SENSORY DIET

First a little dose of cuteness!

The boys at Bookwork Gardens.

A light bulb went on for me this morning as I was dealing with a difficult Ben getting him ready for school. One thing we have used in the past when Ben gets a defiant phase or difficult phase is upping his sensory diet.  Perhaps I need to introduce some of these activities again in our daily routine.  Sensory issues has kind of went off my radar in the past months...

Kiddos who don't get to have normal bonding and attachment during infancy, sometimes benefit from increased sensory input.  I really don't completely understand the why of it, but we have found that when we give Ben some extra "doses" of sensory input, we have sometimes seen a softening of his mood.  

Here is what we use for Ben's sensory diet during difficult phases:

1. Weighted lap pillow while he sits at the table

2. Textured seat cushion for the table also

3. Sit and spin

4. Lots of swinging on the swing outside- my dream would be to have a therapy swing in the house, but  Andrew isn't on board for this yet  

5. Sensory bin that is an extra special treat to get to play with

6. Calming sensory videos

Again part of me thinks this sounds kind of goofy because why would this work, but we have found that upping his sensory intake has helped him improve his mood when he gets defiant, growly, etc.

Ben is such a sweet little boy in there, and when he can let his guard down and relax, it is a joy to see that beautiful personality in action.  But when he gets on defense mode, he can be a handful  

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