It is important to keep in mind that no two kids are the same. Each will respond to sensory input in different ways. The first step to addressing sensory difficulties is to recognize the signs. This may help to address a sensory issue before it results in extreme acting out behaviors. When students are beginning to get overwhelmed by the sensory input in his/her environment (“Sensitivity”), it may look like withdrawal, boredom, fidgeting or distraction. There may also be more obvious signs, such as a kid holding hands over his/her ears, squeezing eyes shut or verbalization that he/she feels overwhelmed. In some cases, sensitivity to sensory input and difficulty processing sensory information can manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches. If signs are recognized early on, it may be possible to minimize the sensory input by removing the student from the situation, using noise reducing headphones, implementing the calming strategies at that point or leading a kiddo in relaxation activities such as deep breathing or systematic relaxation. Also, keep in mind that sensory processing difficulties can be multi-faceted…a child who has sensitivities to sound may also seek out movement, for example.

Proprioceptive input/joint compression/deep pressure

· Beanbag time

· Weighted blanket or lap pillow

· Rolling a student in a blanket (“burrito”)

· Gentle hand or shoulder squeezes

· Compression vest/weighted vest

Vestibular input

· Swinging

· Climbing

· Balance board

· Jumping on a trampoline

Visual input

· Minimize visual input with a visor/desk separator

· Dim lights

· Repetitive visual stimulus (check out the iPad apps below)

• pocket pond

• bubbles

Auditory

· Noise limiting headphones

· Familiar music

· Repetitive noise, such as a metronome **Free and for cost apps available

· A mantra that is repeated by adult or student

· Soothing relaxation cd

· White noise (or other colors of noise) **Free and for cost apps available

Tactile

· Something soft to hold, rub or wear

· A fidget, such as a ruler with raised designs to run hand over

· Something to squeeze

Oral

· Chewing gum

· Oral chew items

· Eating very crunch foods (pretzels, carrots, apples, etc. )

For More Information:

https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/getting-to-the-bottom-of-sensory-behviors-3-step-formula/

https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/sensory-processing-what-does-oral-sensory-mean/

https://www.theottoolbox.com/sensory-play/

https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog/play-with-non-food-sensory-trays-and-how-to-help-your-tactile-defensive-child

https://www.yourkidsot.com/sensory-skills.html

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Squeeze your conditioner (or hair gel, lotion or shaving cream) into the bag. Do not over fill. You want to leave lots of room to squish it around

• Add some food coloring (optional)

• Seal it and place duct tape over the top to prevent leaking

• Write on it using a q-tip cut in half, index finger or the eraser end of a pencil