Sensory Gonge Use

Gonge Top or Gonge Rock-a-Round As with the sensory swings, slides, and bags, these items can be dangerous when used without education and training in their use. While a wonderful addition to any sensory integration program, seek out guidance and training in their use, safety considerations, storage, and set up of an individualized program for your child’s needs.

I personally used the Gonge Top for years with good results, and while I recommend it, I must stress the inherent danger and need for training in use. Please consult with your child’s providers for training, recommendation, practice, and trials with your child.

I have included some general sensory stimulation / vestibular activities that can be accomplished with the Gonge Top:

Note: For many of these activities is works best if you are able to sit cross-legged on the floor or mat keeping the pointed end of the Gonge Top between your crossed legs and keeping hold with both of your hands. This gives you more control over the movements of the Gonge, helps to maintain balance, increase safety, increase control of speed of tilt and rotational motions, and allows for closer interaction with your child during use.

• Have child sit inside the top while you have it captured and held between your legs, and slow rock, then roll, then spin the Gonge Top - stay aware of the child’s reaction and ability to tolerate the different movements; As the child becomes accustomed to the vestibular, proprioceptive, sensory input you can increase the speed and angle of tilt or rocking motion. Some children enjoy slow steady rhythmic motion while others crave faster, more jerky action. A child may only be able to tolerate rocking, while others ask to be spinned around and around.

• Fill Gonge Top with pillows, blankets, soft stuffed animals, soft balls, and let the child curl around and side-ways, and cover themselves up while you hold the Gonge steady; if tolerated let them experience the items in the Gonge swirling and spinning around with them while you are rocking / spinning / tilting the Gonge.

• Have the child try to maintain kneeling inside the Gonge Top - they can hold on to the sides with their hands - while you slowly rock / spin / tilt in all directions, at various speeds, and at various angles

• Have the child position themselves inside the Gonge so that they are on all fours - holding themselves up by having hands and feet on the angled sides of the Gonge - their head will more than likely be above the top edge and so any movements need to be controlled and smooth to help them maintain their balance. You can spin / tilt / rock in this position but for safety, try to avoid any quick, forceful, or jerky motions.

• In standing inside the Gonge, have them hold on to the top edge with both hands - slow tilt / rock the Gonge forwards and backwards as far as you can control and as the child will tolerate. You may be able to tilt the Gonge far enough forward so that their hands touch the ground; tilting backwards is less tolerable and safety becomes an issue.

• While they are curled up inside the Gonge, “smoosh” them with therapy balls, nubby sensory balls, pillows, etc.

• Turn the Gonge Top over and let the child crawl up and over, sliding down the other side

• Have them lean over, putting their hands on the top of the upside down Gonge - have them try to keep their hands on the pointy top while they walk sideways around the Gonge. You can try and have them arch their back and place their feet on the bottom sides and try to walk around keeping feet (and hands) on without letting their feet “fall off” (this requires significantly more effort, coordination, and control by the child).

• Let them use the upside down Gonge Top as a “tent” of sorts - their is space designed in under the edges for air flow; let them use the “tent” as a quiet space and take in stuffed toys, books, music, etc

• While they are inside the upside down Gonge, beat on the outside (with hands or toy) in a rhythmic fashion; ask the child to beat back from the inside at the same rate / force / repetition

  These are just a few ideas that you can use with the Gonge Top. Remember to get advice, recommendation and training from your service providers!!