Sensory integration?

Question

are there any ways to calm a child (4th grader). he is constantly fidgeting in class...The OT has tried brushing and joint compressions but he cries when she does it? im just curious if there are other things

Answer 1

Yes there are several. The child could sit on a therapy ball. He could bounce when he needs stimulation, and the effort of holding himself up on the ball would keep him focused (instead of a chair at his desk).  He could wear a fidget necklace or bracelet that he could use as sensory feed back during class. An exception could be made for him and he could be allowed to chew gum if he would do so responsibly. Also, try to encourage a lot of proprioceptive activities in the morning, during recess, and at lunch. These activities always help balance the system.

Hope this helped

Answer 2

The book The Out-of-Sync child is a good resource for parents of children with sensory integration.  I'm sure you'll find many ideas in there that will help.  Try looking on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Future Horizons for a copy of the book.  Future Horizons also has the video.

Answer 3

The out of sync child is an awsome book.  my son is sensory

seeking he needs to become active. He does well with the therapy ball he also has a back massager that he hold that helps him alot you need to find the best for your child.  From my experience the schools sensory diet for me was awful I figured out what worked best and had it added specifically to the IEP

Answer 4

soem children need 'active' sensory integration-like jumping, bouncing on a ball-

there are manythings that can be inlcuded in a sensory diet-

Some public school Ots are inexperienced in sensory integration as tehy focus on fine motot skills-you may need to consult with anotehr OT

Answer 5

There needs to be an evaluation to see what kind of stimulation the child needs to get their sensory system 'just right' - some kids are too hyper and need to have calming activities - some children that are fidgeting really are doing so to bring them up to a more alert state.

Seems like more work needs to happen in discovering the why of the sensory movement.