DIY Bag of Tricks for Sensory Input
Car rides were a particular struggle. Over time, we found that giving his hands a “something to do” made these moments of stillness much easier. We developed what we called our “Bag of Tricks”—an old cosmetic zipper pouch filled with a rotating selection of toys to keep him engaged.
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Sensory Strategy: Pulling A Heavy Wagon
By the third or fourth trip, he was no longer waiting for us to ask. He was seeking out the wagon on his own. Pulling that massive weight seemed to wear out the “chaos” in his system, leaving him noticeably more calm and agreeable afterward.
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Sensory Strategy: Climbing Up The Slide
If you know a child who is a “sensory seeker” and needs intense input to feel regulated, climbing the slide can be a powerful tool for their development, provided it does not interfere with the safety or play of others.
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Sensory Strategies: Spinning Chair
If you work with children who seem to be constantly seeking movement, you don’t always need specialized therapy equipment. You can include vestibular input in daily play using what you have:
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Sensory Strategy: The Calm Down Cocoon
Combining this pressure with an enclosed space adds another layer of benefit. For children who struggle with body awareness or proprioception—the sense of where their body is in space—a small, contained area like a laundry basket or a box provides clear physical boundaries. This “mini-sensory room” helps the brain process where the body ends and…
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DIY Light Box for Early Intervention
A DIY Light Table for Sensory Seekers I know what it feels like to be out of ideas. When our foster son entered our lives, he was a vibrant, intense sensory seeker. He needed high-octane input, often chewing on non-food items, bumping, crashing, and constantly moving. He struggled to settle and focus on quiet activities.…
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Songs with Purpose: “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” for Sensory Regulation
It offered a fast, intense burst of movement followed by a moment of structured stillness. The older siblings could easily join in, and we could execute it anywhere—in a hallway, outside a restaurant, or even at the park—without needing any specialized equipment.
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The Pillow Sandwich: Deep Pressure and Sensory Regulation at Home
My foster child actively sought this deep pressure. When he was feeling over-excited, overwhelmed, or just needed a reset, he had a request: “Pillow Sandwich!” This was a simple, family-led intervention that provided therapeutic compression.
Keep readingSensory Play: Stretchy Bands
For a sensory-seeking child who is always looking for movement, if that movement comes in the form of a fun, voluntary activity—like using an elastic band to play with—that is an improvement.
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Sensory Play: Jumping on the Indoor Trampoline
Jumping can be a powerful tool in our sensory toolkit. By understanding the science of it and incorporating it thoughtfully, we can help sensory-seeking children find regulation, improve their motor skills, and engage more fully in their world.
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Early Intervention Heavy Work for Sensory Seekers
Sensory seekers may naturally seek out various sensory experiences, but it’s crucial to guide them toward appropriate and regulating activities. Often, this means prioritizing proprioceptive feedback through heavy work.
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Sensory Play: A Calming Aquarium Scene
My experience reminded me that sensory input doesn’t always have to be about high-energy stimulation. Nature scenes, whether real or simulated, can offer a gentle, calming alternative. This aligns with the research, which emphasizes the stress-reducing effects of nature.
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Sensory Play: The Body Sock
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.
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The Purple Road: Sensory Regulation with a Yoga Mat
Sometimes, the most effective tools are the ones we already have. A simple yoga mat became a “purple road” to sensory regulation.
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Skateboard and Scooter Board: Tools for Sensory Play
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.
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Sensory Play: The Calming Effect of Weighted Blankets
Our son 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.
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