Individuals with sensory processing disorders have distinctive needs when it comes to daily activities. When a person's sensory processing system is impaired, it can difficult for him to be aware of his body and the surrounding environment. It may be hard for him to both sit still and move about fluidly. However, with the right exercises, people who suffer from this condition can become more aware of their bodies and the world around them. The great news is a person with special sensory needs can have many of his needs fulfilled through everyday activities.
Obstacle Course
One way for a person with a disorder to get a lot of sensory input is to participate in an obstacle course. This course could be created in someone's home or directed using playground equipment. Excellent items to include in an obstacle course would be tires to step in and out of, a tunnel to crawl through and perhaps even push a ball through, monkey bars and a swing. The motions needed for these different exercises will give an individual feedback from the environment and help with his eye-hand coordination.
Pool Time
Time spent in the water is helpful for people with sensory processing disorders. As their limbs are surrounded by water, they receive constant feedback. Doing activities in the pool provide further benefits. You can do different activities such as walking from one side of the pool to the other, jogging from one end to the other, skipping, hopping and so on. You could also play games such as diving for rings or eggs so the the person can experience input while being under the water.
Simon Says
Playing Simon Says helps someone with a sensory processing disorder get some of the feedback he needs while playing a game. This activity really works if you have a mixed group where only some need feedback because all participants will have fun playing. Some instructions to give during Simon Says include jumping on one foot and then the other, jumping on two feet, spinning, crawling, walking on all fours, running and skipping.
Classroom Helper
Allowing individuals with sensory processing disorders the opportunity to be classroom helpers can be a good way to help them get the input they need. As classroom helpers, children can participate in erasing the chalk board, clapping together erasers, carrying library books, passing out milk cartons, sweeping the floor and passing out papers. All these activities will provide needed environmental feedback without making them stand out.
Tags: sensory processing, with sensory, with sensory processing, processing disorders, sensory processing disorders, Simon Says