All Things Early Intervention
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.
“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.
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.
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.
While it wasn’t an overnight success, the social story proved to be a game-changer. Equipped with a road map for what to expect, Little Monkey was able to navigate the drive-thru experience with newfound calm.
Gross motor heavy work is hard to do during a bath, but fine motor heavy work is doable. After providing him with the following activities, his need for sensory input was satisfied by the work with his hands and exposure to texture.
When a child is having difficulty changing her behavior, try changing the environment.
Following these tips and embracing a “good enough” mentality can turn haircut day from a struggle into a regular routine to look forward to.
It takes some experimenting to find a strategy that works. One strategy that I try early on is using a picture, an object, or a sign/gesture to bridge the gap in communication.
All Things Early Intervention