Our son has been doing occupational therapy for a few years. We worked with his occupational therapists to create a sensory diet that would give him the sensory input he needs.
When we were younger we were taught that humans have five basic senses. Sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. These five senses are how the human body receives information. It wasn’t until after we were told our son has sensory processing disorder that I found out there are actually more. We started working with his occupational therapist to incorporate heavy work activities for kids. The sensory activities would help with his proprioceptive sense.
A sensory diet is a set of sensory activities and strategies designed to meet the sensory needs of an individual. It is often used in the context of sensory integration therapy, which aims to help individuals regulate and process sensory information more effectively. Just as a regular diet consists of a balanced selection of foods to support physical health, a sensory diet consists of a variety of sensory experiences to support sensory regulation and well-being.
When we were told Santana has sensory processing difficulties we were also told he is a sensory seeker. That means he looks for more sensory stimulation. So when we do occupational therapy we always start off with some heavy work activities. Sensory-seeking kids usually try to get more proprioceptive input, and heavy work stimulates the proprioceptive system. I’ve spoken a little before about our son’s difficulty with self-regulation and some of his sensory issues.
What are heavy work activities?
Heavy work, also known as proprioceptive input or deep pressure activities, refers to sensory-based activities that involve the use of muscles and joints, providing deep pressure and resistance to the body. These heavy resistance activities can help kids with sensory processing issues feel centered. Heavy work engages a sense called proprioception, or body awareness.
Why is heavy work calming?
Every morning I have to start my day with a workout. It honestly sets the tone for the rest of my day. I prefer high-impact exercises that get my juices flowing. It releases serotonin which is the “feel-good” neurotransmitter and is responsible for improving your mood while simultaneously regulating your sensory system. My sensory needs are being met. That’s the same feeling children get after doing heavy work activities.
Full disclosure I also have ADHD. So doing physical activity has been a natural way for me to also self-regulate. When the proprioceptive system is functioning optimally, it helps us navigate the world smoothly. Our bodies are able to respond to sensory input appropriately and engage in everyday activities with ease.
What are deep-pressure activities?
Sometimes when I’m sitting on the couch watching tv my son squeezes behind me and wedges his way between me and the couch. It seems like I’m hurting him because I’m squishing him but it’s one of the best ways for him to get deep pressure. It’s essentially firm tactile sensory input that can be anything from bear hugs to compression, or swaddling. Sometimes before therapy, his OT will do some deep pressure from the top of his head down to his feet instead of trampoline crashes.
Why do we start with heavy work?
Engaging in different proprioceptive activities before starting therapy has positively affected his sessions. Working with heavy objects has greatly improved his focus and his attention span has gotten so much better. By filling Santana’s sensory-seeking needs it sends lots of input to his joints, helping his brain develop new motor plans. This provides a calming effect and organizing effect on the nervous system. He gets so much done in his therapy session when he’s able to focus.
Heavy work also strengthens core muscles required for hand dexterity and precision. Fine motor skills development starts at the core and works its way to the fingertips!
What were some of the things we noticed in our son?
- clumsiness or always crashing into things/people
- a tendency to fall
- a lack of sense of body awareness
- odd body posturing
- chewing on clothes
- difficulty manipulating small objects (buttons, snaps)
- eating in a sloppy manner
What are examples of heavy work activities?
list of heavy work activities you can do at home with kids of all ages:
- jump on mini trampolines and crash onto a big cushion
- push or pull heavy items like a full basket of books
- have your child help with household chores like switching the laundry or putting away groceries
- Yard work
- Do an obstacle course
- Carry a filled laundry basket
- play tug of war
- Participating in animal walks like bear crawls, crab walks, or wheelbarrow walks.
- Squeezing stress balls, therapy putty, or foam rollers.
- Engaging in sensory swings or hammocks that provide deep pressure.
What are the benefits of heavy work activities for kids?
After he does heavy work, Santana usually works on fine motor strengthening and visual perceptual skills needed for handwriting and daily living skills like dressing and utensil use. He’s always able to focus more and be more attentive. It helps keep him calm, helps him to regulate, and helps with sensory integration.
What is heavy work in the classroom?
Now that Santana is in public school we are working on ways to incorporate these activities into his class time. However, I’ve made sure to include them in his IEP so that we are all on the same page at home, in therapy, and in school. By incorporating heavy work activities into the classroom, educators can create a sensory-friendly environment that supports self-regulation. This helps his attention, and he engages in the classroom.
Being able to help our son better process sensory information, and improve focus. Enhances his overall well-being. I really had to make sure to pay attention to his special needs. By doing that we came up with individualized heavy work activities based on his preferences, sensory sensitivities, and developmental level.
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