All Things Early Intervention
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 the rest of the world begins, which can significantly lower a child’s state of arousal and reduce anxiety.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for a small child hurting himself. It’s a difficult situation but it can improve over time. Early Intervention providers working with families going through this need to remember to be supportive and encourage them to focus on one thing at a time one day at a time.
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.
Instead of forcing him to “sit still,” I shifted the entire experience to meet him where he was. Here is the step-by-step strategy we used to turn a something that caused a violent meltdown into a manageable routine:
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.
All Things Early Intervention