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Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.
Sensory Autism Therapy Swings
Jeanette Loftus
Occupational therapists have been using sensory swings for many years in occupational therapy to provide children with vestibular and proprioceptive input. Sensory swings have become a very beneficial sensory tool in therapy for children with sensory processing disorders.
Autism sensory swings offer a unique and effective way to address sensory seeking behaviors. Children who struggle with sensory processing disorder like cuddling and swinging because it can be calming for their “fight or flight” response. Sensory swings can make your child feel safe and calm.
The vestibular system is one of the most important of our senses. The vestibular system lets us know when we are moving, how quickly or slowly we are moving and in which direction we are moving.
The swinging motion from a sensory cocoon swing can have a calming effect on a child's nervous system. A sensory cocoon swing provides deep pressure proprioceptive input for a child.
Proprioception is our sensory system that is for our body awareness and position of our body in space. This proprioceptive sensory input is known to have a regulating effect on the body and help children with self-regulation.
Sensory processing Disorder can result in difficulties with handling everyday sensory experiences such as sounds, lights, tastes, and textures. Occupational therapy (OT) is a commonly used treatment for children with sensory processing disorder and sensory swings are one of the most popular tools used by occupational therapists.
Benefits of Kids Using Autism Sensory Swings
Sensory swings can provide numerous benefits for children with sensory processing disorder and those on the autism. These benefits include:
- Improved body awareness and spatial awareness
- Increased focus and concentration
- Calming and soothing effects
- Improved muscle tone and coordination
- Regulation of the sensory system
- Enhanced vestibular input and proprioceptive input
A benefit of a child with sensory processing disorder using a sensory swings is increased balance and coordination.
When children have difficulties processing vestibular input, their body doesn’t know how to move within their environment so when your child sits in their sensory swing, their body feels safe, even if their feet are off the ground.
Cocoon swings can also be used as a cuddle or hug providing deep pressure input to the body. This can be beneficial for children who have difficulty with tactile defensiveness or for children who seek out touch.
The feeling of being hugged can be comforting and calming for children with sensory differences.
Types of Sensory Swings
There are various types of sensory swings available, each with unique benefits and features
Therapy Hammocks
These swings offer a deep pressure sensation, which can be calming and organizing for children with SPD and autism.
Platform Swings
These swings allow children to sit or stand while being swung, providing opportunities for increased balance and coordination.
Tactile Swings
These swings can be covered in different textures, providing additional sensory input and stimulation for children who seek out sensory experiences.
Sensory Integration Swings
These swings are designed to provide a range of sensory inputs, including vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile, and can be adjusted to meet the child's specific needs.
This input can be calming on the nervous system and improves your child's coordination and body awareness. The gentle and rhythmic movement from a sensory swing can have a regulating effect on the nervous system. Sensory swings are great for promoting self-regulation, increased attention and improved coordination.
Sensory swings can be an excellent addition to sensory rooms because they provide children with a variety of sensory experiences that can help regulate their sensory system. Here's why sensory swings are a great addition to sensory rooms:
Enhances Sensory Integration
Sensory swings can provide the child with the necessary vestibular and proprioceptive input, which can help the child integrate and process sensory information more effectively.
Increases Engagement
Sensory swings can be an engaging and fun activity, which can encourage children to explore and interact with their environment.
Provides Variety
Adding sensory swings to a sensory room provides a variety of sensory experiences, which can help keep children engaged and interested.
Promotes Calmness
Sensory swings can have a calming effect on children with sensory processing disorder and autism, which can help promote a sense of relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Supporting, learning, sharing and growing together.
DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional.
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