I remember the first time- about 8 years ago, now- that the concept of sensory integration and sensory processing disorder was explained to me. It was through an early intervention occupational therapist that my whole way of looking at my child changed. Finally, some things made sense to me and there were some things I could actually do for my child myself at home!

That week, I shopped and shopped for items that would provide some sensory input for my child. After days of searching, I hit the jackpot and found a variety of toys made by a company called Playvisions. The rest is history- I carry Playvisions products today, as well as a lot of other great sensory toys for those with sensory processing differences.

When the OT returned the following week and saw the new items, she was really pleased. "You get it!" she told me. But that was only the beginning of my getting it and there is still so much to learn.

I have a lot of information to share that I have learned over the past 8 years. But first, I want to stress that I am a mom, and though you might call me an OT-wannabe, I'm not a medical professional. Know that working to integrate the sensory system does take the assistance of a qualified professional, and I highly recommend that everyone with a sensory processing disorder should have one.

Work with a professional to establish a "sensory diet". This term refers to sensory integration activities that can be done at home, in the everyday natural environment. When done correctly, these activities can help with focus, language processing, learning and general physical comfort. The end result is an individual whose senses are evened-out, not over reactive or under reactive. This is the best state for learning.

Sensory processing irregularities can occur in individuals with  a variety of developmental disorder diagnoses like ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome and others. However, sensory processing issues also present in the general population as well. Many times, children who present with what appear to be behavior issues, really benefit from sensory integration work.

I have some general ideas to share in this forum- some more basic, some a little more advanced. I sincerely hope you learn something new here.

• An individual should never be forced to do a sensory integration activity that is uncomfortable for him/her. It can make the person feel sick, uncomfortable and it might even be painful. This serves no purpose whatsoever. If someone is very resistant to do certain types of sensory activities, you will do best to work with an SI therapist to move slowly toward tolerance of these things. It will likely take some time to move to these goals.
• Make sure to rotate activities/items used in therapy to keep things fresh. Something that starts out as a favorite will lose its charm over time. Its just human nature- we all get bored.
• Remember that fidgety kids aren't naughty kids. Often, they are just seeking a little bit of sensory input. "Sit still" isn't going to be an effective suggestion to help these kids learn. Try letting these kids have something to fidget with- it can really help with attention. As an example, look around the room next time you're in a meeting or some sort of learning environment. People aren't still. They are putting pens in their mouths, jiggling their feet, playing with hair, doodling on paper...learning doesn't take place when we are perfectly still. (Just sleeping!)
• This one is huge- don't under value the role of RESPIRATION and its overall impact on the sensory system. Shallow breathing doesn't provide what we need to stay regulated. Observe your child's breathing- is it quick and shallow or slow and deep? Often, kids with shallow breathing also have SI issues. Try activities that encourage using respiration like whistles and blow toys. This helps with awareness of what deep breathing and respiration feels like. Its instantly calming to breathe deeply. Respiration is an often overlooked component. Effective respiration provides input to your whole body- even internal organs. It can even make you more regular!
• Consult a speech therapist familiar with oral motor activities if you have a child that doesn't know how to blow. There may not be a body awareness sufficient to pull this off yet. You can start slowly- we used something light- a tissue- to master blowing. Try this: put a tissue in your mouth and make a B or P sound. The tissue flying out will be a hit and the child will want to make the tissue go too. You can gradually move to heavier items like a cotton ball and so on.
• Try working with an experienced Craniosacral therapist. Sometimes, people are amazed at this therapy's ability to even out the sensory system. Many occupational therapists also do Craniosacral therapy.
• Sensory integration activities are not the only "answer" to helping your child, but it can definitely be an important piece. There is a misconception that one type of therapy is the ONLY thing to do. That is ridiculous- nothing should replace other effective therapies. Its best to integrate everything together. This is just a piece, often a very helpful part of an overall program that can help your kids do better and be happier!

Hopefully, I've provided some helpful tips for you to help with this piece of your puzzle. I have lots of items to make people with sensory differences feel happy and more regulated. I sell items that provide a variety of types of input: tactile, visual, proprioceptive, auditory, respiratory, vestibular...Check out my store at: http://stores.ebay.com/OTS-Toys-for-All-Kinds-of-Kids. Like the kids, I get bored, so I get new items in frequently. So if you haven't checked me out in a while, look again!