Everyday Sensory Solutions

September 12, 2023Occupational Therapy, Sensorimotor, Sensoryautism, Occupational Therapy, OT, sensory, sensory corner, sensory environment, sensory spaceGuest Blogger

Sensory-Friendly Environments

When creating sensory-friendly environments, the emphasis is on minimizing overwhelming stimuli and providing sensory solutions that promote regulated and organized responses to sensation. The goal is to create an environment that benefits individuals with sensory differences. Here are a few examples of how to reduce irritating auditory, visual, or tactile stimulation and ways to offer calming deep touch, movement, auditory, visual, and muscle work options to create your own sensory-friendly environment.

Auditory Stimulation:

everyday sensory solutions HUSH BUDDY EARMUFFS

Provide noise-canceling headphones or earbuds to reduce or eliminate loud or overwhelming sounds.
Offer a quiet area or soundproofing measures to create a space with reduced auditory stimulation.
Use white noise machines or calming music to create a soothing auditory environment.

Visual Stimulation:

Use soft, neutral colors on walls and furnishings to create a calming visual atmosphere.
Provide adjustable lighting options, such as dimmers or natural light.
Use curtains, blinds, or fluorescent light covers to regulate incoming light and reduce glare.
Create visual points of interest, such as calm and nature-themed artwork.
Avoid overcrowding walls with visuals.
Leave some walls blank or with very minimal visual input.

Tactile Stimulation:

Offer sensory-friendly materials, such as soft fabrics, textured surfaces, or materials that can be held or manipulated and aren’t scratchy and irritating.
Create sensory bins or tactile centers with various materials like pinto beans, rice, or soothing textured objects for tactile exploration.

Calming Deep Touch and Movement:

Give options for deep pressure touch, such as weighted shoulder wraps, laps pads, weighted blankets or compression tubes.
Provide spaces for movement, such as sensory swings, rocking chairs, Bin Chairs, or ball chairs.
Movement in straight lines; forward/backward, up/down or side to side is generally more regulating than rotary or irregular movement.

Muscle Work:

Provide visual options for ways to use muscles; wall push-ups, chair push-ups, squeeze balls, resistance bands, resistive compression tubes, bear walking or crab walking.
Provide other visuals options for ways to move that require muscle work such as kids yoga cards.

Remember that each individual may have unique sensory preferences, so it’s important to offer a variety of options and allow for personalization. By considering these strategies and tools, you can create a sensory-friendly environment that caters to the sensory preferences of individuals, promotes regulation, and enhances their overall well-being.

weighted Puppy Shoulder Wrap — Sommerfly Snuggle Bin Collection

It is important to note that all occupational therapists are trained in sensory processing and many have extensive experience and deep understanding in this area. Whenever possible, seek guidance from an occupational therapist for individualized sensory recommendations.

Stay tuned for our next installment of Everyday Sensory Solutions by Sommerfly.
For more information about Sommerfly Products visit Therapro.com.

Guest Blogger: Kristi Langslet, OTR/L

Kristi Langslet, OTR/L is the proud owner of Sommerfly, a company dedicated to providing individuals of all ages with sensory needs unique product designs that are meticulously crafted in the USA for optimal quality and construction. Most importantly, Sommerfly’s passion is to serve those who use our products.

Unveiling Success: Recap of the 2023 School Based Practitioners Summit

August 19, 2023Conferences, Events, Occupational Therapyconferences, fine motor, Handwriting, Occupational Therapy, OT, physical therapy, school based practitionersAllyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

We’re thrilled to share the highlights of our exhilarating experience at the 2023 School Based Practitioners Summit, held on August 7th and 8th in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio. This event brought together school based practitioners from across the region to exchange knowledge, discover new treatment tools, and forge meaningful connections. As part of this inspiring event, we’re excited to unveil the top five best-selling products that left attendees buzzing with excitement.

1. Letter Treasure Hunt: Handwriting Fun in the Form of a Great Game!

Topping the charts of the summit’s best sellers is Therapro’s own innovative game, Letter Treasure Hunt. This engaging tool takes handwriting practice to a whole new level through interactive play. Designed to captivate young minds, this game facilitates letter recognition, gross motor challenges, and social interaction. With Therapro’s commitment to combining fun and education, Letter Treasure Hunt was a clear favorite among attendees.

Pro Tip from a physical therapist in attendance; instead of writing letters, challenge players to imitate those letters with their body to change the skill focus from handwriting to body awareness!

2. Crayon Rocks: Ignite Creativity and Fine Motor Skills

In a world of digital distractions, Crayon Rocks stood out as a timeless gem. These vibrant, eco-friendly crayons provide an excellent platform for sparking creativity and refining fine motor skills. Their ergonomic shape encourages proper pencil grip, setting the stage for future writing success. At the summit, practitioners recognized the value of fostering creativity through simple yet effective tools like Crayon Rocks.

3. Happy Senso Sensory Gel: A Sensory Delight

Happy Senso Sensory Gel added an element of multisensory wonder to the summit. This versatile gel stimulates a range of senses, making it a versatile tool for therapists. From tactile exploration to sensory integration activities, Happy Senso captivated attendees with its potential to enhance learning experiences and create a sensory-rich environment.

Pro Tip: for an even greater sensory experience, try walking through Happy Senso Sensory Gel!

4. Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet: Enhancing Focus and Engagement

Recognizing the need for subtle sensory solutions in educational settings, the Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet received high acclaim. These clever attachments transform ordinary chairs into dynamic seating options, encouraging movement and improving focus. Attendees discovered how this simple yet effective solution can have a positive impact on students’ engagement and attention spans.

5. Flick Stick Fidget Toy: A Pocket-Sized Solution

Fidgeting finds a purpose with the Flick Stick Fidget Toy, which rounded off our list of top sellers. This discreet tool fits in the palm of a hand, providing a soothing outlet for restless fingers. Its satisfying flicking motion aids concentration and stress relief, making it an ideal addition to classroom and therapy settings.

A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration

The 2023 School Based Practitioners Summit was a resounding success, underscoring the importance of innovation and collaboration in the field of education and therapy. At Therapro, we are committed to providing professionals with the tools they need to create engaging, effective, and inclusive learning environments. The summit allowed us to connect with passionate practitioners and showcase products that align with our mission.

As we reflect on this exciting event, we extend our gratitude to all those who participated, shared insights, and explored our product offerings. Your enthusiasm fuels our commitment to supporting educators and practitioners in their noble mission of empowering young minds.

Thank you for being a part of the Therapro community, and we look forward to more opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate together.

Everyday Sensory Solutions: Sensory Breaks

August 15, 2023Education, Occupational Therapy, Sensorimotor, SensoryOccupational Therapy, OT, sensory, sensory break, sensory breaksGuest Blogger

Sensory breaks are an essential component of therapeutic strategies for children, particularly those with sensory processing difficulties. Creating a designated space where children can take breaks when feeling overwhelmed can greatly support their regulation and emotional well-being. This area should be quiet with reduced distractions, providing a calming environment that allows children to self-regulate. Equally important is the inclusion of sensory tools that cater to their specific preferences, helping them find comfort and manage overload effectively.

In a break space for children, various tools may include items such as weighted blankets, compression wear or stuffed animals for deep pressure and proprioceptive input, sensory tools like soothing hand fidgets, visual aids like lava lamps or calming images, and noise-canceling headphones to reduce auditory input. By personalizing the break area and offering a range of tools, children can engage in activities that support their needs and help them regain a sense of calm. This dedicated space acts as a sanctuary where children can take a break, recharge, and regain their focus, ultimately facilitating their overall well-being and promoting a more positive experience.

Sommerfly Relaxer Travel-Sized Weighted blanket for day use

Stay tuned for our next installment of Everyday Sensory Solutions by Sommerfly.
For more information about Sommerfly Products visit Therapro.com.

Guest Blogger: Kristi Langslet, OTR/L