All Things 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. […]
As a teacher and foster parent, I have seen biting behaviors resolve through team-based plans and specific strategies. When these strategies were consistently in place, the biting behavior disappeared. I realized that adults often want the child to simply “stop,” but the most effective interventions begin by changing the environment to reduce triggers like stress, boredom, or competition.
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.
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.
Creating a peaceful bedtime routine for a child with sensory processing challenges takes time, patience, and experimentation. By understanding your child’s unique needs and incorporating sensory strategies, you can create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and sleep for everyone.
We know that children with ASD experience sleep issues and challenging behaviors. Parents then experience stress, and then parent’s stress can worsen a child’s behavior problems. Therefore, effective stress management becomes a critical for both parent and child’s well-being.
The most important lesson I learned is that prevention is key. When your child is actively escaping their car seat while you’re driving, you’re helpless. Focus on creating an environment that minimizes the likelihood of escape.
To my horror, he was covered in what appeared to be feces, gleefully playing with it. Panic set in as I navigated through traffic, desperately trying to find a safe place to pull over.
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.
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.
All Things Early Intervention