You can order at home therapy tools online, but the prices can get a little steep. We have found that making your own not only saves money, but can get the whole family involved.
A few basic ideas to battle some of the most common issues that autistic children have (especially those effected by sensory integration).
- Earmuffs. A basic pair of earmuffs worn out when you know you’ll be in a large, crowded, noisy atmosphere. Headphones meet the same goal, and you can even play some calming music if you’d like.
- Fidget toys are things that you can give your child when they are anxious or seem nervous for no real reason. It’s easy to make these and they are similar to “stress balls”. A balloon filled with rice is a perfect “fidget toy”. It can be hard to get the rice in there, but it only takes about half a cup. Tied securely, it makes a simply and easy toy for your child to squish and kneed.
- A pop up tent. You can find these at almost any big retail store. They simply pop open into a one person tent. The enclosed spaced will help your child feel less anxious and having their own quiet space to retreat to can do wonders when they are feeling overwhelmed.
- Soft bristle brushes. Brush therapy can help calm a child down or help them prepare for bedtime. Very soft bristles, rubbed along the arms, leg, back and tummy provides a soothing feeling while stimulating the senses. This can also be done with a tennis ball, a vibrating massager or you can do deep tissue massage yourself.
You can make great therapy items yourself using stuff that you probably already have around your house. Some of them might require a little money, but all in all, it’s a much cheaper way to get the same types of therapy items they use in hospitals and schools, at home.
- A ball pit. A large box (or anything you can find really), big enough for your child to sit in and lay down in, lined with plastic (secured) and filled with colorful plastic balls. You can find the balls at most stores and it will run you about $20. A ball pit creates a multi-sensory environment. The balls massage the entire body and create deep pressure sensation. It encourages relaxation and helps with gross motor skills.
- Weighted items. Weighted vest, jackets and blankets can help your child feel more centered and grounded. We bought Bella a child’s sized Tinkerbell backpack to wear. The general rule of thumb is to add 15% of your child’s weight to the item. So we placed 2, two pound weights in the backpack and it really seems to help her not feel like she has to constantly move around to feel better. You can make a weighted blanket by sewing bean bags (or Ziplock bags filled with rice or sand) into the edges of a favorite blanket. Also, a sleeping bag (child size) with added weight sewn in can help as well. They will like the feeling of being wrapped up and the added weight will help with sensory issues.
- Bean Bags. For children who like to “crash”, meaning they like the feeling of their bodies crashing into things, you can purchase bean bags. It will give them a comfortable place to sit, fall into or lay on. An easy alternative is to use the cushions on your couch. We lay ours out on the living room floor and encourage Bella to jump, fall, roll and crawl on them.
- Sensory tables. Find an old table, trim the legs down so it’s “kid’s height” and glue (or others wise secure) five or six shallow containers to it. Then fill each container with a different textured substance. Water, shaving cream, sand, flour mixed with water, baby powder, small pebbles or rocks. Then let your child go at it. Take the time to play with it too. This can get messy (but that’s the point!) so I suggest laying down some painters plastic and not doing this over carpet.
Other easy things you can find for cheap that really help are large shape puzzles, shape sorters, blocks (the larger the better) that can be stacked up high. Bubbles! Everyone loves bubbles and believe it or not, simply blowing bubbles while your little one chases them around can help with hand eye coordination, motor skills and if you do it with siblings it can even help with anxiety when it comes to social interaction.
The following are larger items that may take a little construction, but are still totally worth giving a whirl.
- Swings. Indoor therapy swings can do great things for children with autism. It requires a little more assembly, but can be done easily with the right tools. I’ve heard of people using those circular plastic sleds you can find in any store during the winter or just a sturdy board covered with soft carpet swatches. Using sturdy rope or chain, secure it to the swing and then mount it to your ceiling. (If you know someone with construction skills, ask them to mount it to the ceiling to make sure it’s safe and secure).
- Tubes, tents and steps. Taking a lot of the single items and putting them together creates kind of an obstacle course. You can find “fun tubes” at stores or you can make your own (that’s a little harder to explain and construct, but you can find these fun tubes for pretty cheap). You can put a tube into the entrance of a pop up tent for added stimulation. Foam mats or stacked cushions can work like unbalanced steps to help with coordination and motor skills.
- Another great item is a single person trampoline. With this one, I think you’ll just have to buy one. Might not be as cheap, but it’s definitely a helpful piece of equipment to have. A hand rail/bar for your child to hold is a much needed addition to a single person trampoline, so make sure it comes with one if you buy one.
I know that I don’t need to, but I feel like I should say that ALL of these ideas are meant to be used with adult supervision. One of the greatest benefits of these at home therapy items is to do them with your child. It promotes a connection, interaction and socialization, especially when other kids or siblings are involved.
There will be a follow up to this post in the coming weeks. We are in the process right now of finishing up a few at home therapy tools and when they are done, we’re going to take pictures of everything and share them as well as anything else we come up with along the way.
Remember, April is Autism Awareness Month
April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day
