Sensory Integration at Home
Sensory Integration at Home: A Game-Changer for Children with Sensory Needs:
By Leanne Rowson, Sensory Integrative Occupational Therapist, Sensory Spot
As a sensory integration occupational therapist, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that sensory experiences can have on a child’s development and daily life. However, I’ve also realised that there’s often a gap in treatment and where the biggest difference can be made is at home. That’s why I decided to implement sensory integration and regulation tools into my own home with my daughter.
Here are my favourite at-home pieces of equipment.
The Power of the Two-Point Spandex
One of the first pieces of equipment we introduced was a two-point three-layer spandex. This versatile tool allowed us to create various sensory experiences, including suspending it by one point to create a cozy “cave” or by two points to provide a calming perpendicular swinging motion. The proprioception received from the spandex material helps support children’s regulation by providing deep pressure input, which can be calming and organising for the nervous system. Receiving perpendicular swinging motion can be calming for children because it provides a predictable and repetitive input that can help regulate the vestibular system. This type of motion can also help reduce anxiety and stress by providing a sense of security and stability.
The proprioception received from the spandex material supports regulation by providing input to the muscles and joints, which helps the child develop a better sense of body awareness and position in space. This can be particularly helpful for our neurodiverse children.
The Trapeze Swing
Another favourite piece of equipment is the trapeze swing. This swing provides proprioceptive input through full-body weight-bearing and extension. Research has shown that children receive the most proprioceptive input when their bodies are in full extension (or flexion) and weight-bearing, making the trapeze swing an excellent tool for regulation. Additionally, the trapeze swing works on shoulder stability, hand arch strength, and postural control, all of which are essential for fine motor skills and overall development.
The trapeze swing also works on postural control and core strength, which are essential for maintaining good posture, balance, and overall physical stability. By engaging the core muscles and promoting good posture, the trapeze swing can help children develop better overall physical awareness and coordination.
The Froggy Swing: Proprioceptive Input through Joint Compression
The froggy swing provides proprioceptive input through joint compression and heavy muscle work, which can be particularly effective for children who need to regulate their sensory systems through both movement and deep pressure input.
Prove Kids
To allow OT equipment to be more accessible for those who need it at home, I collaborated with Marius Botha, a talented individual with a passion for creating equipment. Our company, Prove Kids specialises in the manufacture of occupational therapy equipment for children and young adults. Our mission is to provide safe and reliable solutions for families and we prioritise precautionary installation to ensure that equipment is securely and safely installed, giving parents peace of mind when creating sensory-friendly spaces for their children.
Our Services
We offer our products nationwide and are even able to install them right in your home (Johannesburg area only). From the simplest setups to full-scale OT rooms, we have you covered. As an exclusive offering to The Neuroverse family, we offer 10% off the total invoice (installation included). To qualify, use the code TheNeuroverse0425. Discount valid until June 30, 2025. For installation enquiries, please contact us at info@provekids.com
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