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Southpaw BuddyTub |
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Our new Buddy Tub is an ideal size for two little ones ages 3-4, or one child when the tub is filled with balls. Attach the tub to its own rolling board or to the Platform Swings, and offer your littlest clients a safe sensory harbor while in motion.
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| Southpaw Ladybug's Nest |
Our Lycra Ladybug Nest stretches four ways as your clients explore the different ways they can move in three dimensional space. We've attached it to a 30" spreader bar to add the extra sensory input from walking through space. |
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| Southpaw Mini Cloud Nine |
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This smaller version of our Giant Cloud Nine offers the same comfortable resting place for your clients, age 9 and under. It was designed to fit inside the Mini Crash Pit and offer a place to relax or a place to burn some energy while bouncing safely.
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| Southpaw Sensory Rockers |
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These soft, contoured rocking chairs offer gentle sensory stimulation while holding the user in a very comfortable position. An ideal positioning product for those who only need mild vestibular input. Constructed completely of polyurethane, covered by 14 oz. vinyl. Includes attached safety strap.
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| Southaw Bibs and Aprons |
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Our new bibs and aprons solve the problem of keeping clothing clean, without looking like a baby's bib. Made from durable cotton material, all our bibs and aprons are stain repellant and machine washable. The new coveralls are designed with adjustable webbed shoulder straps, putting weight bearing on the shoulders, not the neck. Our aprons have four pockets across the bottom to carry fidgits and personal items.
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Welcome to the September edition of Pawprint, Southpaw's monthly newsletter designed to share information throughout the SI community. If you are not on our mailing list, be sure to request your copy of the NEW Fall/Winter 2008 catalog here. Make sure to visit our newly updated website at www.southpawenterprises.com. |
| Southpaw Launches New Website! |
Southpaw has unveiled our new website this month. We have a brand new look to the online store and several new features we hope that will make your shopping experience even better than it was before! You can now create wish lists for yourself or to share with others, you can email products to friends, and you can write reviews about the products to share with others. Keep checking back for more updates and new features!
Click here to go to the website. |
Therapist Forum
Putting the Pieces Together: Designing a Sensory Room
Deanna Macioce, MS, OTR/L |
We often look for the proper environment for our kiddos to excel in whether at home, school, or in the community. Many times we will find a group activity that would be perfect, until we discover that it takes place in a large open area with echoing sounds which would send our child into a 'meltdown'. Or on the first day of school when you walk into the classroom and see all the bright colors and clutter, you wonder to yourself how your child with sensory issues is ever going to function on a daily basis. And even at home, you only wish you could set up that therapy gym in your basement instead of having random toys strewed across the house. In reality, we know that there is no way to completely structure their world and protect them from overstimulation, nor would it teach them to adapt, but when appropriate wouldn't it be nice to have the ideal sensory room or space?
Whether it is at home, in a clinic, or a classroom, there are some key points that need to be carried out in each environment when setting up a sensory room. It is not important how large the space is, but that it provides a safe, welcoming feel for our children. It also needs to provide them with tasks that are interesting and self-motivating for them. The set up of the room needs to meet the individual's specific sensory needs. With that said, it needs to include equipment that is both stimulating and calming; making sure that there are items to address all areas of a sensory diet that will allow for the proper balance of sensory input. In addition, it needs to allow a child to meet his or her needs through self guidance, as well as adult interaction.
We are going to look at setting up a sensory room in general terms, providing just some examples of what you may include. It is best to work with your child's occupational therapist and team to ensure all of your child's needs are met, as well as to assist in developing the proper sensory diet to be utilized. Remember to allow some items to remain out and available to be used as needed by the child.
For vestibular input, a platform or glider swing, including both linear and rotational movement can be used, as well as an everyday sling swing. Some other items may include a mini trampoline, a barrel, a tunnel, rocker board or dizzy disc.
A small tent or bean bag chair can be used for calming and re-grouping. In addition, having 'crash' pads such as a Cloud Nine, old mattress, or ball pit provides for both fun and creative play. Exercise balls also are a great item to include. Don't forget other calming items such as weight and vibrating toys. And music is always great for calming and auditory input.
When designing the room, provide some unstructured tactile and visual stimulation to allow the child to seek out input without participating in a structured activity. Using a section of the wall, design an area with various tactile squares including items such as cork, sandpaper, bubble wrap, and some type of softer material like fleece. For tactile play, have an obtainable container of various tactile toys and fidgets. For visual input, you can use various types of water movement tubes/panels. For example, a plug-in fish tank with lights and movement.
In addition, if needed have a designated work place to be used for more structured fine motor and play activities. It is here that adaptations such as a ball chair, weight vest or disc seat can work best.
Remember that a sensory room is used to help meet a child's sensory needs. It should be fun, purposeful, and be an environment that allows a child to learn and play. So, have fun and remember your child, client, or student will find it best to include you as well!
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Did You Know?
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Do you have an idea for the next great thing in Sensory Integration? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Click here for more information. |
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