Visit From The Occupational Therapist | Sensory Strategies
- Leila Bickell
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
First Visit From The Occupational Therapist | Sensory Strategies
Relevant Information/Discussion from Today: Nyus enjoys activities that involve jumping and bouncing, such as using a trampoline and jumping off a shelf onto a crash pad. Nyus enjoys playing with play-doh and making structures, and likes activities that provide pressure. Nyus engages in head banging and has tried using chewlery. They do not like wearing hats and are unlikely to tolerate a weighted hat. Nyus demonstrates a preference for activities that provide sensory input, such as jumping, bouncing, and playing with play-doh. They have fine motor skills but need support with scissor skills. Nyus may benefit from activities that provide deep pressure and proprioceptive input. They may need alternative strategies to address head banging and other sensory-seeking behaviors.
Recommendations: To support Nyus, it is important to continue providing opportunities for them to engage in activities that provide sensory input, such as using a trampoline and playing with play-doh. Introducing activities that support the development of scissor skills, such as cutting play-doh can also be beneficial. Exploring alternative strategies to address head banging, such as providing deep pressure input through weighted shoulder pad or using other sensory tools, is essential. Collaborating with Nyus's teacher and caregivers to develop a consistent plan for addressing sensory-seeking behaviors and supporting their sensory needs is crucial.
Additional sensory strategies can include incorporating a variety of tactile activities such as using sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or sand, and engaging in finger painting or using textured materials. Providing activities that offer proprioceptive input, such as pushing or pulling heavy objects, carrying weighted backpacks, or engaging in animal walks (e.g., bear crawls, crab walks) can also be helpful. Including activities that provide vestibular input, such as swinging, spinning, or using a balance board, and offering oral motor such as, drinking thick liquids through a straw can further support Nyus's sensory needs. Implementing calming strategies such as deep breathing exercises, using a sensory bottle, or creating a quiet corner with soft lighting and calming music can also be beneficial.
To reduce head banging, it is important to provide alternative sensory input, such as using a weighted shoulder pad, engaging in deep pressure activities, or using a sensory swing. Creating a safe environment by using soft padding on walls and floors to prevent injury is also essential. Implementing visual supports to help Nyus understand when and where it is appropriate to engage in certain behaviors, teaching self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing, using a sensory tool, or taking a break in a quiet space, and using positive reinforcement to encourage them to use alternative strategies instead of head banging can be effective. Collaborating with Nyus's caregivers to ensure consistency in strategies.
Additional deep pressure activities can include providing firm hugs or body squeezes using a therapy ball or large pillow, using blankets during rest or quiet time, engaging in activities that involve pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects, such as moving furniture, carrying groceries, or pushing a weighted cart, using resistance bands for exercises that provide deep pressure input, incorporating yoga poses and stretching exercises that involve deep pressure, such as child's pose or downward dog, and using a therapy ball for activities like rolling over the ball, sitting on the ball, or doing wall push-ups with the ball.
We are currently trying theses strategies at home and school. I think that the weather will also help because it is getting warmer out its easier for him to get outside. He enjoys being outside and it helps keep him more regulated. I am looking forward to getting outside soon!
Second Visit From The Occupational Therapist | Sensory Strategies
Recently Nyus had a second visit at school with an Occupational Therapist. I wanted to share some of the information they shared with the school and home.
I am going to share what the OT observed and what she recommended for us to do to help the situation. This has been an ongoing problem for a while so I would like to share information incase it can help another family.
Relevant Information/Discussion from Today: During the SBR-OT follow-up visit, the classroom teacher expressed ongoing concerns regarding Nyus's regulation and sensory-seeking behaviors. Nyus continues to engage in head-banging behavior and has been observed participating in fecal digging with associated olfactory exploration. The school team has consulted with Psychology to better understand the function of these behaviors. The team reports that Nyus demonstrates a strong interest in Play-Doh and various fidget items. Additionally, Nyus has been observed engaging in disrobing behavior, which the school team believes may be attention-seeking in nature. Nyus also enjoys using the swing in the sensory room when available. A structured sensory diet is recommended, with a focus on providing appropriate tactile and olfactory input. Access to a Spark bike is also recommended to support regulation through movement-based sensory input.
Recommendations: It is recommended that the school team implement a structured sensory diet throughout the day to proactively support Nyus’s regulation and sensory-seeking needs. The sensory diet should prioritize tactile input (e.g., Play-Doh, putty, textured fidgets) and olfactory input (e.g., scented markers, mild preferred scents offered in a controlled manner) as replacement activities for fecal and olfactory exploration. Vestibular input, including scheduled access to the swing in the sensory room, should be incorporated when available to support overall regulation. Consistent routines, proactive sensory opportunities, and clear adult responses are recommended to reduce the frequency of maladaptive behaviors.
Equipment Recommendation: These pieces of equipment are to provide Nyus with the accommodations that are essential for them to attend school and to access the Ontario Curriculum:
2. Scented Markers | https://amzn.to/4e6oNz3
3. Scratch and Sniff Stickers | https://amzn.to/4sNLYmi
Im very curious about the scratch and sniff stickers. I remember in the 90s as a child we had scratch and sniff shirts even! 😅 I also had the scented markers so I hope he enjoys them as much as I did!
I am going to order these items for home as well, so I will add an update in a couple weeks when we see if it is helping to change this behavior.
While I was looking I found these:
Silly Scents Playdoh | https://amzn.to/4t00UxO
Hope everyone has a great day!
Leila Bickell
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