
For Gabriel, I am happy to report that the time and effort I have put into meeting his sensory needs over the past few years has paid off. Gabriel is learning to find adaptive ways he can independently get his sensory needs met, like asking for what he needs versus throwing himself on the ground or spinning through the house, knocking everything down in his path. Matthew, on the other hand, is just beginning this journey and I learn a little more about his needs each day. But, with Gabriel’s successes under my belt, I am optimistic that Matthew will achieve similar results with the help from the same therapy tools his brother benefitted from.
If you have a child that seeks sensory stimulation and/or benefits from deep pressure input, and could use some tools to help him or her learn to self-regulate, here are some tricks of the trade that have helped my children. (But, please remember to use common sense and consult your child’s physician or OT before trying any of the therapy tools / techniques below):
Keeping Up the Pressure
Spio Suit. I have found a fabulous company that has created a lycra suit that children can wear under their clothes to give them “grounding” all day long. The theory behind this is that the gentle pressure provided enables your child to know where his or her body is in space while engaging in normal day-to-day activities. This helps him or her to maintain an appropriate arousal level while participating in social interaction, writing, and sports activities. The lycra suit comes in three different styles: The full body suit (essentially like a girl’s one-piece bathing suit or a wrestlers leotard); a long pant (great for motor planning activities); or a long-sleeve shirt (exceptional for writing / fine motor activities). For additional information log onto: www.spioworks.com
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