Sensory integration problems create unusual and confusing experiences in school and at home
For those with Sensory Integration Disorder or any condition such as ADHD, autism or Asperger's that has similar effects, the inability to use sensory input instinctively and in a balanced way presents many challenges. The human brain, which in this case is not functioning as it should, can still adapt in a variety of ways to process sensory input. Simple games that can be enjoyed almost anywhere and with anyone are the best therapy.
Vestibular and Proprioceptive
For balance, reaching and touching, and body awareness, animal imitation games provide fun plus a wide variety of skills to practice. Examples are running in place, bouncing, slithering and walking in characteristic ways. You can also configure your body like each animal: rigid like a penguin, swinging a "trunk" of hands together like an elephant, flapping like a bird or crouching and hopping like a frog. Remember to do these activities in short intervals with a cool-down break.
Tactile and Olfactory
Working with dough and flavors provides exercise for both touch and smell. Provide some base sugar-cookie dough and liquid and solid flavors to mix in. Mixing in vanilla or orange flavor provides olfactory experiences along with the tactile experience of kneading. Adding chocolate chips, nuts or butterscotch pieces provides a change in the smooth texture to include a rougher experience. For a single exercise, one flavor may be enough.
Auditory and Motor Planning
"Marco Polo" style games provide exercise for auditory skills. Hide-and-seek with the hidden person's making an occasional noise, or two-way communication with call and response, help the person learn to identify sound directions. It also give him practice in combining walking skills as he directs himself in a straight line toward the hidden person with making adjustments to the changes in sound direction as he moves around.
Fine Motor and Oral Motor
Blowing bubbles or feathers and handling the bubble wand or feather provide practice in handling small and delicate objects, as well as in pursing the mouth and producing gentle puffs of air. Such activities also allow for breath control in creating larger bubbles or sending the feathers farther into the air.
Tags: games provide, hidden person, sensory input