Tag Archives: sensory strategies

Sensory strategies are techniques used to help children manage responses to sensory input, such as sounds, textures, or movement. These strategies support self-regulation, attention, and participation in learning environments. They are essential for helping children stay calm, focused, and engaged throughout the day.

How to Help the Over Responsive Sensory System

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Over responsive sensory systems need opportunities to take breaks from sensory stimuli through the day.  The analogy of a Thanksgiving feast can be used to illustrate an over responsive sensory system.  After a large Thanksgiving meal we may get to the point where we simply can not add another bite of food to our very full bellies, doing so would just make us sick.  The over responsive sensory systems are filled to capacity with sensory stimuli and can not handle another bit of sensory information.  When the sensory system hits capacity you may see things like big reactions to small problems or ‘shut down’ types of behavior.  Just like a nap after a Thanksgiving meal does wonders to help digest and reset our full bellies, a break from sensory stimuli does wonders for the over responsive sensory systems.  Total elimination of sensory stimuli is nearly impossible but offering a space with dampened sensory stimuli, to retreat to when needed, can help with overall regulation through the day, leading to greater ability to successfully participate and attend. These spaces can often be created with minimal equipment and little space.  Check out these ideas: 

Cozy Corners: Corners are a great spot to set up a calming space; corners naturally provide barriers on two sides and are a great spot to tack a small blanket overhead to create a roof. These types of spaces are especially great for sensory systems that are easily overwhelmed by tactile input.  The walls provide a barrier from unwanted tactile sensations like the accidental bump from another child or the breeze from a fan.  

Forts.  Forts can be created by simply throwing a blanket over a table or two opposing chairs. Forts are great for sensory systems that are easily overstimulated by visual input because forts are dark and act to eliminate extraneous visual input.  

Retreat Space.  Occasionally we are lucky to find an unused space away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  This may be an outdoor area, an accessible attic or basement space, or a nook in the corner of a porch.  These types of spaces are ideal for sensory systems who have difficulty filtering out extraneous auditory or olfactory stimuli (so important to consider as we get into the holidays and all the cooking that comes along with it).  

The availability of these spaces is often enough to help the overstimulated sensory system regroup and decompress.  However, additions to these spaces may be helpful! Some ideas include: 

  • Beanbags.  Beanbags are a great way to increase deep pressure input to help organize and regulate an over stimulated sensory system.  The High Back Bean Bag Chair is a great option when more support is needed. The HowdaHUGS chair is a great option for smaller spaces or when portability is needed (take it on that trip to grandmas along with a small blanket for an instant retreat space during the holiday hustle and bustle)! 
  • Noise Cancelling Headphones.  Headphones help filter out extraneous auditory input allowing the other sensory systems a chance to regroup! 
  • Weighted Items.   Weighted items, when used appropriately, can be a great source for deep pressure input that helps to organize an over stimulated sensory system.  There are so many to choose from; weighted lap pads, weighted should wraps, and weighted animals.  
  • Oral Input.  Resistive sucking using a water bottle or through a straw,  blowing bubbles,  or using a chew all are great ways to provide organizing proprioceptive input.  
Sensory Dark Den framed tent for quiet, low-stimulation environments
Sensory Dark Den
Bean Bag Chair
Bean Bag Chair
Weighted Turtle
Weighted Turtle

The availability of a space that limits extraneous sensory stimuli can be a welcome relief for those struggling with over responsive sensory systems.  Having access to a place that allows the sensory systems to regroup, decompress  and re-organizes can lead to greater participation in day to day activities.  These spaces can easily be created with everyday items found around the home! 

S’Cool Moves Webinar Review

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On Tuesday, September 15, 2020 Therapro was happy to host another very successful and well attended webinar, S’Cool Moves, presented by Dr. Debra Em Willson.  Dr. Wilson is a reading specialist and founder of S’Cool Moves.   Webinar attendees left with some great strategies to use for both in person and virtual learning sessions, as one viewer stated:

S’cool Moves has changed the way I practice OT in school. Incorporating Deb’s movements with academics has allowed my students to be so much more engaged and motivated. Her activities can be adapted to every grade level. DF

During the webinar, Dr. Wilson covered her “Top 10 Superrmoves”; that she uses to help students “flip the learning switch”.  Some highlights included: 

  1. Checking In With Myself Tool.  Dr. Wilson shared a visual to use with students to facilitate the “checking in” process and demonstrated a  great example of how to use this visual to help students get out of a “funk”.  
  2. I Can Calm Myself Routine.  Dr. Wilson shared deep pressure activities  students can use for calming and shared a visual that can be individualized for each student.  
  3. Core Out the Door & Minute Moves for Fine Motor. For these super moves, Dr. Wilson demonstrated how she incorporated the Minute Moves activities to a whole class setting, a great resource for therapists doing ‘push in’ services.  
  4. Smiley Jumps, Arrows, & Quadrant Activities. For these super moves, Dr. Wilson demonstrated how she created a simple DIY magnetic board to facilitate using these movement activities in virtual lessons, making the learning session more interactive!

In addition to these great resources, Dr. Wilson shared some great research to support her approaches. As one viewer stated:

I will be taking all of the activities / resources /website, etc, directly to my Title One teachers tomorrow and know they will be interested and use! I have provided many suggestions, activities etc. and even though well received, are not always implemented. Now I can say this comes from a reading specialist. Teachers listen to teachers and I am thrilled as an OT to use anything that will help kids. Deb was wonderful! Generous heart and knowledgeable lady….thank you so much! BW

If you missed the webinar, be sure to check out the recap.

Advanced Treatment Strategies for Youth with Complex Behavior

Events & Conferences, Sensory, Social Emotional Learning, Therapist Resources, , , , ,
Speaker John Pagano, PhD, OTR/L who present Advanced Treatment Strategies for Youth with Complex Behavioral Challenges

On November 16, John Pagano, PhD, OTR/L presented his Therapro Saturday Seminar, Advanced Treatment Strategies for Youth with Complex Behavioral Challenges, to a captivated audience. The energy in the room was palpable throughout the two hour talk. Dr. Pagano ‘s passion was evident as he discussed assessing and treating children and adolescents who have complex behavioral disorders. He shared clinical examples and anecdotes to highlight his talk, peppered with humor. Leading the audience through many experiential activities provided them with examples of practical tools to use with individuals and groups.

John is an occupational therapist who practices at an adolescent psychiatric hospital and school. He is a certified instructor of Positive Behavioral Support and Movement Based Learning Strategies. His years of experience include working in various settings including adolescent juvenile detention, psychiatric hospital, adolescent group home, and in special needs, regular education and preschool classrooms. He is the author of the recently published book, FAB: Functionally Alert Behavior Strategies: Integrated Behavioral, Developmental, Sensory, Mindfulness & Massage Treatment.

John discussed the importance of setting functional behavioral goals when providing OT, PT, and Speech/Language therapies for students with complex behavioral disorders. He frequently reiterated the value of a team approach, including ABA specialists, to working with this population.

FAB Strategies® are Dr. Pagano’s evidence-based, practical strategies that use “clinical reasoning based on current clinical research and neurology to develop the individualized strategies needed to address complex behavioral challenges.” John reviewed Sensory Processing Disorders, how they interact, and how to treat them using sensory based interventions. In his discussion of Sensory Modulation Disorders, John stated that his research and experience have shown that the olfactory sense is a powerful teaching tool for those with ASD and for those who have experienced trauma. He has found that pairing a scent is very effective for achieving the desired Quiet Alert state of arousal. He advocated using materials like Scented Dough and scented markers as treatment materials.

John disclosed that research supports that mindfulness strategies are an effective and powerful treatment methodology for improving special needs students’ behavior and executive functioning. John led the group in breathing and movement activities that he uses with his students that also increase body awareness. John taught the group a number of quick, easy, and practical strategies to circumvent problem behaviors. For example, his FAB Turtle Strategy involves 4 steps: 1) Notice environmental & body triggers – STOP 2) Go to the sensory coping area 3) Do your individual coping strategy 4) Later problem solve with help. Fidgets like Loopeez, Boinks, Panic Pete, and Theraband were mentioned as some of John’s favorites for calming.

Dr. Pagano is a dynamic presenter who generously shared resources and evidence-based, practical treatment strategies for working with children and adolescents who have complex behavioral challenges. He integrates all that he has learned in his years of experience with current research so adeptly!! Attendees left this seminar with ideas they could put to use immediately in their practice.

Take a look at some of the overwhelmingly positive comments from those who attended John’s seminar:

“I left full of simple/functional strategies to try with my students, all ages. John is simply AMAZING!!!” – Christie H, Speech/Language Pathologist

“John is an excellent speaker who was very helpful, evidence based, and offered suggestions for treatment.” – Renee S., Physical Therapist

“Offered many resources & activities that can be used immediately in my practice & therapy.” – Rose O, Occupational Therapist

“John’s sense of humor made this important topic fun. Many teachers & therapists are struggling in the classroom. These are strategies that can be implemented Monday. In addition, his strategies come from evidence based research of strategies/techniques that help our students make progress.” – Jennifer H, Occupational Therapist

Thank you, John!

Filomena Connor, OT, MS, OTR
November 16, 2019