Sensory Integration Kit, Fidget

The Ultimate in a Sensory Integration Kit

To purchase a kit similar to this could run you hundreds of dollars. I have put over thirty different sensory type activities for you to do with someone who has sensory dysfunction disorder. This kit covers all the senses we have and can become disordered such as; tactile (touch), visual (sight), olfactory (smell) gustatory (taste), proprioception (pressure and body in space) and vestibular (motion).

Included with each kit is a set of cards that covers many of the items found in the kit. There is three major areas within these senses that are each identified and activities are provided. The elementary stage is the first stage where we learn to accept things around us. Tactile defensiveness is a key element to breaking through sensory issues so that they individual can begin to learn. The secondary stage is where the individual begins to identify what they feel. This is when they begin to acknowledge things around them and how they make them feel. The final stage is the exploratory stage where the individual learns to manipulate the items themselves to create their own sensory experiences. Once an individual can accomplish this final stage they are ready to begin to understand the world around them.

A Brief Intro to Sensory Integration

Every piece of information we receive about the world comes through our senses. The term sensory integration refers to the neurological process of taking in and organizing sensations from the sensory systems. Sensory input meets in the brain and that information must be localized, sorted, ordered, and organized so that it is meaningful and usable. We receive massive amounts of sensory input from the world around us and from our bodies every day. Our survival, safety and ability to learn are all dependent on sensory information and the integration of that information. Efficient sensory integration is critical to developing good self-regulation, to the development of social skills, to learning to move the body in a skillful manner, and to the ability to access learning.

Sensory Integrative Dysfunction:

When the process of sensory integration is disordered or inefficient, problems in learning, motor development, coordination, socialization, or behavior may occur. Some common "red flags" for sensory integration problems are:

Overly sensitive to touch, movements, sights, or sounds
Under-reactivity to sensory input, poor discrimination of input
Coordination problems
Delays in academic achievement, in motor skills, or in self-care and daily living skills
Unusually high or low activity level
Poor organization of behavior
Poor self concept

Benefits of Meeting Sensory Needs:

Benefits for the individuals:

Decreased need to stimulate or injure self
Improved ability to pay attention, participate, and learn
Increased independence in functional activities
Spontaneous expression of new skills and abilities
Improved social skills
Decreased fear and anxiety
Improved communication
Improved ability to handle distractions and interruptions
Improved ability to adjust to changes
Improved ability to experience joy and have more fun
Increased positive interaction with others
Improved ability to influence situations and take advantage of choices and training, work and employment, and community integration opportunities

While activities done at home are not the same as sensory integration therapy, they can help a great deal and should be done even if you are getting professional therapy in a clinic. The more a child is exposed to the appropriate activities the faster they progress. Some children with mild difficulties which do not warrant professional therapy can benefit greatly from a home program and participation in sensory-motor related community activities.

The best part about sensory integration activities is the creative fun you can have coming up with ideas, playing with your child using sensory input, or purchasing unique toys and products anyone would love! (I'll be honest, sometimes adults need and love these products as much as, if not more than, the child!) Children just think they are having fun when they are actually working strenuously at building essential skills with their bodies and better neurological systems.

It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, consistency and persistence, but in the end, you will have a thriving child who can regulate sensory input much more effectively.

Check out our other sensory items like our weighted vest, lap pads, weighted blankets as well as other products in our store.