The Magic of the Body Sock

Today, I want to share another story about a little guy who taught me a lot about sensory seeking and the power of simple interventions. Sometimes, the most effective tools are the ones that let kids just be kids, with a little extra support.

We had a foster child, affectionately nicknamed “Little Monkey,” who was a whirlwind of energy. He was constantly on the move, seeking sensory input in every way imaginable. It was clear he was a sensory seeker, and self-regulation was a challenge. We tried all sorts of heavy work activities, and one that really stood out was the sensory body sock. It was like magic! He’d climb in, push against the stretchy fabric, and… instant calm. It gave me peace to see his little body find some peace.

Understanding Proprioceptive Input

The body sock experience highlights the power of proprioceptive input, often referred to as “heavy work,” for sensory seekers. The body sock provides this input through compression, allowing kids to push and pull against the stretchy material.

Curious about sensory processing? Here’s a breakdown of key sensory concepts:

Sensory Input: This includes our five traditional senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch), plus proprioception (body movement, position, and balance) and vestibular sense (spatial orientation).
Sensory Seeking: This occurs when individuals are undersensitive (hyposensitive) to sensory input and actively seek more stimulation. Behaviors may include intense physical contact, loud noises, rough play, and chewing on non-food items.
Sensory Avoiding: This occurs when individuals are oversensitive (hypersensitive) to sensory input and find it overwhelming. Behaviors may include avoiding hugs, loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, and playground equipment.
Importance of Understanding Triggers: Identifying a child’s sensory triggers is crucial for providing appropriate support, including communication with teachers and strategies for managing sensory meltdowns.

How does it work?

Little Monkey benefited from free play with the sensory sock because it provided him the opportunity to engage his proprioceptive sensory system, which helped him regulate. The compression from the body sock offered the deep pressure input he craved, allowing him to organize his sensory system and find a sense of calm. The trial and error that we went through is inline with the research.

Read more about the mixed research of compression in the blog post about Sensory Input: Compression Sheets

Lessons Learned And Practical Tips

Here are some fun ways to play with a Sensory Body Sock:

The “Pop-Corn Game”: Have the child bounce around inside the sock like popcorn.
Rolling: Let them roll around on the floor while inside the sock.
Letter Shapes: Have them try to make letter shapes with their body inside the sock.
Bunny Hop Races: Organize bunny hop races using the socks.
Relay Races: Incorporate the socks into relay races.
Quiet Corners: Create a quiet corner with the sock for the child to retreat to.

I hope this story and these tips inspire you to explore the world of sensory play with your little ones. Remember, every child is unique, and finding the right tools and strategies takes time and patience. Share your experiences and any creative ideas you have in the comments below!