Activities to Modify Hyposensitive Sensory Threshold Levels
Hyposensitive Sensory Threshold Activities
If your child seems to seek out sensory experiences, you may choose to try any of the following activities:
o Offer toys and activities with bright colors and different textures
o Provide sensory play, like sand, water, and finger-painting
o Give deep pressure, whole hand, slow, rhythmic massages to feet, legs, arms, back, or head, as they tolerate. They may allow to one area but not another
o Go for a walk and name all the sounds you hear; try to imitate the sounds as loud as you can
o Roll your child up from shoulders to their feet in an exercise mat or large beach towel. Stay close to “unroll”
TheraPlay4Kids.com
o Explore (touch) interesting trees, rocks, and sticks at the park
o Play a game where you sniff different kitchen spices like cinnamon, basil, and vanilla - you hold the container to prevent spills and over-sniffing!
o Whole body squeezes, rocking, or hugging of a large therapy ball
o Push heavy or weighed down chairs or other small furniture pieces, like an ottoman, across the room
o Crawling under and between large, heavy pillows or cushions to make a “kid sandwich,” push down on top of cushions to torso to give extra weight as needed (keep airway clear)
Keep going for more activities!
TheraPlay4Kids.com
o Make and play with Giant Bubbles (Click for How to Make)
o Have a dance party or make music with pots and a wooden spoon!
o Yell into the wind!
o Click for: Blog on Messy Sensory Play
o Click for: Blog on Sensory Slime
o Click for: Blog on Fidget Toys
o Click for: Blog on Pretend Play
o Click for: Blog on Sensory Meltdown or Temper Tantrum
o Keep your child and everyone else safe. Remove any dangerous items they could throw or hit with. Do not accept violent or dangerous behavior at any time
TheraPlay4Kids.com
o Try distractions – call their attention to look at something, to listen to something, etc
o Use positive words. Try to avoid “no,” “stop,” “shut-up,” “you are being bad,” and try to use words like “I would like you to stop yelling,” “I want you to be quiet and stop hitting and throwing,” “would you please.” Not easy, but give it a try – changing your reaction and behavior may change the whole situation
o Whisper. No yelling, or screaming at them. Whisper
o Wheelbarrow walking – child can lie on their stomach with arms forward to “walk on their hands” as you either support their legs or have them on a large ball or rolling stool – talk with your child’s service providers for training and instruction with your child for safety of both you and your little one (who may be heavy and hard to handle!)
TheraPlay4Kids.com
o Large therapy ball exercises and activities – please consult with your child’s PT or OT for specific training and instruction – there are many different positions and exercises that can be fun, but safety is of utmost concern!
o Crab-Walking – this is more difficult than wheelbarrow walking! Have (or demonstrate for more fun and understanding on your part) your child lay on their back and “walk” on their hands or feet while keeping their stomach facing up toward the ceiling. Not easy, but gives lots and lots of sensory input and heavy muscle work. Your child may only be able to manage 1 or 2 seconds, or may be able to walk around the room this way. See if they can go forwards, backwards, and sideways for heavier work and input
o Water Balloon play – use heavy weight balloons so they have more weight and do not break as easily
TheraPlay4Kids.com
o Bouncing a large ball (soccer, basketball) on concrete or sidewalk or garage floor; Trying to throw the ball into a bucket, or net
o Toss and catch a football – toss/catch/roll with the ball
o Use of a scooter board, pulling themselves across a variety of surfaces that include smooth concrete, grass, uneven hilly terrain, or carpeting
TheraPlay4Kids.com
o Jumping forwards, backwards, sideways onto and off of sensory discs
o Crawl through a sensory tunnel placed over and through obstacles
o Push a large weighted ball all the way through a sensory tunnel
o Jump rope!
o Playground slides (age appropriate)
o Using a hoola-hoop
Scroll down for even more ideas!
TheraPlay4Kids.com
o Play on a see-saw
o Play “ring-around-the-rosie” (where they “all fall down” multiple times)
o Push and pull a vacumn around the house
o Rake up leaves or grass cuttings
More Ideas Follow Below!
TheraPlay4Kids.com
o Mop the floor (kitchen for easier time, rough garage floor for more input)
o Rolling out cookie dough, or kneading bread dough
What other activities can you come up with? Share your ideas and experience with others in the comments below
Please Like and Share!
Thank you for your support of TheraPlay4Kids.com
If at any time your child becomes dizzy and/or nauseated, it is time to stop. Try stepping down the pace, the level of exertion, change the type of activity, or the time involved. Keep track of any issues that develop to discuss with your child’s service providers and pediatrician.
Disclaimer Note: Before beginning any new program, activity, exercise, or make changes, be sure to consult with your child’s doctor, and service providers for individualized guidance, direction, and supervision. These ideas and suggestions presented on TheraPlay4Kids are meant to help support and promote, however, since each child, diagnosis, medical status, and situation is different, one should seek help and approval from your child’s providers in order to achieve the best outcomes and ultimate safety for all involved. Please make use of this site and all the information presented at your own discretion for the safety and well-being of all involved.