Autism sensory equipment suggestions

[WendyisDarling]

I'm in a very fortunate situation right now. We have been truly blessed.

I have been asked to make a "Wish List" of any sensory equipment for home that may benefit my DS and he will receive much of it. I have been told that I can be very creative.
Background: DS is almost 10 years old. Moderate to HF autism. Functions at a level considered MR. A lot of sensory issues, at home he needs more activities that are calming rather than alerting. He requires a lot of oral stimuli, too. Vestibular stimulation and deep pressure are greatest needs.

So, what are some of the items you have either purchased or wish you could have purchased for your child who has sensory issues?
Currently, I have on my wish list:
Bear Hug vest, a heavy duty swing of some sort -- either to replace what we have outside or a free standing one for indoors (I can't hook one to my ceiling), maybe a teeter totter and I have heard of and saw online this thing called a Steamroller Deluxe--anyone know anyting about it?
I've been watching for what DS seeks out - he would do well with something that spins. I'm wondering if there is a swing that will spin (he's too big for a sit and spin). I know he also likes vibration (I've tried one of the portable seat ones, but it didn't work too well, probably too cheaply made). I won't get everything, I'm sure, but I think the monetary amount is going to generous.

So, what is the physical equipment for sensory needs you feel is really beneficial or something you think would be worth trying? Pricey (under $2000 though), very inexpensive and anything in between suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

TIA

 

[pcparamedics01]

The swing is a plus!! Many ASD children love that. It is a calming tool!! You need an area like a basement to put it in though! I also thought the weighted vest helped in his younger years. Allowed for deep pressure...

 

[bababear_50]

Hi

I am going to think of all the things we have here in a room which was done and paid for (supported ) by McDonald's.We can book dates and times to use it--housed in a local school. No shoes can be worn in the room. It's a wonderful calming room,,,Large bubble lamps-(I mean big --floor to ceiling.--all floor area is done in gym mat type material --free standing hammock chair,,, projection of a visual star light show on the ceiling which is painted very dark for this purpose.Same type that is sold at xmas with designs that people project on their houses. A floor mat which is a massage / water mat--think you can get one from phisio therapy company. Large sheep skin rug,(Ikea) a play tunnel, fibre optic lamps ---tons of them. exercise ball --big medium small --different textures and sizes. Heavy old-fashioned ear-phones --nice blocker of sounds and adds a little pressure to.
Large tupperware bin full of squishy balls or hacky sac balls (dollar store) --child gets in and covers them-self with the balls. Colored water-oil sparkle bottles (you can make these )make sure you seal them with duct tape. Glow in the dark animals (dinos are a fav)
Sleeping bags for Huga a Bug game .Low lighting is used at all times and never floaresenant (sp) lighting. Big bean bag chair which most of the kids usually dump on top of themselves. Lazy -boy chair that is also a massage / heat chair. doctors rolling bedside stool ---used to spin for older kids --review safety rules. Some kids like background nature music --some don't. I know when ever I go into this room I'm ready for an afternoon nap ,,,
Hope this gives a couple of ideas you may be able to use.

Hugs Mel

 

[WildGrits]

Chewlry for the Oral Stim.

One that my DD loved was the jogging trampoline.

A beaded seat cushion for little wiggle butts.

If he liked vibrations, I wonder if he would like a foot massager.

They also have little critters that vibrate when you press down on them. They sell them near the check out at Bed Bathand Beyond and Linen and Things.

 

[WendyisDarling]

Thanks for all the suggestions!
Wow! The school room sponsored by McDonald's sounds AWESOME. I which we had something like that.
I was thinking the swing last night. I'm going to research (but if anyone knows already speak up) but I think there is a portable swing. The swing is really important for him and he uses it a lot at school. I'd like to have a free-standing that I could have outside in warm weather and have the abilitiy to set it up in the garage as needed in the winter. We don't have a basement. The winter break and any snow days are brutal. We could sacrifice parking in the driveway.
I bet he would like a foot vibration machine or one of the little critters at BB&B .
BAbabear--you mentioned the flurescent (sp--I don't know either) lighting. I have noticed DS rapidly blinking a lot lately and come to think of it as I read your post, it is when he is in the kitchen. We switched our bulbs to the energy saver (can't think of the name, they are spiral and supposed to last for years). I wonder if they are bothering him?
Anyone have any other ideas for spinning and older kids? I don't know that the doctor's stool would work for him. On his own, you know one of those times you turn your head for a second, he stood on a spinnig desk chair and tried to make it go (I know much more dangerous than the stool), we ended up in the ER as he fell (of course) and bit his tongue so hard that the pediatrician thought he needed stitches--thank goodness he didn't.
We have a few things accumulated over the years, but I will be really glad to get some other items.

Again, thanks for the ideas.

 

[KathyRN137]

Hooray for you!

My son loves bouncing on a trampoline and spinning on his Dizzy Disc. Here is a cool website that you can check out lots of sensory menu items: www.abilitations.com

Best of luck,

Kathy

 

[bababear_50]

Hi
believe it or not fluoresent lights can be very annoying ---some of my kids tell me how often the little tube flickers.,,,very disruptive to relaxing and focus. I can't see it but they can.

Hugs Mel

 

[bababear_50]

Hi

I don't know how to attach sites so all I can suggest is google.ca and then type in Snoezelen room..we have many of these rooms in Canada --many parents have gotten together to raise funds or get corporate sponsors to develop them.
I can say enough about how much the kids love them.

Hope this helps

Hugs Mel

 

[solferino]

Try the book called Too Fast Too Tight Too Loud Too Bright by Sharon Heller- it's about sensory issues and has lots and lots of suggestions in it for sensory diets. www.therapyshoppe.com has cool stuff too

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Yes, fluorescent lights are horrid! Some aren't as bad as others, guess it depends on the brand and type/size plus the lamp/housing they are in.

Some lights make a lot of noise, too! Stay away from those.

I love the daylight bulbs. They make your house look nice, too! Just don't get the daylight fluorescent ones - those are SO bad!! Make sure they are incandescent (regular) bulbs. I think the brands I've used are Phillips and GE. (I even just "convinced" [just by having them for my own house/lamps] my parents to start buying daylight bulbs for their indoor AND outdoor lights!)

 

[WendyisDarling]

Thank you for all the suggestions.
My wish list is getting long...
I think I'll continue to work on it though, then take it to his OT and see what she thinks will be of most benefit.
Those sensory rooms sound so awesome. Right now, the neighborhood playground is our sensory room. He loves to swing (very high), make the swing spin and teeter totter. The commerical equipment there is OK for him. It would be so great to go to a special room really designed for his needs especially at the end of the day.

Thanks for all the info. about the lights.
I don't know if it is bothering him at school and would definitely investigate before making any suggestion, but am curious to know if anyone has been successful in getting the school to change any of their lighting. It seems the special ed. self contained autism room should consider this. DS's classroom has a small attached room with some sensory equipment. Maybe they should switch the fl. light in there so there is somewhere at school for kids who are bothered to take a break.

 

[TurboKitty]

Thank you for all the suggestions.
My wish list is getting long...
I think I'll continue to work on it though, then take it to his OT and see what she thinks will be of most benefit.
Those sensory rooms sound so awesome. Right now, the neighborhood playground is our sensory room. He loves to swing (very high), make the swing spin and teeter totter. The commerical equipment there is OK for him. It would be so great to go to a special room really designed for his needs especially at the end of the day.

Thanks for all the info. about the lights.
I don't know if it is bothering him at school and would definitely investigate before making any suggestion, but am curious to know if anyone has been successful in getting the school to change any of their lighting. It seems the special ed. self contained autism room should consider this. DS's classroom has a small attached room with some sensory equipment. Maybe they should switch the fl. light in there so there is somewhere at school for kids who are bothered to take a break.

I have no idea how practical it would be, but my DD loves to be in water. I think it is the pressure she craves. Perhaps a tub, tank or even portable hottub to be used under strict parental supervision, of course.

 

[WendyisDarling]

I have no idea how practical it would be, but my DD loves to be in water. I think it is the pressure she craves. Perhaps a tub, tank or even portable hottub to be used under strict parental supervision, of course.

Ds loves water too. I have heard the same of many autistic people. I have often wondered if it is due to the pressure.
We have a community pool with a diving board. He LoVES to jump off and go under. Of course, there is always a life guard present and I am watching like a hawk, too. He can swim, as well.
We have a jacuzzi tub and he really likes it. Problem is it uses every drop of hot water we have to fill it. I'd love to get a hot tub. It is a favorite for him when we travel. Our home owners assn. is very picky about hot tubs.

Any other specific suggestions for pressure items. Have any of you tried the weighted blankets?

 

[pcparamedics01]

Ds loves water too. I have heard the same of many autistic people. I have often wondered if it is due to the pressure.
We have a community pool with a diving board. He LoVES to jump off and go under. Of course, there is always a life guard present and I am watching like a hawk, too. He can swim, as well.
We have a jacuzzi tub and he really likes it. Problem is it uses every drop of hot water we have to fill it. I'd love to get a hot tub. It is a favorite for him when we travel. Our home owners assn. is very picky about hot tubs.

Any other specific suggestions for pressure items. Have any of you tried the weighted blankets?

My son loves the water too. Cannot get him out of the bathtub or pool!!!