Written by Tricia Au
Children who have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) have a lack of sensory stimulation. These children require the appropriate sensory input in order to fulfill their sensorial needs. By providing the needed sensory input, the children are more regulated and will be able to perform better. Moreover, there will also be a decrease in behaviour issues when the children’s sensorial needs are met.
Tactile input
Make a sandwich using a pillow
Create a burrito using yoga mat or thick blanket
Activities that involve tactile senses and also other senses. For example, bury small toys in a construction site and have the child look for it with their eyes closed or even simple gardening (different soil and leaf texture is beneficial)
Explore different sensorial materials like beans, pasta, rice, sandbox
Water play (add food colouring, soap, shaving foam, silly string), you can use ladle, cups, containers, funnel, bowls, water squirters, boats during the water play
Shaving foam and sand play/glitter glue (adds texture)
Play dough itself or playdough with beads/marbles/ uncooked pasta added to create more sensory stimulation
Finger painting
Dress up like costumes, face paints, make up
Deep pressure through massage or hugs
Proprioceptive input
Jump on trampoline
Push ups on the ground/against the wall
Wheelbarrow
Crab walk
Frog jump
Heavy marching
Vestibular input
Spinning or running in circles
Hanging upside down on monkey bars
Log roll
Sledding
Riding a bike
Skating
Drag/swing the person in a blanket (sort of like a human hammock)
Sit on a therapy/gym ball
Reference
(2020). Subtypes of SPD. Retrieved from https://www.spdstar.org/basic/subtypes-of-spd
Lucy, J.M. & Doris, A.F. (2007). Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder. TarcherPerigee.
Doreit, B. (2012). No Longer a Secret: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges. Future Horizons Incorporated
Amir-Yaffe, G. (n.d.). 10 Fun & Proven Ways to Help Kids Enjoy Relaxation. [Photograph]. Retrieved from: https://www.doyou.com/10-fun-and-proven-ways-to-help-kids-enjoy-relaxation/
Kate. (n.d.). Shaving Cream Fun. [Photograph]. Retrieved from: https://laughingkidslearn.com/shaving-cream-fun/
How We Montessori. (n.d.). Finger Painting with a Baby - is it worth it? [Photograph]. Retrieved from: https://www.howwemontessori.com/how-we-montessori/2018/08/finger-painting-with-a-baby-is-it-worth-it.html
Lemon Lime Adventures. (n.d.). 15 Animal Walks for Sensory Input. [Photograph]. Retrieved from: https://lemonlimeadventures.com/animal-walks-sensory-diet/
BishopTeachers. (2017). What’s been happening in Explorers. [Photography[. Retrieved from: https://www.bishopsteignton.devon.sch.uk/our-community/explorers-1?blogpost_id=20945&public=&back=/our-community/explorers-1
Heffron, C. (2017). Physical Activities for Toddlers Using an Exercise Ball. [Photograph]. Retrieved from: https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/physical-activities-for-kids-exercise-ball/
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