Bonus: Building a Home Sensory Room

When my four-year-old was diagnosed with autism, I began looking for services in our rural area, only to find there wasn't a whole lot. On a day I was feeling particularly discouraged, my friend, who has two children with autism, dropped everything to come over and help. She brought with her a container filled with toys and activities.

*Hers was way more organized than mine

"This is our sensory stuff," she explained. She also told me how she does her own OT (Occupational Therapy) at home for her children, since there wasn't one available. Since that time, she has been able to get services for her kids, but the inspiration for creating home sensory resources was planted. In the months that followed, we created a home sensory room as well as a sensory/OT box of our own.

The number one best thing we bought was a swing that spins. We originally started with a homemade swing from one of my old baby wraps. I bought a couple of heavy duty bolts and carabiners to tie it onto.

However, I found spinning calms both my kids who struggle with sensory/anxiety so we added the spinning swing to our house. Having a toddler that loves to swing as well, means these two swings see a lot of use.

My kids love to tumble and roll. Before the diagnosis, we already had a gymnastic mat, wedge, and a mini trampoline. Later, we added the kids size exercise balls.

My oldest with sensory needs, took inspiration from American Ninja Warrior and turned every doorway into an obstacle course. We let him climb.

We were very fortunate to have my mom, who understands what it's like to have a child with autism, willing to help out. She remembered one of the best things for my brother was a large outdoor trampoline. She graciously sent one our way.

While building a sensory corner in our house for large motor activities, we were also gathering supplies to put together an OT/fine motor box.

It includes items like bubbles, bubble wrap to pop, pipe cleaner and beads, kinetic and slimy sand, tape, because they love to pull it off the walls, and various fidget toys. We also have a container containing sensory activities such as egg shakers, beans, play dough, etc.

A large loom turned upside down, fits golf pegs perfectly.
A great fine motor activity. 

And we have a tunnel.

We also have a few chew toys in hopes of trying to save their shirts from the constant chewing. But it's hard transitioning away from what has become a sensory habit. In addition to chew toys, which you can find at places like arktherapeutic.com, we have taken previous chewed up shirts, cut off an inch or two of the bottom and hung it around their neck like a necklace. I know other parents make braided t-shirt necklaces with a safety clasp that breaks off if it gets caught to avoid a choking hazard.   

*update- my oldest created a solution for not chewing on his clothing that I would have never thought of.  He sticks a plastic hanger in the back of his shirt so it pulls the neck line up against his neck where he can't easily get it into his mouth. I've since bought him a higher neck jacket to help. Sometimes the best solutions are the ones the child comes up with for themselves.

Back to the sensory kit, perhaps my kids favorite thing in the sensory kit is the sensory tunnel we made.  Here's both of them trying to play in it at once.

When I realized how much they loved their Lycra sheets, which is a snug fitting compression sheet, I wanted something they could play with without remaking their beds every day. (Weighted blankets are also nice for sleeping.) To make the tunnel, we took 3 yards of stretchy fabric, cut it to about 43 inches wide and Grandma helped sew it up. We also sewed up the extra material to make stretchy bands.

I have since learned there is fabric similar to this that already come in tube form. If I had to do it again, I'd go with that to avoid the seams.  

I had a few books recommended to me as well to help with sensory therapy and reducing anxiety. Both Starting Sensory Therapy and The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids, have activity ideas you can do with children of all ages.  Uniquely Human is a great resource for anyone wanting to understand more about autism. I highly recommend it.

On top of that, we look for ways to support their own interests. Currently puzzles and Legos are a prime example.

I know there are many more resources out there. For example, I'd love things like a squeeze machine, a crash pad or weighted vests, but this is what has worked for our space and budget. Along with supporting him at home, he now goes to a special education preschool a couple times a week and once a week meets with the school occupational therapist. Since being diagnosed 8 months ago, our little guys has come a long way. We love watching him learn and grow at his own steady pace.