One of my students started having really aggressive, violent behavior outbursts and as part of our behavior intervention process, I spoke with my O.T. and the parents to discuss possible sensory needs. Here's one example, this student was literally throwing himself onto the floor throughout the day. Not just dropping to the floor, but jumping up and landing hard onto the floor. He would do it repeatedly during his leisure time, not as a means to escape/avoid working. The O.T. explained he is needing more proprioceptive input (sensations from joints and muscles that lead to body awareness) as well as vestibular input (sense of movement) It became very clear that this student was needing some intense sensory activities to address his needs. To address this issue specifically, we are having him lay down and then rolling a large therapy ball on him while applying pressure which he absolutely loves! This guy rarely talks, let alone initiates communication and he will now lay down, say "ball" and when I stop, he says "more please".
This is when I decided to build in a sensory break for all of my students during the day, in addition to having more frequent sensory breaks for those who really need it. So, everyday after lunch time, we come back to the room and turn off the lights and sensory time begins! Here are a few of the activities we have available.
This is just a large plastic container with some good old dried beans inside, always a favorite!
Here's where I store most of my "sensory" materials, the students know where they are and can access them during breaks. The "Discovery kids" fish tank on top is also very popular.
This is just a small table top fan I let the students direct towards them.
I am by no means an expert in sensory integration, so consult your O.T. before trying anything on your own!
