A sensory diet is not just for kids! A sensory diet can be individualized to many different ages to help support regulation needs. But, what is a sensory diet? A sensory diet is a set of activities that is designed to meet the specific needs of an individual. Therefore, the goal is to provide a structured and predictable sequence of sensory experiences throughout the day. This helps to assist with an individual’s ability to regulate their sensory systems and respond appropriately to their environment. Sensory diet activities are determined based on specific sensory needs. All activities are carefully chosen and scheduled into an individual’s day to assist with regulation of activity levels, attention, and adaptive responses. All the systems working together provides the body with the “optimal level of arousal”. A sensory diet includes a combination of activities and utilizes many of our senses.

Your 8 Senses

Firstly, we all have a unique sensory system. Just as no two people are the same, likewise, no two sensory diets are identical. Basically, throughout the day, all the sensory systems are working together to perceive and process sensory information coming from our environment and even inside our bodies. There are actually 8 senses that are in the body that make up our sensory system. The five basic sensory systems include: visual (sight), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste), and tactile (touch) system. In addition, the other three “hidden sensory systems” impact how we experience our bodies in space and they include the vestibular, proprioception, and interoception systems.  

Our bodies and minds instinctively know the varying sensory input we receive throughout our day. Therefore, individuals will naturally seek out a variety of sensory input to help regulate their bodies. However, for some individuals this might not come automatically, and support to perform these strategies may be necessary.

Sensory Diet Activities for All the Senses

• Visual – scavenger hunts, I Spy, painting, puzzles, mazes, adjust the lighting
• Auditory – headphones, clapping games, musical instruments, white noise
• Olfactory – scented play dough, create smelling bottles, avoid scented soaps/lotion/perfume
• Gustatory – chewing gum, vibrating toothbrush, drinking from a straw, creating taste bottles
• Tactile – heavy work activities, textured activities, vibrating activities, squeezing activities
• Vestibular – swinging, spinning, bouncing, rolling, rocking
• Proprioception – crawling, bear walks, climbing, monkey bars
• Interoception – yoga, breathing exercises, temperature activities, social stories

Also, some things to watch for that may indicate an individual needs assistance with regulating their various sensory systems include:

• Emotional overreaction
• Hyper-attention or inattention
• Difficulty with transitions
• Sleep issues
• Impulsivity
• Poor social interactions
• Resistance to textures/food/clothing

Despite being aware of what to look for and exploring different sensory activities, children or adults may still be struggle to regulate their bodies. An occupational therapist can help design a sensory diet that is appropriate for an individual’s needs.

Finally, for more information regarding sensory diet and various activities, explore the OT Toolbox.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, posture, and coordination. It can also cause non-motor symptoms such as pain, fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive impairment. While there is no cure for PD, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of people living with PD. Physical therapy is one of these treatments that helps Parkinson’s disease.

PT can help restore or maintain physical function, mobility, and independence because physical therapists are trained professionals who can assess, diagnose, and treat movement problems related to PD. They can also provide education, advice, and support to people with PD and their caregivers.

How Physical Therapy Helps Parkinson’s Disease

Physical therapy helps Parkinson’s disease in many ways, such as:

Improving muscle strength and endurance

Both age and PD can weaken and decondition muscles. A physical therapist will prescribe exercises using light weights or resistance bands to improve strength. Because, more strength helps with balance and mobility.

Physical therapy helps Enhance amplitude of movement in Parkinson’s

PD can cause people to reduce the size and speed of movements. So, it can affect walking, speech, facial expressions, and gestures. Physical therapy can help increase the amplitude of movement by teaching overexaggerated physical movements, such as high steps and arm swings. This is a way to retrain the muscles and brain to compensate for the reduced movement that Parkinson’s can cause, and the LSVT BIG program is a specific set of exercises and activities that has been shown to improve mobility and quality of life.

Reinforcing reciprocal patterns

Reciprocal movements are side-to-side and left-to-right patterns, such as swinging your arms while taking steps as you walk. PD can affect these patterns, which makes walking slow and unstable. Physical therapy can help to reinforce reciprocal patterns by using machines like a recumbent bicycle or elliptical machine. Practicing walking with arm swings is another activity that can help restore reciprocal movements. This can improve coordination, rhythm, and fluidity of movement for people with Parkinson’s. Dance and Tai chi are other activities that involve reciprocal patterns.

Physical Therapy Improves balance and posture for Parkinson’s

PD commonly impairs balance. Your brain uses a complex mix of what you see, your inner ear, and sensations from your feet and joints to maintain balance. Physical therapy can help to improve balance using exercises that challenge stability, such as standing on one leg or walking on uneven surfaces. PT will also focus on specific components of the balance system by doing things like having a person close their eyes to focus on the sensations from the feet and joints. Physical therapy can also improve posture by correcting any muscle tightness or weakness that may cause stooping or learning sideways.

Increasing flexibility and range of motion

PD also often causes muscle stiffness and rigidity. Physical therapy can help increase flexibility and range of motion with stretching exercises that target specific muscles. Common areas of issue are the hip flexors, hamstrings, and calves. Stretching regularly can also help to reduce pain and spasm.

Providing education and self-management advice

Physical therapy can help people learn more about PD and how it affects their movement. A physical therapist can provide tips on how to maintain safety when exercising, how to cope with fatigue or pain, how to use assistive devices if needed, and how to prevent or manage complications such as falls or freezing.

Sounds Great. Is There Proof?

Yes! Research backs up all these claims. One meta-study (a study that combines the results of many other studies) that covered 1827 participants found that when compared to no intervention, PT significantly improved:

• Gait speed and two-minute and six-minute walk test scores
• Freezing of Gait questionnaire
• The Timed Up & Go test
• Functional Reach Test
• The Berg Balance Scale

These results indicate improvements in mobility, endurance, strength, and balance. Gait speed is an especially important measurement. Physical therapists often consider gait speed a “vital sign.” This is because low gait speed has been linked to:

• Declines in functional mobility and increased disability
• Higher rates of hospitalization
• Higher fall rates
• Cognitive decline
• Higher risk of death

A larger meta study that included 191 studies with 7998 participants found that PT significantly improved motor symptoms, gait, and quality of life. Specifically:

• Resistance and treadmill training improved gait.
• Strategy training improved balance and gait.
• Dance, Nordic walking, balance and gait training, and martial arts improved motor symptoms, balance, and gait.

In conclusion, physical therapy is a valuable treatment option for people with PD, as it can help to improve or maintain their physical function, mobility, and independence. Physical therapy can also enhance their quality of life, confidence, and well-being. If you have PD or know someone who does, consult with a physical therapist who specializes in PD to see how they can help you.

References

1. Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease – Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/physical-therapy-for-parkinsons-disease.
2. Physical Therapy and PD | Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/physical-therapy.
3. Physical and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s: What to Expect. https://bing.com/search?q=physical+therapy+for+parkinson%27s+disease.
4. Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Physical Therapy. https://www.parkinsonsdaily.com/parkinsons-disease-treatment-physical-therapy/.
5. Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies | Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/physical-occupational-speech-therapies.
6. Physiotherapy in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Present Treatment Modalities – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32917125/
7. Physiotherapy versus placebo or no intervention in Parkinson’s disease – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24018704/

While most handwriting, drawing, painting, coloring, and other play activities occur on a table or on the floor, those are not the only surfaces that can be used for these activities. Try changing up the activity and work on a vertical surface. Vertical surfaces support development and can make the activity more fun for children. In addition, changing the way you do an activity can help kids to focus and stay engaged longer. 

Why is Work on a Vertical Surface Beneficial?

Firstly, working on a vertical surface can support the development of a variety of skills. The skills supported by working on a vertical surface can carry over to everyday activities and to academic skills. 

• Bilateral Coordination – Depending on how the activity is set up, working on a vertical surface can also promote bilateral coordination. For example, the child may need to hold the paper on the wall with one hand while painting or drawing with the other hand. Setting up the activity this way helps provide the child with feedback if they are using both hands consistently. If they only use one hand the paper will fall.
• Wrist Extension/Pencil Grasp – Working on a vertical surface puts the wrist in an extended position which supports better pencil grasp and control of writing tools. 
• Shoulder/Elbow Stability – Working on a vertical surface requires additional shoulder and elbow stability. Having the child draw, write, or play on a vertical surface requires them to work against gravity and prompts strengthening of the shoulder and elbow. 
• Midline Crossing – Crossing midline naturally incorporates into play when using vertical surfaces as the child reaches with their dominant hand from one side of the surface to the other. 
• Core Strength/Posture – Positioning children in tall kneeling or standing can help to prompt better posture and core strength while working opposed to a slouched position at a table or desk

Activities to Try

Some activities that you can try at home that use a vertical surface include the following:

• Using Water to Paint Outside – This activity is simple to set up and requires very few materials. Give the child a bowl of water and paint brushes, and encourage them to paint the fence with the water, promoting painting on a vertical surface. 
• White Board – Simple drawing on a white board or chalkboard can be a great vertical surface activity. You can expand on this activity by playing drawing games such as tic tac toe or Pictionary. 
• LEGO Wall – Attach LEGO board to the ball and encourage your child to build with LEGO on the wall. You can get some more fun ideas for playing with LEGO here. 
• Car Wash – Set up a simple at home car wash. Use sponges with water and car soap to scrub and wash the car. 

These are just a few ideas to get you starting to work on vertical surfaces. Check our Your Therapy Source for more fun suggestions.

Summer is a time for kids to relax, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors. However, keeping them entertained can be a challenge, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of free activities that you can do with your kids this summer that will keep them happy and engaged. Here are ten ideas for free summer activities for kids.

Free Ideas

Firstly, go on a nature walk: Take your kids on a nature walk and explore the great outdoors. Look for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Teach your kids about the plants and animals that live in your area. Or, check out these easy hikes you can do with your kids.

Have a picnic: Pack a lunch and head to a local park for a picnic. Bring a Frisbee or a ball to play with, and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

Have a scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt for your kids and their friends. Hide clues around your neighborhood or local park, and see who can find them all first.

Build a fort: Use blankets, pillows, and chairs to build a fort in your living room or backyard. Let your kids use their imaginations to create their own secret hideaway.

Go stargazing: On a clear night, head outside and look up at the stars. Use a star chart to identify constellations and teach your kids about the wonders of the universe.

Free (Or Almost Free) Activities

Visit a museum: Many museums offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. Check your local museum’s website to see if they have any free days coming up. The Museum of the Rockies is a great play to take your kids to explore.

Host a movie night: Set up a projector in your backyard and host a movie night under the stars. Pop some popcorn and snuggle up with blankets and pillows.

Make homemade ice cream: Whip up a batch of homemade ice cream with your kids. You don’t need an ice cream maker – just mix together cream, sugar, and your favorite flavorings and freeze in a container.

Visit a farmer’s market: Take your kids to a local farmer’s market and let them pick out some fresh fruits and vegetables. Use them to make a healthy and delicious meal together.

Finally, have a water balloon fight: Cool off on a hot day with a water balloon fight. So, fill up some balloons then let the kids go wild.

These are just a few ideas for free summer activities for kids. With a little creativity, you can keep your kids entertained all summer long without breaking the bank. Now whenever you have a chance, get out there and have some fun!

The first year of kindergarten is an exciting time for your child. So many new experiences and new friends. But, it can also be scary and intimidating for both children and parents. However, there are many ways to help your child prepare for kindergarten.

Firstly, it’s important to establish a routine. Children thrive on routine. Having a set schedule can help them feel more secure and prepared for the day ahead. Start by setting a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Try to plan out a daily routine that includes time for meals, play, and learning activities. This will help your child adjust to the structure of a school day and make the transition to kindergarten smoother.

independence

Secondly, encourage your child’s independence. Kindergarten is a time when children start to become more independent. It’s important to foster this independence at home. Encourage your child to dress themselves, use the bathroom independently, and take responsibility for their belongings. This will help them feel more confident and capable when they start school.

How to Prepare for Kindergarten Reading Skills

Thirdly, read to your child every day. Reading is one of the most important skills your child will begin to learn in kindergarten. It’s important to start building this skill early. Make reading a part of your daily routine, and encourage your child to ask questions and engage with the story. This will help them develop a love of reading and prepare them for the reading and writing activities they will encounter in kindergarten. You can learn more about why maintaining a summer reading schedule is important here.

Social Skills

Lastly, practice social skills. Kindergarten is a time when children start to develop social skills and learn how to interact with their peers. Encourage your child to play with other children, practice sharing and taking turns, and express their feelings in a positive way. This will help them feel more comfortable in social situations and make friends more easily.

The thought of your child going to school for the first time might be a little scary. Preparing your child for kindergarten in advance may help to relieve some fears. It is an exciting and important task. By establishing a routine, encouraging independence, reading every day, and practicing social skills, you can help your child feel confident and ready for this new adventure. Remember to be patient and supportive, and enjoy this special time with your child. If you’re looking for more help, Scholastic has 20 skills you can also work on with your child before starting kindergarten.

“Around 24-30 months, children start to integrate nonliteral themes into social play, marking the emergence of social pretend play.”¹ Speech therapists use pretend play frequently to address many concepts in therapy sessions. It has a number of benefits for language development in children. So, let’s explore some key factors.

Expanding Vocabulary with Pretend Play

Pretend play is a great way to expand vocabulary due to minimal limitations of what is happening in the current environment. Children are exposed to new ideas and things that they may not be normally exposed to in their daily lives. Vocabulary surrounding creative places, objects, people, and feelings can be experienced.

Building Conversational Skills and Attention

“From 15 to 24 months, children progress from exchanging simple social behaviors (e.g. smiles) to playing with toys in an interactive manner, with each child contributing to the play. This social play is reality based, with toys and objects used for their intended functions.”¹ Integration of nonliteral themes occurs around 24-30 months. This occurrence allows a child to use their expanded vocabulary and new understanding that, for example, a hairbrush can represent a phone, creating the desire to converse with peers of these new findings. Conversational exchange facilitates the skill of attending to a peer and an object for an extended period of time.

Understanding Different Perspectives

Imaginative play, especially role-playing activities, build and nurture the ability to understand the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others. Also, “Certain partners may act in ways that foster success and sophistication in social pretend play.”¹

Improve Problem Solving Skills Using Pretend Play

Pretend play can take so many different forms and outcomes can consistently change. It is an important way for children to learn about if/then or hypothetical scenarios.

There are many toys and activities that promote this activity, such as dress up clothes, role playing, puppets, and play food/kitchen. For more ideas on how to support creative play at home, check out Inspire My Play and Busy Toddler. However, if you feel like your child struggles with their play skills, check out Building Play Skills for Healthy Children and Families.

References

1. Howes, C. (1987). Social competence with peers in young children: Developmental sequences. Developmental Review, 7,252–272
2. DeKroon, D. M., Kyte, C. S., & Johnson, C. J. (2002). Partner influences on the social pretend play of children with language impairments. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 33(4), 253–267. https://doi.org/10.1044/0161-1461(2002/021)