Let’s Chat About SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder)

In past blogs I have defined what SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) is and I have also talked about the help that is out there. Today I want to focus on manipulatives that have helped our daughter combat her anxiety and OCD tendencies. Specifically the body therapy sock you see our daughter wearing in the top picture.

I must admit, they are pretty strange looking, but very therapeutic! However, if you are new to these, or just want some additional ideas on how to use them therapeutically, then keep reading  because I have done some research!

The see-through lycra/spandex “body sock” is a movement, proprioceptive, tactile, and deep pressure experience like no other. Perhaps you are wondering what to do with this “odd” looking thing. Oh, that’s easy…just climb in, close it up, and watch your body make shapes you never thought possible (among other uses which will are suggested below).

Second, you can turn the lights off, shine a flashlight (or bigger light) on them, and use the Body Sock to make crazy looking shadows on the wall. Just as you would with your hands, challenge them to use their whole body to create as many shadow animals, shapes, objects, or letters as possible (standing, sitting, or laying down). It is a wonderful creative activity that also benefits the sensory system and body awareness!Because Body Socks are see-through (and breathable by the way), you can have your child do several things. First, place the child in front of a full-length mirror with the body sock on. Have them stretch it into as many shapes as possible using every part of their body, and watch the silly looks they can create. Have them hold each pose for 10 or 15 seconds to increase body awareness, balance, and or proprioception.

Here’s another idea… have relay races with the kids in them, giving them different directions on how to move (i.e. crawl, walk like a penguin, giant steps, baby steps, slither like a snake, commando crawl, hop, jump, etc.).

Why on earth would they do these things, you ask? Most importantly, because it’s FUN! Second, because it sparks creativity and imagination. Third, because it is quite therapeutic and it feels good.

This thing will help a child with sensory processing disorder to work on “position in space” skills. They must kinesthetically feel what their bodies are doing and how they are coordinating their body movements. Watching themselves in a mirror, or creating shadows, will help them develop this proprioceptive sense , which is often dysfunctional in children with sensory processing disorders.

The last critically therapeutic activity the “body sock” provides is heavy work, deep pressure input that is both calming and organizing. Through all of these movement activities in the lycra “body sock”, they will have comfortable, resistive material to push against and have pushing against them. This will benefit both children (or adults) with tactile defensiveness as well as the sensory seeking kids (you know them…the movers, shakers, crashers, endless “energizer bunnies”!)

NOTE: The “body sock” can also be used for sensory overloaded kids or children with Autism, PDD, Aspergers, or ADD/ADHD for a calming, sensory escape! Just let them crawl into it an sit in a quiet room, or in a play tent, tunnel, or play hut , or have them sit on an exercise ball and listen to calming music or watch a favorite movie that relaxes them.

The unique proprioceptive and tactile input children (or adults) experience with the Body Sock is unparalleled! Any child with sensory processing disorders / sensory integration dysfunction can benefit!