Sensory Seeker

Hi !!!

I have been on LIF for a while, but lately have been just reading up/ lurking on the special needs board.

Both of my kids were born 3 months premature and have sensory issues. We are still in the process of trying to diagnose and figure out what is going on (they just turned two in March)...and in the meantime, they have been getting EI pretty much since they have been born.

My son is a sensory seeker...constantly moving and wanting to push his feet on things...has vestibular issues...doesn't like to be high up where his feet aren't touching anything...besides swings and bouncing on yoga balls...what else can I try with him to help regulate him when he is going bonkers? This morning I literally sat him on my feet while I was laying down and had him go up and down while pushing his feet on the floor....hopefully that makes sense lol..just curious if you guys have any other suggestions.

And, thanks for your help!

PS...I also just wanted to say that I can RELATE to many of your stories and have to give you all a pat on the back for doing such an amazing job with your kids.

Message edited 5/6/2011 10:38:02 AM.

Re: Sensory Seeker

Sounds like your ds needs a lot of proprioceptive input, which sends messages to the vestibular system. He needs to feel grounded and be able to explore his space, increase his spatial awareness and also filter out unnecessary stimuli (sensory seekers have a hard time with that since they rely on their vision because their vestibular systems can be dysfunctional /low tone). I have twin girls, that are now going to be 3. One of my girls is a sensory seeker and in EI.

I find any kind of "work" you can give to the muscles helps calm them down. The easiest can be 'crunchy" foods, or thick drinks...Really cold drinks or warm foods...Giving the oral motor muscles input helps.

Trampoline or any type of jumping game. We put on music and dance a lot. Stomping on wood surfaces gives a lot of feedback.

Pushing heavy laundry baskets, carrying different weighted items and throwing them into a basketball hoop.

Ball pits are great for proprioception. Epsom salt baths, or just swimming.

Gymnastics type classes are great for sensory seekers.

Spandex swings, that rotate so your child can truly get a wide range, which helps the ocular system.

Joint compressions, and deep pressure massage....Lots of squishes/hugs, and even roll them up in a blanket.

Vibrating instruments and toys give input (drums, chimes, guitar etc)

The Out of Sync Child Has Fun is a great book with a lot of ideas. A lot of the activities are a bit advanced for your ds's age but it can give some basic ideas.

Some kids benefit from proprioceptive vests.

Remember these kids are actually trying hard to keep themselves alert, and that's why they are on the go. Their systems need to wake up in order for their bodies to calm down.

Most importantly, finding the right OT can make the world of difference.

Re: Sensory Seeker

DS is also a sensory seeker.

Sapphire gave you excellent info above! Not sure I have much to add but if you need anything let me know

Re: Sensory Seeker

We have a trampoline in his playroom, but DS even likes jumping off a big floor pillow on to the floor. He jumps everywhere. Out of the car, off the bottom step, off the curb along the driveway, etc.

Our OT left a Dizzy disc for us (like a sit and spin) and a therapy ball. He will ask for these things if he needs to use them. He also just loves to run. When we are going to the car, we have a little game where we say, "hurry, hurry, hurry." and he runs holding my hand. I give him squeezes - like big bear hugs where I squeeze him tight. We also do this thing where I sit on the floor, he comes behind me, like I am going to give him a piggyback ride. He puts his arms around my neck and I lean over with him on my back. We do 1,2, 3...lean! and on 3, I bend down toward the floor and he kicks his legs up in the air.

We got a weighted vest through EI - is he getting OT? If so, ask the OT to see if she can request one from EI for you.

I also enrolled him in swimming lessons and a gymnastics class, he loves both and asks to go to at least one of the two every day. I think both give him the sensory input he seeks, but in different ways.

Re: Sensory Seeker

Thank you all for responding with some great suggestions.

Today I tried having him pushing the laundry basket back and forth right before his DI therapy and he was super calm during his session. It really helped him a lot!

At night, he gets super fidgety...so I decided to try the blanket wrapping suggestion. I asked him if he wanted to be wrapped like a burrito....he said yes and couldn't get enough. I never saw him sit so still at night in my life. He sat there cuddling with my dh all wrapped up (with his arms out). I felt like I was going back to the swaddling days. The best part was when I tried to get him out of the blanket, he whined NO...so I really think he liked this and it gave him a sense of space.

I notice from time to time that he spins in circles. He doesn't do this often, but do you think if I get one of those sit and spin toys that it will promote him to spin more??

Also, with the swimming lessons....did you enroll your son in a special class or did you put him in a regular swimming lesson class? I heard swimming and horseback riding had positive results on children with sensory problems. This was def. something I was going to look into for my ds.

Thanks again!

Message edited 5/6/2011 9:11:07 PM.