Angie's Top 10 Sensory Tips
- The brain responds best to purposeful and meaningful activity. Keep this very critical concept in mind when incorporating sensory activities and a sensory diet/home program into your daily routine. Always make it fun, always make it meaningful and purposeful, and the brain is much more likely to respond AND there will not be tension or stress involved with any of it.
- Never force a sensory activity or technique. (This includes brushing)
- Children inherently want to please, do not assume “bad behavior” is the root of the situation
- Eye contact is way overrated, respect it as a sensory signal and indicator
- Refrain from tickling your child. Tickling gives the brain a mixed message of pain and pleasure, which our sensory kiddos surely do not need MORE mixed messages to the brain!
- Proprioception is your “go-to” sensory system for calming and organizing sensory input
- When in doubt, squish box!
- Inverting the head is a powerful tool.
- Vestibular input is an extremely powerful tool and 15 minutes of input can have a 6-8 hour impact on the brain.
- Deep breathing is one of the most effective tools to support self-regulation and to keep fight or flight at bay.
What is a Sensory Signal?
A sensory signal is a hint, clue, or indicator given by a child's behavior or reaction to the environment or surroundings. This includes a child's reaction to social interaction or communication. When one understands a child's sensory signals, it becomes more natural as to how to enrich the environment with the right sensory tools and strategies.
Angie Voss, OTR
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Please note: Angie Voss is no longer able to respond to individual sensory questions via email. Thank you for your understanding. |
When there is a greater understanding of sensory needs and differences, a transformation and shift in how one perceives the challenges can make all of the difference in behavior, development, and quality of life for a child.
Angie Voss, OTR
Angie Voss, OTR