“Little monkey” was a classic sensory seeker. He craved deep pressure and had difficulty self-regulating. By providing appropriate sensory feedback, we helped him find a sense of calm, particularly during sleep.
Category: Early Intervention Activities and Strategies
Now, the research on compression as a therapeutic tool is a bit mixed results. Some professionals swear by it, while others are less convinced. But, as we often say when we are sleep deprived and desperate, “It couldn’t hurt to try, right?” And boy, were we glad we did! It was awesome.
This activity is more than just fun; it’s a powerful tool for promoting joint attention, fostering creativity, and building fine motor strength. It’s a simple concept that can be modified to meet the unique needs of each child.
Allowing children to use safe knives is more than just a fun activity. It’s an opportunity for them to develop skills and explore their senses. By encouraging their involvement in food preparation, we’re creating enriching sensory experiences that will benefit them for years to come.
It’s not about creating elaborate sensory experiences every day. It’s about being mindful of the sensory opportunities that already exist and maximizing them. Encourage parents to embrace the mess, to slow down and allow their children to truly engage with their senses.
My own approach to dealing with challenging behavior is influenced by positive behavior support, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed care. It is a hodgepodge of trial and error, and I’d love to share the stories with you.
A stern voice, or even the word “no,” would trigger meltdowns. Thankfully, I discovered the magic of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, a children’s television show that offered practical solutions for navigating these situations.
Creating a safe space for him was a journey with uncertainties. While the effectiveness in calming him down was not always consistent, the times when it did work made all the effort worth it.
By understanding sensory seeking and incorporating these heavy work activities into your child’s routine, your child may benefit by feeling calmer, more regulated, and better able to focus throughout the day.
While I wasn’t consciously aware of these principles at the time, my improvised actions aligned to promote positive behavior. I was encouraged and reminded that we can effectively teach children new skills, including cleaning up, without resorting to power struggles.
All Things Early Intervention 