- Children love to jump and jumping can be helpful in calming and alerting children. Try a mini-trampoline, mattresses, jump-roping, or a hoppity-hop.
- A large exercise ball can be used to roll on, sit on, bear weight on, or watch TV on.
- Playing with resistive mediums gives greater feed back about the sensory systems. Use play dough, clay, beeswax, moon sand, and kitchen activities.
- Playing, drawing, and writing on a vertical surface is one of the greatest power tools for supporting visual attention, sensory feedback, hand development, and finger skill.
- Try a variety of seating options to support attention to the relevant task at hand, whether it is homework or mealtime. This might include a gel cushion, rocking chair, beanbag chair, or rotating chair.
- External structure, organization, predictability and familiarity supports sensory processing.
- Swimming is a total sensory experience. The weight and pressure of the water against the body can be relaxing and increases body awareness.
- The mouth supports focused attention, which is why children often times chew on non-food items (jewelry, shirtsleeves, pencil). Replace with more appropriate oral activities, such as sugarless gum, water bottles, straws, and healthy snacks.
- Provide small, safe, self-enclosed spaces to retreat and calm. This might include small tents, homemade ‘forts’, and/or pillow corners.
- Stress depletes the neurotransmitter serotonin, while deep-pressure sensations enhances it. Other serotonin boosters include peaceful music, nature, sunshine, natural lighting, cuddling pets, and relaxation breathing.