Our kids with sensory issues can be tricky to help in the way they need. We don't always know how to calm and console them or what they need to regulate their emotions and impulse-control. They can be anywhere on a wide spectrum of sensory needs that can be difficult to diagnose. This all led me to ask my OT friend Leah to create a sensory gift guide for us for Christmas so we can give the gift of regulation to our babies. Leah and I are thrilled to gift this to you guys, and I hope it helps!
First, you need to see which sensory category your child falls into:
Over-Responsive: BIG response to incoming sensory info (defensive)
Picky eaters
cover ears with any noise
clothes tags/sock seams are a big deal
Primarily need calming activities
Under-Responsive: little or no reaction to incoming info.
Sensory seekers-cravers
constant motion
very high threshold for sensory input
Need organized alerting/stimulating activities (sounds opposite) to reach threshold to release appropriate neurochemicals.
Sensory Passive:
sluggish
They need sensory input but don’t actively seek it out.
Primarily need alerting/stimulating activities.
Now, here are some ideas for each category, and Leah was super awesome and went ahead and created a handy Amazon list that you can pull from for easy ordering!
Calming
bean bags
noise canceling headphones
weighted lap pads
weighted stuffed animals
pressure garments
cocoon swing (low and linear movements…no rotational)
visual timers
body sox
Seekers
mini trampoline
swing
hoppy ball
vibration
chewy jewelry
Alerting passive
cold packs
fans
visual stimulation
swing
tactile toys
Find great gifts for all of these categories here:
