A peak into our sensory world

Connor finally got his OT (occupational therapist) evaluation- this was his 3rd one! Every other time he had the evaluation he was doing fairly well and didn't qualify for OT, but since he has gotten older he has shown alot more sensory issues.

The OT is absolutely AMAZING with Connor! The first visit Connor had warmed up to him and was actually sitting in his lap at one point! That is huge considering it usually takes him a while to get comfortable with new therapists. After the evaluation, Connor scored at the 13 month old level (tough reading that!) and definitely qualified for OT. He also shows signs of Sensory Processing Disorder. Last Thursday was his actual first therapy session. His OT has started Connor on a sensory diet. Let me explain real quick what that means : a sensory diet is a specialized plan that involves specific sensory activities daily.

 Here is what his diet consists of :
Body brushing every 2 hours while awake
Joint compressions after each brushing
Swinging forward, sideways, and a little in a circle
Bouncing, rolling, and jumping on exercise ball

 Ok, ok...I know sounds a little odd but it has done some impressive things within the first full week! Connor has been talking up a storm! New words we heard this past week are : "I got it!", " Peek a boo!", " Shoe", "mouth", "more" and he does the sign more at the same time, " up", "outside", "tree", "toes"...there are more I just can't think of all of them right now. Regardless, that is a huge improvement from the few words he would say!! He is starting to focus longer and better with certain activites, so I hope that improves! That makes it much easier to try to teach him things :) Happy   Momma right here!


 The Wilbarger Protocol is the brushing and compressions ( as I call it, "Brush & Squishies!") that we are doing. It is a deep pressure technique that is used in kids with sensory defensiveness. The purpose is to help "normalize" their sensory processing so that they can function better in their environment. Here is photo of the brush that we use:

                      

So Connor seeks out sensory input ( proprioceptive dysfunction) hence why he is always so active, craves movement and tippy toe walks. He has vestibular (a system that provides input for movement, balance, spatial awareness and positioning) dysfunction. We are trying to help with this by swinging- which he absolutely LOVES now! 2 months ago I am sure our neighbors thought I was torturing him in the swing, he would scream within 1 minute of being there. Now it is an amazing calm thing for him! He actually fell asleep in the swing- I never imagined that would happen!

 The swing is set on 1 hook so we can go forward, sideways, and in a circle:

                                    

  

He also has tactile dysfunction: meaning he doesn't do well with certain textures. For instance, if he falls down in the yard he tries to figure out how to get up without having to put his hands in the grass. He will quickly touch the grass to get up, then immediately brushes his hands off. He won't touch pool noodles,sand, or scratchy things. But he will constantly rub really soft fabrics. I am making a sensory box for him, full of dollar store finds so we can work on this! :)

All the goodies that are going in the box: rice, noodles, beans ( all of which I dyed to give it a better visual appeal), Legos, sponges, pot scrubbers, pipe cleaners, rubber animals, silly putty eggs, bells, foam letters, cars, and shovels. Basically a hodge podge bucket full of different textures to play in!

My next project is to figure out how to sew him a weighted blanket to help calm him when it is time to sleep. Right now it takes him forever to wind down and finally fall asleep.

Today he did great with OT! He was very focused and almost looked like he was so chilled out that he was ready for a nap at 10:30 this morning! I am hoping that all this sensory input and the sensory diet continues to help him, not to mention help keep Mommy & Daddy sane since it calms him down a little.