Transcription of Sensory Diet Activities for Children - SensorySmarts
1 Sensory Diet Activities for ChildrenTouch/Deep PressureSwaddleBear hugsBackscratchMassage with/without lotionJoint compressionsTherapy brushingWarm bathScrub with washcloth/scrubbyWater playWear certain fabricsExplore various texturesSit in the sunshine/shadeJump on crash pad Log rollingUse hand fidgets Play with stuffed toys Make mudpiesUse fingerpaint or other paintsUse glitter glueArts & craftsUse foamy soap/shaving creamPlay with whipped creamPet a dog, cat, or other animalMix cookie dough, cake batterWeighted blanket, vest, lap padRoll up in a burrito blanket Sandwich between pillowsClimb under sofa cushions Play in sandboxUse Play-doh, Gak, Floam, !
2 Sculpey, Silly Putty, claySensory bin with dry rice & !beans or other materialsHelp with gardening Vibrating toys - pens, balls, !stuffed toysUse vibrating toothbrushVibramat/Tender Vibes mattressOthers:Note: Never force a child to touch something he finds gross. Let him use a paintbrush, stick, gloves, or even a toy for cautious exploration. The mouth is also lined with skin - see oral comforts. Movement/ProprioceptionRocking (in your arms, hobby horse, or rocking chair)Playing horsie on your kneeCrawling on hands and kneesCommando crawling with full bodyWalkRunJumpMarchDanceBunny hopWheelbarrow walkAnimal walksJumping jacksFloor push upsWall push upsSit upsUse swingsPlayground slidesUse monkey barsClimb stairsClimb laddersJump on mini-trampolineUse Sit n Spin, Dizzy Disc Jr.
3 , !or other spinning toyHop-It ballsInflatable seat cushionsBounce on a therapy ballRide a tricycle/bicycleRide a scooter/skateboardAmusement park ridesSwimmingPush a grocery cart or strollerBrain Gym and yoga exercisesRoll down a hillHokey PokeyPlay catchBalloon tennisPlay hopscotchCartwheels and somersaultsIce skating/sledding/skiingPogo Stick/Bungee JumperOthers:Notes: Generally, rhythmic movement is calming while erratic movement is arousing. Never force movement. Look out for physiological responses such as increased distractibility, disorientation, nausea, breathing changes, unexpected tiredness, suddenly pale or flushed skin.
4 2008 Lindsey Biel, OTR/L More Sensory Diet Activities for ChildrenListening/AuditoryListen to favorite music Discover calming vs. arousing musicBang on pots and pansPlay musical instruments Listen to sounds of nature outdoorsSingingHummingWhisperingBlow whistlesTherapeutic Listening programs Sound Eaze/School Eaze CDs White noise machine or CDObserve silenceIdentify and label sounds Use earplugs or sound-canceling headphonesExplore the stereo volume control knob Safe space with quiet and low lightOthers:Looking/VisionLook at mobiles, lava lamps, bubble lampsColored lightbulbsAvoid fluorescent bulbs (visual flicker, noise, and !mercury content in compact fluorescents) Safe space with minimal visualsRespect color preference in clothing, objects, and !
5 Interior decoratingReconsider complicated prints and patterns on !clothing, walls, and floorsToys in opaque containers Leave out 5-10 toys at a time to avoid visual overloadLook at photosLook at picture booksLook at nature - fish tanks, farm, zoo, oceanWatch cartoons and moviesHigh-quality sunglasses outdoorsTinted lenses indoors if sensitive to glareWide brim hat or visor outdoorsGames and Activities that develop visual skills- !mazes, dot-to-dots, I Spy, drawing, flashlight tag, :Smell/Taste/Oral ComfortsEssential oils and scented candles!Explore personal preference and discover !invigorating (typically lemon and peppermint) vs. !calming (typically vanilla, rose, and sweet orange) Smell flowers Sniff spices and herbsBlindfold smelling gameExplore tastes: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitterEat frozen/cool/warm foods Explore textures: crunchy, creamy, chewy, lumpyChew gum/suck on lollipop Blow bubblesSuck thick liquid through strawUse age appropriate chewy Others:Note: Avoid lavender and tea tree oil as studies show they may cause hormonal imbalances in young boys.
6 2008 Lindsey Biel, OTR/L
