Talk to me about sensory gyms

I am thinking maybe I will take DS to one twice a week after school and his home therapies.
He has a pdd-nos diagnosis right now. He goes to school in the morning 5 days a week, gets 2 back to back aba sessions at home and OT twice a week at home and in school. He even goes to horse ability once a week. But I don't think it's enough!
He is constantly seeking input. Body tensing like crazy, running back and forth, climbing furniture, screaming cause he has limited words.
I do brushing and joint compression every 3 hours but he needs sooooo much more. So I was thinking about the 2 days he don't have OT at home I maybe take him to the gym.
How do they work? Does insurance pay for them?

Any info would be appreciated!

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

By sensory gym do you mean a pediatric therapy clinic that has OT and lots of sensory equipment or a peds OT clinic that specializes in sensory integration/processing disorders or a my gym type of place where you can bring your child and work with him there yourself? You can either pay out of pocket or go through your insurance to get aditional OT at a clinic and request they address his sensory needs. Also, the wilbarger brushing protocol should be completed every 2 hours, not 3. Does your son have a sensory diet?

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

You may want to speak to your child's therapist about a compression vest. It has helped tremendously for my dd. Also being aware of different activities that will "ground" your chld as much as possible is key. OT sessions are just 30 minutes, but a good OT knows how to help deepen your understanding of what exactly is going on with your child and how doing "xyz" can help.

You may want to invest the money in some home equipment. For instance, a cuddle swing, therapy balls, mini trampoline etc.

A sensory gym is only as good as the therapist ! I have been to amazing gyms where the therapists were not a good fit.

I am going to FM you with a recommendation.

And yes there are "sensory gyms" and EI will pay for your ds to be there. You don't have to pay out of pocket. You may be able to increase his amount of OT sessions

Message edited 1/15/2012 1:40:49 PM.

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

He gets OT in school 2x a week and also at home 2x a week. It's the same OT. She is the one who told me to do the joint compressions and brushing.
ugh....where do I start? Do I first call EI and tell them I think her needs more? Thank you!!!

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

4 times a week is a lot of OT. I doubt they would give you more than that. Is his school a special ed preschool where he would recevie OT in the "OT/PT room"? Under the age of 3 an OTwouldnt really need tons of large sensory pieces of equipment like you would for an old bigger child. A simple suspended swing that is capable of rotary movement, therapy ball, ball pit, fabric/yoga mat, and some piece to climb on would be plenty. Most OT/PT rooms/clinics would have at least that. I would definitely discuss your sensory concerns with your current OT. Ask for specific low cost activities you can do with your son at home to improve his sensory processing skill and his organizational abilities. Also see if she will recommed some strategies and activities to his classroom teachers. These activities should be specific to his needs and carried out throughout the day. It is what we call a "Sensory Diet". Sometimes it is best for certian activities to occur at specific times during the day or before/after other activities.

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

I don't know where you live, but New York Therapy Placement Services offers a sensory gym. They are a vendor on here, with a link to the right of the page.

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms

Hi,
I can make a great recommendation. Where do you live? There a wonderful location in Port Jefferson called New York Therapy Kids. It is a center base facility that has a fantastic Sensory gym. This gym also does other services, speech, ot, pt, etc. but they offer this Sensory Gym for kids on and off the spectrum. You can inquire and speak to Bernice at (631)473-4284. They have a website www.nytps.com and fb New York therapy Placement Services, Inc.

Re: Talk to me about sensory gyms