Sensory

Signs and Symptoms of SPD

• Hyper-acute or Hypersensitive hearing

• Aversion to touch

• Poor motor coordination

• Cannot sit still

• Chews on items

• Has problems sleeping

• Seeks visual stimulation

• Lacks boundaries

• Doesn't pick up on social cues

• High pain tolerance

• Overly aggressive

• Easily distracted

• Over or Under-responsive to their environment

For a symptoms checklist common to a particular age group, you can go to STAR Institute

Self Regulation Resources

Zones of Regulation - blue, green, yellow, red zones

Alert Program - How’s your Engine Running?

Ready Bodies Learning Minds

Sensory Motor Activities

• • Hopscotch or Simon Says for coordination

  • Squat on the floor to pick up small objects and place items in a container with a small opening or slit

  • Obstacle course with classroom/household furniture

  • Hand out papers or set the table

  • Imitate body movements / mirror image

Proprioceptive Input

• Animal Walks - bear, crab, snake, frog

• Body sock

• DIY sweatshirt hug, lap pad

Oral Motor/Sensory

• Water bottle

• Straw

• Gum

• Vibrating toothbrush

• Chewy foods- carrots, crackers, nuts*, celery

Breathing Techniques

• Visuals-Breathe on mirror

• Blow cotton balls with straws

• Blow bubbles in water / bubbles

• Exhale- bumblebee, snake

Calming Strategies

• Taking Deep Breaths

• 5 Mindful breaths

• Drinking through a straw

• Sucking on hard candy

• Slow linear rocking/swinging

• Chewing gum*

• Deep pressure/hugs/weighted vests/blankets

• Taking a break

• Lowering the lights

• Calming music

• Warm bath

• Talking in soft voice

• Inversion - touch sky, then touch toes

Other

• Send on errand

• Rearrange classroom/furniture

• Move heavy objects or large crash pad pillows

• Wall push-ups/chair push-ups

• Obstacle course

• Sensory breaks

• Balancing activities

  1. Balance beam

  2. Bean bag toss

Sensory Supports

• Fidget toys

• Noise-cancelling headphones

• Vestibular Swing

• Trampoline for proprioception

• Weighted/compression vest

• Vibrating oral motor tools

• Listening program

Social Stories - Carol Gray

Transitioning Techniques

• Transitional object

• Visual Schedule

• Routine

• Observe and limit lights, sounds, visual distractions