Home Exercises-Sensory Processing

This chart should be used to assist a child who has difficulty with regulation. These are suggestions to be used at home or in the classroom. It is important to better understand whether the child is under aroused or over aroused prior to picking strategies to address them
 
Over Aroused                                                   
Auditory

• Noise reduction headphone
• Simple gestures or pictures instead of verbal language
• Prepare child for loud and unexpected noises

Movement

• Use movement prior to tests- i.e. yoga
• Marching, stomping, jumping, running, pushing and pulling heavy things is calming
• Seat cushion standing desk
• Heavy work
• Down comforter or weighted blanket

 Visual

• Dim lights, filters in floruescents in classroom
• Provide quiet areas (cubicle) for studying
• Decrease visual distractions on the walls
• Avoid bright colors on walls in class
• Decrease amount of material on a page

Touch

• Avoiding light and unexpected touch
• Firmer pressure is calming
• Sitting on various textures
• Provide boundaries for overly seeking children

Under Aroused
Auditory

• When speaking use high or low volume to improve attention
• Music-louder, faster beat during motor tasks
• Use auditory prompts, bell, clapping, tapping a table, chimes

Movement

• Self initiated movement breaks are optimal
• Plan day with movement breaks into it
• Errands in class or bathroom, sharpen pencil
• Flexible seating-t stool, therapy ball, or air filled cushion

Visual

• Bright lights
• Bright colors-red, yellow, orange
• Use toys with lights and manipulatives
• Bright colored markers/chalk

Touch

• Light increase desire to touch and explore
• Various textures
• Heavier clothing, under armour