Tag Archives: sensory

Creating Sensory Spaces for Wellbeing

December 10, 2024Sensoryautism, Occupational Therapy, OT, sensoryGuest Blogger

In today’s fast-paced world, having a calming retreat is essential for individuals who may experience sensory overload, including children and adults with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or anxiety. Sensory spaces provide these much-needed areas of refuge, offering tools to regulate emotions, improve focus, and promote overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a therapist designing a clinic, an educator enhancing a classroom, or a parent creating a calming corner at home, sensory spaces can make a significant difference.

What is a Sensory Space?

A sensory space is a carefully designed environment that provides sensory input to help individuals regulate their emotions, behaviors, and sensory processing needs. These spaces are often used to support children and adults with sensory processing challenges, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory integration disorders. Sensory spaces can include calming elements like soft lighting, weighted blankets, and gentle music, as well as stimulating features such as textured surfaces, bubble tubes, and interactive activities. The goal is to create a balanced setting that promotes relaxation, focus, or engagement, depending on the individual’s needs.

The Importance of Sensory Spaces

Sensory spaces are vital for individuals with sensory processing challenges as they provide a safe, controlled environment to meet unique sensory needs. These spaces are essential for promoting emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and fostering focus and engagement. These spaces are more than just calming zones—they empower individuals by offering opportunities to explore sensory experiences in a controlled, therapeutic manner. Whether it’s the soothing glow of a bubble tube or the tactile engagement of sensory-rich objects, these elements foster relaxation, learning, and emotional balance. By offering a mix of calming and stimulating elements, sensory spaces empower individuals to better navigate their environments, enhance self-awareness, and build skills for independence. For children in therapeutic, educational, or home settings, these spaces are a critical tool for supporting holistic development and well-being.

Therapro’s Plug-and-Play Sensory Solutions

At Therapro, we understand the importance of accessible sensory solutions. Creating a sensory space doesn’t have to involve extensive renovations or large areas. Products like the Luminea Corner, SENcastle All-In-One Sensory Room, and Luminea Bubble Tube Kits offer practical, ready-to-use options for therapists, educators, and parents.

The Luminea Corner, a compact yet impactful sensory environment

Luminea Corner: This innovative solution combines sensory integration with skill development through its compatibility with the Luminea app. The app enables dynamic interaction with the bubble tube and fiber optic lights, offering a customizable light display that can be used to work on fine motor skills, visual perception, and speech goals. This dual-purpose setup not only creates a calming sensory retreat but also transforms the space into an engaging therapeutic tool tailored to individual developmental needs.

The SENcastle: Perfect for small spaces or as a cozy corner within a larger sensory room, the SENcastle All-In-One Sensory Room provides everything needed to create a calming and engaging environment for self-regulation and relaxation. Its centerpiece, a captivating light column, integrates visual and auditory elements to stimulate multiple senses. Additionally, the SENcastle includes weighted, vibrating, and tactile pillows that target the tactile, auditory, proprioceptive, and visual senses, making it a compact yet comprehensive solution for sensory integration and therapeutic support.

Luminea Bubble Tube Kits: These versatile kits are designed to adapt to a variety of spaces, with three distinct base options that cater to different sensory and therapeutic needs. The simple protector module provides a sleek, minimalist design that safeguards the electronics while maintaining easy access. The square base offers a sturdy seating area, allowing users to sit comfortably and view the bubble tube from multiple angles, ideal for group or one-on-one sessions. The corner base is perfect for maximizing space efficiency, enabling users to interact with the bubble tube from a seated or floor-level position while enjoying a cozy, immersive experience. Each of these options ensures that the bubble tube is both functional and accessible, providing visual stimulation to support sensory integration and therapeutic goals.

Tips for Designing Your Sensory Space

Adapt to Your Space: With Therapro’s modular options, even small spaces can become sensory havens.
Prioritize Accessibility: Ensure the sensory tools are easy to access and interact with for users of all abilities.
Maximize Comfort: Incorporate soft seating, cushions, or mats to create a welcoming environment.
Incorporate Multi-Sensory Elements: Combine visual, tactile, and auditory stimuli for a holistic sensory experience.

Make the Most of Your Space with Therapro

At Therapro, we understand the challenges of designing sensory spaces. That’s why our solutions are thoughtfully designed to be effective, user-friendly, and adaptable. Whether you’re a professional or a parent, our sensory tools provide the perfect foundation for creating spaces that enhance well-being and promote regulation.

Explore the Luminea Corner, SENcastle, and Luminea Bubble Tube Kit to get started on your sensory space journey. Together, we can create environments where individuals feel calm, supported, and ready to thrive.

Creating a Successful, Sensory-Friendly, Learning Environment

August 9, 2024Assistive Technology, Education, Sensoryassistive technology, assistive technology for kids, back-to-school tips, educational tools, Home learning, home learning environment, learning spaces, Occupational Therapy, occupational therapy products, organization for learning, OT, sensory, sensory-friendly space, student focus toolsGuest Blogger

As the new school year approaches, setting up an effective, sensory-friendly, home learning environment is essential for your child’s success. A well-organized and sensory-friendly space can enhance focus, reduce stress, and make learning more fun. Adapting a learning environment to your child’s specific needs and learning style are crucial elements for a happy, productive learning experience. Therapro offers a wide range of products designed to meet the unique needs of every child, ensuring a smooth and successful back-to-school transition. Here are 5 strategies that will help your child sail smoothly into Fall:

1.) Designate the Ideal Learning Space: Choosing the right location for your child’s learning space is the first step. It should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions, such as visual clutter and noise. Ergonomic furniture is essential to ensure comfort and proper posture during study sessions. Therapro’s seating solutions, including Kore Kid’s Wobble Chair and Wiggle Seat Sensory Cushions, are perfect for creating a customized learning environment that grows with your child. Choose from several different sizes of the Wobble Chair to accommodate your child’s height while allowing movement back and forth, front to back, and all around without tipping. The Wiggle Seat comes in 4 colorful shapes to help your child stay focused and stable when seated.

Kore Kids Wobble Chair for a Sensory-friendly learning environment — Wiggle Seat Sensory Cushion

2.) Provide Organizational Tools for Success: Organization plays a key role in effective learning. A consistent routine helps children feel secure and understand what to expect each day. Establishing a daily schedule that includes time for learning, breaks, and play is essential. Visual schedules, planners, and other organizational tools help children understand their daily tasks and manage their time efficiently. Therapro offers a variety of these tools from SchKiDules that are engaging and easy to use. The magnetic 2-Sided Star Board is a versatile tool that unfolds into three 6 inch panels to build a daily visual schedule. Time Timer Original 3-inch timer provides a 60 minute countdown to keep your child on track.

Schkidules visual schedule display — Time Timer

3.) Set Up a Sensory-Friendly Environment to Enhance Focus and Attention: Many children benefit from a sensory-friendly learning environment. Addressing sensory needs can help improve focus and reduce anxiety. Therapro provides a range of sensory products, such as fidgets, weighted items, and sensory materials to create a calming and supportive space for learning. Be sure to check with your child’s occupational therapist to collaborate on what sensory tools would be best for your child. The weighted Sit -Tight Lap Pad’s gentle pressure helps children achieve calm and focus. It easily fastens around the waist with a clip. The adorable Puppy Shoulder Wrap helps active, younger children stay calm and focused as well.

Sit Tight Weighted Lap Pad in a Sensory-friendly learning environment — Sit Tight Weighted Lap Pad

weighted Puppy Shoulder Wrap in a sensory-friendly learning environment — Sit Tight Weighted Lap Pad

Maintaining focus can be challenging for many children. Simple strategies, like using Noise-Canceling Headphones to block out distractions, or visual timers to manage breaks, can make a significant difference. Therapro’s focus tools, including concentration aids and stress-relief items, are designed to help children stay on task. Universal Bouncy Band for Home and School Chairs is a heavy-duty rubber bungee cord that attaches to chair legs allowing the student to support their feet and move, resulting in greater productivity because they are attending to the task.

Bouncy Band for Elementary School Chair — Hush-Buddy Earmuffs

4.) Incorporate Assistive Technology: Assistive technology can greatly enhance a child’s learning experience. Therapro offers a variety of technological aids that cater to different learning needs and styles. These tools not only support academic success but also boost confidence and independence. The compact GoTalk Button records a 10 second message and has a built-in magnet for display on the refrigerator or on any metal surface. Teaching Rings is a tool that provides a fun new technique in teaching and keyboarding or touch typing skills for all ages and skill levels. The child wears 8 teaching rings to teach them the “Home Row” of keys where fingers should always rest when not typing. As the child learns all the keys that each finger types, they can remove the rings.

GoTalk Button — Animal-Shaped Computer Mouse

5.) Offer Parental Involvement and Support: Parents play a crucial role on the school team in their child’s education. By being involved and providing support, you can help your child navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Therapro offers resources and products designed to support parents in creating a positive learning environment at home. Ongoing consultation with your child’s teachers and occupational therapists can help guide you in selecting the best tools for your child’s learning environment at home.

A well-organized, sensory-friendly, and technology-equipped home learning environment can significantly impact your child’s academic success. By exploring and incorporating Therapro’s extensive range of products, you can tailor a positive learning space that meets your child’s unique needs and fosters a love for learning.

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT – Retired

Preventing Academic Regression While Ensuring Summer Fun

June 12, 2024Activities, Fine Motor, Sensoryfine motor, Occupational Therapy, sensory, summer activitiesGuest Blogger

As the school year comes to a close, families eagerly anticipate the long, lazy days of summer; it’s a time for relaxation, outdoor activities, and family fun. However, the transition from structured school days to a more flexible summer schedule can sometimes lead to a regression in academic skills for children. This doesn’t have to be the case! With a little planning and the right tools, parents can help their children prevent academic regression and maintain or even enhance their skills over the summer break, ensuring they return to school ready to succeed. Here are some strategies that can help.

1. Incorporate Learning into Daily Activities

One of the best ways of preventing academic regression during the summer months is to weave learning opportunities into everyday activities. Here are a few ideas:

Use Learn to Draw Books by eeboo to help prevent summer skill regression

Outdoor Exploration: Nature walks can turn into science lessons. Encourage children to observe and discuss plants, animals, and insects they find. To make critter discoveries even more exciting and educational, check out the Learn to Draw Animals book. Recommended for children age 7+, your budding artist will work on fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and have fun while expressing creativity.

Best Pals Diner Pretend Play that fosters executive function an essential component of academic skills

Picnics: Enjoy a picnic rain or shine with Best Pals’ Diner Pretend Play. Children will love pretending to have an outdoor dining experience using guest checks, play money, food and beverage choices. Add your own play food for an imaginative new restaurant in your backyard! This activity fosters executive function, creativity, and social interaction, a perfect activity for preventing academic regression this summer.

Cooking and Baking: These activities are not only fun but also educational. Measuring ingredients can help with math skills, following recipes can enhance reading and comprehension, and discussing the process can boost language development. Make pretend food preparation more engaging with Scented Dazzlin’ Dough, which offers a variety of vibrant colored modeling dough that is scented. The resistive dough will strengthen fingers as the children mold “food”. Use cookie cutters to “bake” creative play cookies.

For hands-on cooking experiences with an adult supervising, Stepwise Breakfast and Lunch Cookbooks provide simple esteem-building activities that help children of varying abilities and ages experience cooking. The cooking instructions are arranged with one task per page and are clearly illustrated.

Scented Dazzlin' Dough, helps prevent summer skill regression — Dazzlin’ Dough

2. Maintain a Routine

SchKIDules; creating a summer schedule helps prevent summer skill regression

Keeping a consistent routine helps children feel secure and can make the transition back to school smoother. A daily schedule that includes time for reading, playing, and structured activities can help maintain the rhythm of learning. Try the SchKIDules Home Collection Combo Pack to help children understand and follow their summer routines. The 72, 2×2 inch pieces are magnetic and laminated. The SchKIDules Sensory Expansion Pack includes 12 activities such as swing, tunnel, chewing, etc. that can be added to the child’s daily routine.

3. Engage in Sensory Activities

Sensory play is not only fun but also crucial for development. It can help with sensory processing skills, fine motor skills, and even emotional regulation; essential components for academic success and perfect for preventing academic regression this summer. Here are a few suggestions:

Sensory Play: Fill bins with rice, dry beans, or sand and hide small toys or letters for children to find. Children love the Mini Animal Assortments; they are an inch or smaller and promote a pincer grasp. Choose Farm Animals, Sea Life Animals, and Wild Animals with 16 animals in each set, or choose an assortment of animals with 12 pieces. This activity can help with tactile processing and fine motor skills, sorting, and verbalization skills. You can add more fine motor skill work by using Gator Grabber Tweezers (ages 2+) that come in a set of 12. For success, the child must use a thumb/index finger grasp to squeeze the tweezer to pick up an object.

Sensory On the Go Camping Fun is designed for the preschool-age child to explore all of their senses, with a camping theme. The child employs fine motor skills and imaginative play in a way that will capture their interest. Parents love the “take-along” feature of this toy that comes with a handy, sturdy carry case that goes into the car, to the park, or to grandma’s house.

4. Promote Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for overall health and can also support academic skills by improving focus and reducing stress. Encourage outdoor play, sports, and exercises that children enjoy. Products like the Yoga Dice: A Fun Game of Rolling and Posing can provide both fun and physical exercise for children ages 6 and older. This movement game helps children try out 36 yoga poses. It is a great game for facilitating motor planning and focus of attention!

Parachute activities bring group giggles and fun! All you need is a colorful parachute and a lightweight ball, like a beach ball or foam ball. The adult leader can direct movements to increase shoulder range of motion (“big up/down”, “little up/down or shake”), strength and stability; facilitate gross motor transitions (“bring the parachute to the ground and now stand up again”); and improve focus of attention and following directions. The ball on the parachute bounces on top as the movement of the children directs its course. Don’t let the ball fly out of the parachute!

5. Encourage Reading and Storytelling

Reading is one of the most effective ways to prevent academic regression. Create a summer reading challenge with rewards for completing books. Encourage storytelling and creative writing to further enhance language skills.

Books: Therapro offers a variety of books that can make reading more interactive and engaging. Consider the Interactive Reading Books series, which includes books designed to develop vocabulary, sequencing, and comprehension skills. With these books the child begins with matching, identifying, and labeling of objects. Next, the child reads the sentences with pictures, then without pictures and in random order. Meet the Word Family and Who’s on First? are 2 books in the series that work on pre-reading skills, taking children through sequential steps until they are reading words without pictures.

Library: Make going to the local library a special activity. If your child doesn’t have one, sign up for a library card. Exploring all kinds of books will help your child develop a love of reading. Most local libraries also offer free activities in the summer where your child can join other children for fun reading-related fun! These activities encourage active listening, turn-taking, and focus.

6. Keep it Fun

Most importantly, ensure that learning activities are fun and not seen as a chore. Mixing educational tasks with enjoyable activities will keep children engaged and motivated.

Ending the school year on a high note and transitioning into a summer of fun and learning is possible with a bit of planning and the right tools. By incorporating Therapro products into your summer activities, you can help prevent academic regression and ensure your children are ready for the new school year. Enjoy the summer, stay engaged, and make the most of this special time with your children!

For more ideas and products to support summer learning, visit Therapro. Let’s make this summer one of growth, fun, and unforgettable memories!

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT-Retired