Equipment Ideas for Children and Young People
Occupational Therapy
Please find on the following pages some information on equipment that may be helpful for children and young people that have:
- Sensory integration difficulties
- Attention difficulties
- Organisation difficulties
Contents
Ideas for children and young people that need to move……….. 3-4
Alternative seating…………………………………………………………5-8
Cheap Concentrators………………………………………………………9
Specific Concentrators…………………………………………………….10
Theraband……………………………………………………………………11
Mouth Tools………………………………………………………………12-13
Theraputty…………………………………………………………………….14
Weighted Items………………………………………………………….15-17
Angled Writing Board………………………………………………………18
Dycem Non-Slip Matting…………………………………………………..19
Timers…………………………………………………………………………. 20
Vibrating Items……………………………………………………………... 21
Headphones……………………………………………………………….. 22
Desk Top Carrels…………………………………………………………… 23
Understanding the Difficulties with Sitting Still and Fidgeting
Do you often find yourself saying the following?……
What about the child?....
Q: So why do some children need to move and fidget?
A: Most of us fidget and move, perhaps without even realising it. We tap our pencils, feet, or fingers, or doodle in our notebooks and we do this to increase and maintain our attention levels in order to get that “just right” feeling of alertness. It is important to realise that some of us move and fidget more because we need more intense sensory feedback in order to focus.
Q: So should I allow the child to engage in these activities?
A: Yes, providing these behaviours are safe and not disruptive to the whole environment.
See the next page for some ideas to try
Ideas to try
Alternative Seating
Often a “moving” cushion/seat can be helpful to allow a child to gain more movement when expected to be seated. There are various types:
Mov’in’sit Cushions
· Inflatable wedge cushion
· Provides additional proprioceptive and tactile input when seated
· Excellent for individuals who require extra movement whilst seated
· Available in junior 10" x 10" and senior 15” x 15” sizes both are blue
· The wedge shape encourages proper posture and alignment while sitting
· Can also be used on the floor, or stand it upright in any chair as a back support
· Customize the cushion by inflating it to just the right degree of firmness or softness
· One side is ridged to prevent sliding
· Cleans easily with soap and water
Movin'Sit Adult is 13" x 13" and comes in blue.Bottom of Form
Disc’o’sit Cushions
· Inflatable wedge cushion
· Provides additional proprioceptive and tactile input when seated
· Excellent for individuals who require extra movement whilst seated
· Customize the cushion by inflating it to just the right degree of firmness or softness
· Available in a 12" Junior and a 15" adult size
· One side is ridged to prevent sliding
· Cleans easily with soap and water
Dyna-Sit
· Inflatable circular cushion
· Provides additional proprioceptive input when seated
· Increased tactile experience as knobbier than mov’in’sit or Disc’o’sit
· Excellent for individuals who require extra movement whilst seated
Concentration Cushions
· Excellent for children who crave movement
· Combines the movement input with touch input from either beanbag-type pellets, or small beads
· This touch input feels more secure and comfortable, allowing the seat to be used for even longer periods to enhance focus and attention.
· Available in a 12" diameter cushion that can be adjusted with air
The Ball Chair
· Inflatable ball with feet
· Provides additional proprioceptive and tactile input when seated
· Excellent for individuals who require extra movement whilst seated
· Customize the cushion by inflating it to just the right degree of firmness or softness
· Sizes vary depending on the size of the child
The Ball Chair with a base
· Allows active sitting
· Strengthens the back and improves posture
· It’s a great alternative to traditional chairs for children that require more movement whilst seated or have low tone
· Different sizes available
Swopper Chair
· Encourages motion during sitting
· The seated platform allows motion in all directions while seated
Ball Bowl
· Stabilises a therapy ball
· Reduces movement of ball when child is seated
Adjustable T-Stool
· Ideal for children that swing on their chairs
· These children tend to need the balance challenge to stimulate themselves enough to pay attention
· Seat height is adjustable from 12” to 16”
The above equipment items are available from:
Special Direct
Tel: 0800 318 686
Website: www.specialdirect.com
Vidipro International
Tel: 01299 879 400
(Not currently on line)
Rompa
Tel: 0845 230 1177
Website: www.rompa.com
Abilitations Integrations Sensory Solutions Catalogue
www.integrationscatalog.com
Tel: 1 800 850 8602
Space Kraft
Tel: 01274 581 007
Website: www.spacekraft.co.uk
Cheap Concentrators
We all fidget, however as children’s sensory systems are still developing, they often need to fidget more intensely than us adults. Children, like us, require this sensory input to help them stay awake, alert and able to listen. Often due to the intensity of the fidgeting, it draws attention and sometimes can get children into unnecessary trouble. It is very helpful to provide children with a range of concentrators, (previously known as fidget items) to use and have rules for their use. Below are some cheap and easy to access concentrators:
Blu Tack
Straws
Paper Clips (good for older children, plastic coated one’s are best)
Thick elastic bands
Smooth stones
Small pieces of wool
A piece of ribbon
Conkers
Large marble
Stretchy hair band
Bracelets with beads
Small figure toys
Erasers
Key rings
Pen and paper to doodle on
Remember:
Always have rules for the concentrators -
Make it clear which concentrators can be used in which situations
Is the concentrator to be kept in the child’s hand or pocket? Be CLEAR!
- Experiment with concentrators to find the right one for the child – each child may be different; the child will probably know what sensation s/he is seeking
There are numerous local shops for purchasing cheap concentrators, examples include:
- Tesco
- Pound Land
- Asda
Specific Concentrators
You can also purchase specific concentrator items; these have various names and range in price.
Here are some examples:
These items can be purchased from:
- Baker Ross Ltd, Tel: 0870 458 5440, website: www.bakerross.co.uk
- Sense Toys, Tel: 0844 576 8933
- Special Direct, Tel: 0800 318 686, website: www.specialdirect.com
- SpaceKraft Limited, Tel: 01274 581 007, website: www.spacecraft.co.uk
- Rompa, Tel: 0845 230 1177 or 01246 211 777, website: www.rompa.com
Theraband is a lightweight stretchy rubber material.
Theraband comes in 8 colour-coded resistance levels so you can select the most suitable resistance level. Tan is the thinnest and gold is the thickest.
Tan Yellow Red Green Blue Black Silver Gold
What can Theraband be used for?
Exercises can be carried out using Theraband to improve muscle endurance, strength, flexibility and range of motion (ROM).
Theraband is resistive, which means heavy work for muscles! Carrying out theraband exercises can help to calm and organise individuals who have difficulties with maintaining an appropriate “just right” arousal level.
Theraband can be used in different ways to carryout exercises - as a straight length, in a loop or looped around a chair or other stationary object.
Theraband can be used as a hand concentrator.
Theraband can be used to give extra movement whilst seated. Simply, tie the Theraband around the legs of the chair for individuals to bounce their legs off it.
Theraband is available from:
· VidiPro International, Tel: 01299 829 400
· Physio Supplies Tel: 01775 640 972, website: www.physiosupplies.com
Mouth Tools
Often children chew on their jumper sleeves or shirt collars; this is a way of helping to focus. Here are some alternatives:
Individuals can use Thera-Tubing, Chewlery, Chewy Tubes and P’s & Q’s to:
· Regulate inappropriate behaviour
· To modulate sensory needs – alert, organise or calm
· To develop oral motor skills
· Develop chewing and biting skills required for eating
Theratube
· Is hollow
· Non toxic, lead free and latex free
· No PVC or phthalates
· There are 4 different thicknesses:
Orange
/Green
/Blue
/Purple
* The thinnest* For younger children
* For individuals who
do not chewy very
strongly
* To thread chewy
tubes onto
/ * Slightly thicker than
orange
* For medium chewing
* Suitable for younger
children
/ * For medium to strong
chewing
* For older children
and adults
/ * Is the thickest
* For individuals that
chew strongly
* Can be threaded
onto a pencil and
used in the
classroom
Chewy Tubes
· Are hollow
· T bar shaped
· Non toxic, lead free and latex free
· No PVC or phthalates
· May last longer than thera-tubing for individuals who chew strongly
· There are 4 types of chewy tube:
Yellow (smooth)Chewy Tube
/ Red (smooth)
Chewy Tube / Green (knobbly)
Chewy Tube
/ Blue (solid)
Chewy Tube
* Has a narrow stem
* For children typically
around 9-10 months
or who have a small
jaw / * Has a wider stem
* Suitable for children
and / or adults / * Designed to give
extra sensory input
by means of the
raised dots on the
stem
* Is harder to chew on / * Designed for
children that chew
heavily
P’s & Q’s
· Are solid and smooth
· Non toxic, lead free and latex free
· No PVC or phthalates
· The Q is useful for tongue exploration and bilateral biting
· The P is easy to grasp
· Sold as a set
Care and Hygiene
· The above can be cleaned with mild soap and water
· Can also go in the dishwasher
Chewlery
Jewellery that can be chewed! Chewlery can be used to give children the oral input they require. Using Chewlery can often stop children from chewing on their clothing. Chewlery comes in the form of necklaces and bracelets. The bands are stretchable and non-toxic. The bands are available in: red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, dark purple, or white. Wash with mild soap and water before use.
You can purchase mouth tools from
Special Direct
Tel: 0800 318 686
Website: www.specialdirect.com
Kapitex Healthcare Ltd
Tel: 01937 580211
Website: www.kapitex.com
Chewy Tubes
Tel: 207 741 2443
Website: www.chewytubes.com
Coordinates Therapy Services
Tel: +613 9380 1127
Website: www.sensoryshop.com
Abilitations
Website: www.abiliations.com
Theraputty
Theraputty is used for the following:
· Finger, hand, wrist and arm strengthening
· Bilateral hand use
· Tactile experience
Theraputty comes in 6 strengths:
· Tan – extra, extra soft
· Yellow – extra soft
· Red - soft
· Green - medium
· Blue - firm
· Black – extra firm
Theraputty can be purchased from:
www.painreliever.com/fabrication-theraputty
There is a dough similar to putty called Performance Grip. This dough has multiple levels of resistance in one container (3-in-1):
· MEDIUM resistance when at room temperature
· SOFT when put in the microwave for 5-10 seconds
· FIRM when put in the freezer for 5-10 minutes
Performance Grip will not stain or stick to clothes, furniture, or carpet. It is non-toxic and latex free. There are varying versions to chose from:
· Unscentedversion
· Bubble Gum and Glitter
· Eucalyptus
· Lavender
· Citrus
· Vanilla Spice
Performance Grip can be purchased from:
www.newhorizontoys.com
www.livingplaying.com
www.kaplan.com
Weighted Items
Kitty Cuddles Dolphin Wrap
The above neck and shoulder items provide deep pressure touch input to the neck and shoulder area. These items can be used are they are, or as hot packs, (calming and organising) by placing them in the microwave or as cold packs (stimulating) by placing them in the freezer. The dolphin wrap is scented and the Kitty Cuddles can come scented or unscented.
Weighted and Washable Bear
The above item is weighted. It can be taken anywhere with a child to cuddle/hold in order to provide calming and organising deep pressure touch input.
Sensory Snakes
The above item is weighted and moulds to the body of the child. This item provides deep pressure touch input to help calm and organise and can be used over the shoulders or across a child’s lap. It is advisable to purchase a sensory snake cover with this item.
Weighted Shawl
The item above is a weighted body shawl, which is washable. The weight of the blanket is 5lbs. The shawl will provide calming and organising deep pressure touch input for children.
Weighted Hat
The item above provides weight onto the top of the head. The hat comes in varying colours and sizes.
Weighted Hand Patches
The item above is a weight system for the hand, wrist and arm. The hand patches only cover the back of the hand and are held in place by a thumb and wrist strap. The hand patches provide constant feedback to the user about the position of their hand, regardless of the position. Different sizes are available.
Wrist Weights
The above item is designed for children. The wrist weights can be calming and organising. The straps are fully adjustable and padded for comfort, sold in a set of two.
Lap Pads
The item above provides deep pressure touch input to help calm and organise. It can also provide stability when seated. This item is ideal for the classroom environment or when expected to sit at home and / or in the car.
Weighted Vests/ waste coat
The above item fits snugly to the upper body and can be worn under clothing if required. This item is washable. This item can be used to provide deep pressure touch input to calm children that are over-sensitive and over–responsive.