Calming And Focus With Weighted Therapy

A true innovation, weighted therapy has helped millions of children out there, thanks to the deep pressure and guaranteed sensory integration. Weighted blankets are amongst the most popular products recommended for such purposes, being highly efficient. They are made from comfortable fabrics, and are offered at genuinely affordable prices. Parents and therapists also have the opportunity to purchase weighted vests, blankets, or other clothing to assist them at home or in therapy.

One of the most interesting examples that could be given is represented by the weighted cap. This rather unique product has been designed with concepts such as deep pressure and sensory integration in mind. As for weighted vests, these are believed to be just perfect when it comes to providing sensory input. Children love wearing these vests, especially since they keep them warm and look so fantastic. Thanks to the special design, they are not conscious of the weights and they can play freely. The weights can be remove or added, depending of course on the comfort of the child and the desired sensory input.
Returning to weighted therapy, you have to be aware that weighted vests and blankets are not the only items recommended by specialists. Online, one can also find compression shorts and additional weights for the vest. There are special vests presented by virtual stores, providing proprioceptive input through the deep pressure. These vests come in different sizes and colors, being quite comfortable and easy to remove. Shoulder lizards, weighted comforters and lap pads come to complete the list for available weighted therapy products.

What are the benefits of weighted vests and blankets, apart from the ones that were already mentioned? These products are designed to increase stability and body awareness at the same time, allowing for the child to develop normally. Recognized for their beneficial properties, weighted blankets and vests have been recommended to children who suffer from autism, Angelman syndrome or cerebral palsy. ADHD patients, children with Down syndrome and Dyslexia have benefitted from them as well. It seems that there are many disabilities and medical conditions out there that can be improved through weighted therapy, including sensory integration disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome and sensory processing disorder.

As a parent, you have to be interested in the things that help your child. As a parent of a child with special needs, you have to be more than interested in such products. By providing deep pressure, they assist the child in regaining lost functions and prevent existent ones from deteriorating to the level where there is nothing left to be done. Weighted therapy products are effective indeed, providing specialized assistance for children with serious sensory needs. They ensure sensory integration, which is one of the most desirable objectives physical and occupational therapists bring into the picture.

It would take a long time to mention all the benefits of weighted therapy products, but a few have to be mentioned for everyone to remember. Products like weighted vests have had a positive effect on coordination, focus and concentration. Weighted blankets have been recognized as being efficient on reducing agitation; the deep pressure provided being the secret ingredient that led to successful usage. Such products have been successfully introduced in occupational therapy programs but also used in sessions with physical and behavioral therapists. They can be used in the family and during therapy, being more efficient than other courses of treatment. Not only do they help the child remain focused but they have a calming and soothing effect, demonstrating that sensory integration is indeed possible and not just a fact mentioned by the specialty books. From weighted vests to blankets and back to many other products, this therapy does seem to work wonders for children in need!

By: meganm

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

FunandFunction.com has a huge selection of weighted therapy toys, clothing, and other deep pressure tools that provide a calming effect and promote focus. Browse our weighted blankets and comforters, vests and more! Stop by to see what funandfunction.com can offer you and your child!

Helping The Child Who Has Sensory Issues

There's something up with a child you know. She is clumsy, picky, always on the move, or perpetually flopped in a chair like a wet noodle. He is impulsive, intense, and quirky. Maybe this child has a learning disability, ADHD, or autism, or maybe not. Why are everyday sensations so distressing to him? Can she really "hear" the fluorescent lights that she claims are distracting her?

It's very likely that this child you're concerned about has sensory processing disorder, also known as SPD or sensory integration dysfunction. An estimated 1 in 20 children have this disorder. Almost all children with autism have SPD as well.
This child's nervous system is wired atypically so that his body processes everyday sensations differently. His senses don't give him an accurate picture of what's going on in his body and his world, so he's prone to anxiety, distractibility, impulsivity, and frustration. A child with SPD will tune out or act out when overstimulated. The need for sensory input such as movement and touch can be so overpowering that the child truly can't control his need to seek it out. Many of us have difficulty tuning out background noise in a busy restaurant so we can focus on a conversation, or we prefer clothes that are tight or loose. These are sensory preferences. When a child's sensory issues interfere significantly with learning and playing, he needs the help of an occupational therapist, a sensory diet, and a sensory smart adult who can teach him how to feel more comfortable in his body and environment.

Fortunately, many of the accommodations that can make a huge difference in the life of a child who has sensory issues are simple and inexpensive. Here are just a few:

1. Cut out clothing tags, turn socks inside out or buy seamless ones, and avoid clothing with embroidery and elastic that may feel irritating to the child.

2. To help him tolerate the intense sensation of having his teeth brushed, offer the child nonfoaming toothpaste and try desensitizing his mouth and lips by using a vibrating toothbrush or even just gently pressing a hand-held vibrator against his cheek, jaws, and lips before attempting to brush.

3. To calm and focus a child with sensory issues, you may need to use deep pressure against the skin as you compress her joints. Hug her, or press pillows against her body or rolling her up in a blanket to play "burrito." However, always pay attention to what a child is telling you, in words or body language, about her response to sensory input. Don't upset her with unwanted touch.

4. In school or at home, allow him to sit on an exercise ball or an inflatable cushion, with a smooth or bumpy surface, to give him extra input to his body. This will meet the movement needs of a child who just has to be able to squirm and enhance his body awareness, allowing him to focus better.

5. Let the child separate different foods on his plate and eat them without mixing together foods of different textures. The skin in the mouth of a child with sensory issues can be exquisitely sensitive, making her a picky eater. You may have better luck getting her to eat a steamed green vegetable or raw carrot stick rather than a peanut butter sandwich.

6. Provide the child with quiet getaways to retreat to when the sensory onslaught of everyday life is too much. Let her sit alone with you in a car outside of a party or noisy restaurant, or in a quiet, darkened room, listening to relaxing music on a personal music player.

A pediatric occupational therapist, trained and experienced in helping children with sensory issues, can work with parents and teachers to plan and carry out activities for the child that can help him or her function better at home, at school, and away. She can also help problem solve and discover accommodations that will ease the child's discomfort. Whether working on a consultation basis, in a "sensory gym" nearby, at home or at school, the right sensory smart OT can make a huge difference in the life of a child with sensory processing disorder.

copyright 2009 Nancy Peske

By: Nancy Peske

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Nancy Peske is the coauthor, with Lindsey Biel OTR/L, of the award-winning book Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, recently expanded and rereleased by Penguin Books and available at bookstores everywhere. Her son was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder (sensory integration dysfunction) and multiple developmental delays at age 2. Learn more at www.sensorysmarts.com and sensorysmartnews.com

Sensitivity to Lights and Sounds in Vehicles

Children with sensory integration disorder or sensitivities to light and sound, can resist going out for a walk, playing on the playground, and even going for a ride in the car. Sensory integration disorder is when the brain doesn't understand the information it is receiving from the senses and misinterprets it.

When a child is sensitive to the brightness of light or sound that it is either too loud or high-pitched, they may overreact and exhibit a variety of behavioral challenges, such as crying, screaming, having headaches or stomachaches. As onlookers, we interpret this child as being temperamental or having a bad day. The way the parents respond, if they are not aware of this sensitivity, is to do a number of things to calm or stop the child's behavior. Most people have not heard of sensory integration disorder, although it is on the rise, primarily due to the frequency of diagnosis and quantity of people having the same or similar sensory issues.

Sensory integration disorder can coexist with Autism spectrum disorders, other learning disabilities or disorders. The book, "The Out of Sync Child," by Carol Stock Kranowitz, discusses and explains what this disorder is and how to adjust events in your child's life so that your child can be more comfortable. Checklists on the web do not fully understand the disorder, and try to attest their validity by making blanket statements, with black and white conclusions. Many children exhibit sensory issues, but parents and therapists may not recognize all the symptoms. Symptoms may occur one day and not the next two days or new ones may surface. Some days a child may be overly sensitive to sound or light, and other days they may be under sensitive.

Some children are okay with having sunglasses on, to protect their eyes from the light. Those who do not like to have things on their face or who are too young to wear eye protection, can typically shield their eyes with a hood or cover. Vehicles that have darkly tinted windows in the backseat are perfect for these children. Some people find that tires that do not have a specific expiration mileage will produce more sound and noise than tires that that last for just 50,000 or 100,000 miles, for example. These types of tires are firmer due to the amount of rubber that is spun tighter around the tire.

Some of the newer vehicles, have features that auto adjust mirrors so light is either reflected or muted and won't glare or bounce off other reflective objects in the car. Additionally, there are muted colored lights throughout the car that given an amber, blue or red glow to light the console or dashboard.

If you are unable to purchase a newer vehicle, there are ways to adjust the interior of your car to reduce the glare or brightness. Private investigators use black curtains hung near or around the windows to prevent the light from glaring in. The same curtain can be used to hang from the inside of the car's window, using the window to hold it up. Using white noise machines, video games, or soft music helps with irritating or aversive sounds.

Observe your child's behavior on a daily basis to see how or if the amount of light is bothersome. Ask your child questions and help them become more comfortable. Traveling in a car with your child in car can be a pleasant experience; most importantly, it needs to be safe so the driver is not distracted and the passengers are safe.

Julie Callicutt is the owner of Ferko Therapeutic Group, a company specializing in providing intensive rehabilitation therapy to children with disabilities, specifically those on the Autism Spectrum. Julie's services include 1:1 intensive therapy, coaching/mentoring of caregivers and making herself available to speak at local and national early childhood conferences. If you would like more information, please visit, http://www.ferkotherapy.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Callicutt

Autistic Journey Down Sensory Lane

Often we seem to get so caught up in the everyday caring for the basic needs of autistic children that we forget they like to just have fun. There are some wonderful activities and games that serve the purpose of providing therapeutic value, improving motor skills, developing sensory stimulation and encouraging social interaction. Playing selective games with autistic children can provide all of these important benefits, and at the same time add a happy outlook toward life. Parents gain a better understanding of their child's needs through these activities. This is not a scientific observation, but a personal insight into my experiences in Ryan's world. You see, Ryan has sensory integration dysfunction. I appreciate the value of the places we sought to take him in order to seek stimulation for his sensory system and encourage the development of social skills. Children with autism can play selective games that can provide all of these important benefits and at the same time add to a happy outlook for child and parent. Ryan's condition includes weak muscles and it gets a bit tricky to stimulate, but not over stimulate his sensory system to the point of being detrimental.

To the autistic child, and probably any child, SAND AND WATER are their best friends. Of course, the place that comes to mind right now is the beach. Don't forget the sun screen, a swimsuit, an umbrella, a small shovel, a pail and toys to bury and dig up. It's amazing what can be accomplished with these natural elements. In the back yard, fill a sand box half full of sand and add water until it forms little puddles and let them play in it. Look for a playground with deep sand around each of the slides, merry-go-rounds and springy rides. It's fun to burrow in the sand and enjoy the sensation. The therapist pointed out to us that it was good for him to get in the swing and have us twist the swing and let it go. The spinning motion was a wonderful experience for him. The merry-go-round gave him more of the spinning motion which he needed. Also another benefit of the merry-go-round was the pushing and pulling of a heavy object. The slide gave his skin a good brushing as he slid down it. Of course he would have to climb back up to the top in order to go down again ,which strengthened his muscles. The bouncing and rocking motion on the springy animals gave him another beneficial reward. The benefits just go on and on and the best part was that he was having fun. Later treats were enjoyed at the picnic table.

A different source for sensory therapy is a discount dollar store. We visited there on a regular basis. It is the type of store that encourages handling, touching and choosing. Sometimes we would spend two hours there. To teach Ryan the value of money and the ability to choose, I would give him a dollar. As we shopped, he could put anything that interested him into the basket but the rule was that he could only purchase one thing with the dollar I gave him. Since everything was a dollar, the only difficult thing was to learn to make choices. He soon began to think not only of himself, but he would think of things his sister would like to have.

Fast food places with playgrounds inside are perfect places for autistic children to go and play. The first time we took Ryan, he had just begun his year of therapy and was very cautious about going up so high. He did not like for his feet to leave the ground. However, he was brave and climbed to the very top and froze and could not come down. My husband had to climb through all that maze and bring him down. We thought he would never want to go back, however, we were wrong. The next visit he climbed all the way to the top and finally slid down the tunnel to the floor. He would repeat this many times. It gave him much needed confidence and provided sensory therapy. Observing the other children in action encouraged him to participate. Another benefit was totally unexpected. Ryan did not like to be touched by others. It was very threatening to him. Soon, during all the activity with the children he began to get accustomed to being touched and soon began to be more comfortable around others. A word of caution, close supervision is a must here, because some children may play a little rough. We always took time out to eat something and enjoy the social aspect of the trip.

Please feel free to visit my blog and watch the video on autism. http://aboutautismandmore.blogspot.com

Meredith is a retired small business owner and has enjoyed retirement for a few years. She recently came out of retirement to develop an on-line affiliate business to earn money for a special project to help restore old historical cemeteries that are in ruin. The Data Connection will provide the monetary funds needed for this worthy endeavor. On-line affiliate marketing fits right into her stay-at-home lifestyle. While she enjoys writing, the rest of the business will not come so easy. The article marketing concept is strongly emphasized in the approach she is taking. She believes strongly that this will result in establishing a business with a firm foundation. She invites you to visit her Blog at: http://aboutautismandmore.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meredith_Morrow

Sensory Integration and Autism Does it Work?

Not all children with autism have sensory problems among their symptoms, but when present they are among the first to become noticeable. Sensory issues can range from being hypersensitive or, at the other end of the scale, having a lack of response to many types of stimulation. However by employing sensory integration and autism therapy these issues can be managed.

The range of sensory integration (SI) issues children with autism face varies dramatically from child to child. Some children are unable to tolerate any loud or unusual noise. Textures of foods and fabrics may be extremely irritating. Something as simple as a clothing label can feel to an autistic child like insects crawling over their skin. For these hypersensitive children anything remotely out of the ordinary, such as a loud family gathering with lots of hugging and kissing, can be too much for senses to manage.

On the other end of the spectrum, some autistic children show practically no response to anything at all. Loud noises are ignored, events or actions that might have an impact on anyone else will pass seemingly unnoticed.

Though it is not always the case, some classic autistic behaviors can be attributed to the sensory issues themselves.

Some children will deal with feelings of over-stimulation by flapping hands, rocking their bodies, and even walking in different ways. Those behaviors may seem odd, however when you consider that their senses are overloaded, those actions make a great deal more sense.

It is somewhat logical if an autistic child is over-stimulated, he or she might alter how they do things in order to try to deal with whatever it is that is proving to be overwhelming. These same actions might also be carried out in order to seek sensations that are desired, but not present.

The main objective of sensory integration and autism therapy is to make their environment tolerable and even pleasant for the child if at all possible. Most sensory integration therapy is incorporated within occupational therapy.

There are many types of activities that are integrated into the therapy to expose the child to sensations of all types; including brushing the skin, motions and movements, music or other auditory stimuli.

The child is exposed over and over again in a controlled environment in the hope that this exposure will help them learn to process the information without becoming startled or overwhelmed. If ST therapy is successful, the child usually becomes calmer and more in control of their actions and other problems, such as tantrums, may also be diminished.

There is debate over how effective SI therapy can be. There are several studies that demonstrate the therapy works well and just as many have illustrated that the therapy has no positive impact and in some case a negative effect.

Some of the controversy with this therapy may lie with unspecialized health care professionals attempting to provide the therapy without enough experience or training. Another point to bear in mind that as each child and each case of autism is different, so the outcome will never be the same for any two children, therefore it is very hard to compare outcomes between two or more children.

When considering sensory integration and autism therapy for your child it is important to speak to a qualified doctor about the potential benefits and setbacks that may occur. Some children with autism simply don't need this form of therapy, while others will not respond to it at all. It is the individual situation that will dictate the final result.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans' brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about diagnosing autism and for information on autism strategies please visit The Essential Guide To Autism.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Evans