Sensory Diet: An Emphasis on Heavy Work

Aiden recently "graduated" out of occupational therapy. One of the most beneficial tools I learned was the use of a sensory diet. These ideas can be used for neuro-typical children as well as children with special needs. He has been having a lot of good days at school. Before we leave the school on most days I let him play at the school playground or park for at least 30 minutes. As the weather gets colder that will be more difficult to do. I have noticed on days that I have not let him play right after school have been more difficult evenings. He is less likely to listen to requests and sit during dinner.

I hope this list of ideas can be beneficial for other parents.

Wilbarger Protocol (brushing and compressions). We mainly do this in the evenings to help him relax to go to sleep. Have also used this before doctor's visits to help him relax. Other times I have used this technique have been when he is listless and needs help to focus. It really does help him relax and focus.

Trampoline. We don't have one, but he gets similar input from bouncing houses. He loves bouncy houses, as do most five year olds.

Swinging. He really enjoys swinging. I remember there was a time when he freaked out when I tried to have him swing. He likes both the regular swings and the tire swing. Lots of opportunities to swing at the school playground and parks. Our backyard has a rather steep downhill slope. No swing set for us.

Heavy blankets/pillow. His grandmother has made both neck wraps and lap pads for him. The important thing with weighted blankets is to use them for limited amounts of time. The neck wrap weight is two pounds. The lap pad weight is three pounds. He has used these items in the classroom, doctor visits and sometimes at home for a calming effect.

Push Me/Pull You (with partner), seated. This is a fun game to play with him. We also play eye contact games while doing these.

Squeeze Toys/Balls. His most recent fidget toy is a tangle toy I got for him. It has several different sensory features to it, ridges, bumps, smooth, clear, colors. He likes little baggies filled with hair gel and glitter, taped closed. He enjoys squishing them.

Push laundry basket on carpet, filled with enough weight that it can't be pushed by a foot. Be sure basket is strong enough that it won't collapse (plastic storage bin). Make this a game: Change items in bin frequently; Make it purposeful by moving groceries from front door to pantry, counting items moved or put away, find as many items as you can that start with the letter "C", etc.; Move items in yard, over grass. With the laundry basket he especially enjoys being my helper to take clothes out of the dryer. He carries the laundry basket back upstairs. Then we continue on making it purposeful. He also helps carry groceries. Outside he helps move big toys outside, pushes and pulls play golf clubs.

Vacuum floors or furniture. He loves this. Putting on the different attachments to vacuum furniture is something he really enjoys and he has to think about how to put the attachment on and connect the pieces together.

Shooting baskets/goals.

These are fun things to do inside when cannot go outside: "Sandwich" between sofa cushions on floor and apply mild pressure or pillows inside a laundry basket all around him to "squeeze".

Roll up self in blanket, then unroll. Roll across room.

Oral Processing/Heavy Work -- can be very calming: Crunchy, chewy food Gum Hard candy Sour flavors Drink through straws Thick fluids through straw (i.e. applesauce, pudding, milkshake) Blow through straw

Clay/Playdough Pull, roll, press, or pinch Shape into letters, numbers Pick beads out Hide small items in clay/playdough and then find them.

Bean bin: He absolutely loved the sensory table at preschool. Kindergarten does not have a sensory table. We have a water table at home. Here are some ideas for a bean bin: Combing for items, digging, shoveling, pouring

Sandbox: We have a sandbox. Ideas include: Digging, pushing, pouring, pushing cars or trucks.

Paint a wall with only a roller. Can do outside with water on roller.

Push a wall: with hands, hips, shoulder, back or with feet.

Swimming: He absolutely loves to swim. Can't get enough of the water. Needs to work on learning how to breathe as he swims under the water, but it will come.

Crab walk, Elephant walk, Bear walk, any animal walk.

Push large toy truck/car on hands/knees.

Shovel sand, move rocks, building with blocks, snow play

Coloring and cutting activities.

Most important of all is to have consistent routines for daily activities including the following: wake-up, dressing, mealtimes, bathing, and bedtime.

I hope this list is beneficial for you and your family.