A network to share best practices for children with special needs
Activities for sensory avoiders
What ways do you help sensory avoiders prepare for activities?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Cecilia Cruse on -
What a great question! Art classes at school come to mind!.... very stressful for sensory avoiders! Some deep touch pressure/heavy work activities may be helpful as these can be calming and organizing to the sensory system. Just prior to the art (or sensory task) activity, have the child carry a load of books, pull a heavy wagon, or carry a transition object such as the Tote Around Animals. For other ideas, see my blog from last week on Summer Sensations for Sensory Avoiders.
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Permalink Reply by Dawn Bellefeuille on -
Hi Everyone, we have found that Sean responds better if he wore a weighted vest prior to the activity. It would calm him done and make him "aware" of his arms, hands etc. and he then allowed the teacher to do the craft/baking hand over hand with him. Sean does not allow hand over hand on a continual basis, but we find the weighted vest works really well.
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Permalink Reply by Cecilia Cruse on
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Yes, a weighted vest is another great solution! As an OT I always recommend parents and teachers work in collaboration with the child's therapist to determine the right type and amount of weighted input in the vest as well as setting up a wearing schedule of time on and time off. Glad to know this has worked with Sam. Thanks for sharing!
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Permalink Reply by Susan Donohoe on -
As a sensory therapist I have found that starting with some gentle rocking or swinging, followed by proprioceptive input such as joint compression, hanging, pulling, etc or perhaps some yoga poses for children, or other slow heavy input is a good start to a more active activity. Also weighted and compression garments are great additions too! Remember to make it fun and incorporate preferred activities along with slightly challenging.
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