While parenting our young sensory-seeking child, we had to learn ways to provide sensory input. This introduced me to the world of scooter boards (and skateboards) and how they can be a game-changer for our sensory-seeking kiddos!

Sensory Success: A Skateboard Adventure

Have you ever had one of those “aha!” moments where something unexpected turns into a huge win? That’s exactly what happened with my foster son, who we affectionately call “Little Monkey.” He’s a sensory seeker. He is always on the move. His occupational therapist had success using scooter boards in therapy. She suggested we try them at home. With all the other therapy supplies and toys he needed, I hesitated to buy more.

Then, on a whim, I let him try my teenage son’s skateboard. Sure, it was a bit rough, but that’s just the kind of texture he loves! We paired it with a yoga mat for extra resistance (remember that purple road? [link to that yoga mat post]), and he was hooked! He loved scooting around on his tummy, pushing against the mat. We did not limit this activity to outdoors. Nah this purple road and skateboard play was in the living room! It kept him busy, built his arm strength, and gave him that much-needed proprioceptive (deep pressure) and vestibular (movement) input. It was a simple solution that made a big difference in our life.

Have you ever found a creative solution that worked even better than you expected?

The Science Behind the Fun

The scooter board is a classic tool used to provide vestibular and proprioceptive input while requiring the child to develop bilateral coordination (pushing or pulling themselves with both hands or feet). It is one of the types of activities used in Ayres Sensory Integration.

ASI is provided in a sensory-rich play environment—a space that contains: adapted swings, therapy balls, scooter boards/ramps, rotating/bouncing/climbing equipment, and a variety of multi-sensory materials. (Lane et al., 2019)

Although critics of ASI point out that the research has mixed results, some studies are encouraging. A study published in the Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics examined a six-month sensory integration program. It led to significant improvements in gross and fine motor skills in young children with autism. (Abdel Karim & Mohammed, 2015)

Fun Scooter Board Activities

Ready to try some scooter board (or skateboard!) fun? Here are some ideas from Your Kid’s Table

“Shopping” for Sensory Treasures:
- Scatter sensory toys around the room.
- Have your child scoot around and collect them.
- Great for motor planning!
Backwards and Forwards Exploration:
- Try scooting backwards for a different challenge.
- Create an obstacle course.
- Helps with direction awareness.
“Towing” Adventures:
- Use a rope to gently pull your child.
- Start slow and make sure they’re balanced.
- Provides deep pressure.
Puzzle and Building Challenges:
- Scoot to grab puzzle pieces or building blocks.
- Combines motor skills with visual coordination.
“Highway” Obstacle Course:
- Use cones or tape to create a road.
- Works on motor planning and core strength.
Push and Pull Power:
- Have your child push a weighted basket.
- Great for strengthening upper body.
Spinning Fun:
- Gently spin your child while laying on the board.
- Provides vestibular input.
Scooter Board Tunnel:
- Create a blanket tunnel to scoot through.
- Combines vestibular and proprioceptive input.

Safety First!

Always supervise your child.
Watch out for little fingers and wheels!
Encourage tummy or seated positions.
Never let them stand on the board.

Playing and Making a Difference

Scooter boards, or even a simple skateboard, can be part of a fun engaging play experience. They provide valuable opportunities to move, improve motor skills, and may help children feel more regulated. Remember, every child is unique, so adapt these activities to fit their needs.

We can provide our sensory-seeking children with the support they need to thrive through play. This can be done by incorporating these fun and engaging activities into our daily routines. Let’s get rolling!