Sensory Processing Disorder and Sensory Integration Dysfunction are the same disorder. Children with SPD/SID have an inability to use information received through the senses in order to function smoothly in daily life. Children can be over or under sensitive to the world within their senses of sight, touch, sound and smell. Unfortunately for these children these sensory issues can hinder their learning development. With proper early intervention children can learn to adjust to their senses and succeed in life. Occupational therapists work with children with Sensory Processing Disorder through toys and activities. I have two children who have an over sensitive sensory. Their occupational therapists have shared and recommended toys and activities to help.
According to The Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center,Sensory Integration Activities are the lifeline to providing and achieving the necessary challenges for your child so they maximize:
-Daily functioning
-Intellectual, social, and emotional development
-Development of positive self-esteem
-A mind and body which is ready for learning
-Positive interactions in the world around him/her
-Achievement of normal developmental milestones
Trampolines are great gift for a sensory seeker. The sensory seekers are on the go. They crave to be stimulated in movement and touch. The sensory seeker may seem wound up or disruptive. They are often easily distracted. By getting in much needed tumble play, the sensory seeking child can have fun, release and then return to daily routines at more attentive manner.
Toys with textures such as balls, books and stuffed animals are great for over sensitive tactile senses. Select a variety of textures when shopping for these children. Koosh balls, fuzzy balls and squishy balls are great choices. Books with textures pages recommended. Stuffed animals with different textures are a great addition. Children are often hesitant to new textures. Through encouraged play children will learn to play with a variety of textured toys. Children learn through touch and it’s an important part of their learning development.
Arts and craft supplies are a great gift for children with Sensory Processing Disorder. Many times children with Sensory Processing Disorder don’t like to get messy. Supplying children with an array of craft supplies will encourage them to discover new textures. Paints, sponges, rollers, brushes and stamps are a popular choice. In addition, Glue, glitter, popsicle sticks, fuzz balls, wiggle eyes, and feathers are a great collection. These craft items will be a great start for children needing to discover the art of getting messy. These types of activities often desensitize children overly sensitive to textures.
Other gift ideas
-Play dough
-Clay
-Music
-Sandbox
-Water table
-Toys that vibrate
There are many toys and activities that make great gifts for children with Sensory Processing Disorder. Hopefully this list will give you some ideas and inspire some new ideas of your own. The options are limitless with the right supplies, you can mix crafts together for a whole new learning activity. Fill that water table with aquarium gravel, toy fish, stars, shells and a scooper. Your child will enjoy your creativity, while you help him/her learn to love new things through his/her senses.
Source
www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-integration-activities.html
