An Essential Sensory Strategy...A Portable Sensory Tool Bag
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We all know sensory needs and challenges do not disappear when we leave home...quite the opposite really. Outside of the home, and out and about in the community, are typically the most challenging environment for children with sensory differences. This is when our kids need sensory tools and strategies the MOST. And the best way to help the child is to be sure the sensory tools they may need at any given moment, are right at their side. It is not only a practical and effective strategy, it can also be comforting to the child to know they have the tools they need in new situations or challenging environments.
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What is a portable sensory tool bag?
It is a bag, tote, or pack that is handy and portable enough to bring along with you everywhere you go; such as a small backpack, fanny pack, small tote bag or box with a handle. The tool bag will come in handy anywhere you may be outside of the home. Ideally, a fanny pack or some type of mini backpack is best, this way the tools are always right there, no needing to go back to the car to get it, yet not difficult for the child to carry around. A Camelbak water backpack would be my very first recommendation! It does cost a little more than a small backpack to carry the items, BUT it serves as 3 sensory tools in one! 1. An oral sensory tool with a great mouthpiece for chewing on in times of need 2. It encourages resistive sucking which promotes self-regulation and calming the nervous system 3. It serves as a weighted item (since it holds water) which is calming and organizing for the nervous system. AND it can carry the other portable sensory tools!
Recommended items to include in the portable sensory tool bag:
It is a bag, tote, or pack that is handy and portable enough to bring along with you everywhere you go; such as a small backpack, fanny pack, small tote bag or box with a handle. The tool bag will come in handy anywhere you may be outside of the home. Ideally, a fanny pack or some type of mini backpack is best, this way the tools are always right there, no needing to go back to the car to get it, yet not difficult for the child to carry around. A Camelbak water backpack would be my very first recommendation! It does cost a little more than a small backpack to carry the items, BUT it serves as 3 sensory tools in one! 1. An oral sensory tool with a great mouthpiece for chewing on in times of need 2. It encourages resistive sucking which promotes self-regulation and calming the nervous system 3. It serves as a weighted item (since it holds water) which is calming and organizing for the nervous system. AND it can carry the other portable sensory tools!
Recommended items to include in the portable sensory tool bag:
- Tools for defensiveness such as noise cancelling headphones, a floppy hat, sunglasses, earplugs, and/or nose plugs. A child does not have to over-register and be a sensory avoider all of the time to need tools for defensiveness. They come in handy for any and all children to help avoid sensory overload or a sensory meltdown.
- Fidget toys for times where staying seated or still in necessary, or any type of "waiting". Fidget toys are also excellent for assisting with self-regulation and moments of anxiety and stress. Handheld vibrating toys and massagers are great too.
- Oral sensory tools are also essential for self-regulation and a "go-to" tool in my opinion for all sensory kids. This includes gum, chewelry, Camelbak water bottle, chewy and crunchy healthy snacks, etc
- Proprioceptive tools which offer a dose of heavy/hard work, such as Theraband, Theratubing, clay, or play dough
- Tools to provide deep pressure touch such as a body sock, weighted neck wrap, compression vest, or compression shirt
- Visual soothing toys and gadgets...such as a liquid motion bubbler or spinning toy
- A portable timer to help with transitions
- Essential oils which are soothing for your child (put small amounts on cotton balls and place in a little fabric pouch or baggie)
- Fine motor and visual motor based activities, such as scented markers, pegboard, Etch a Sketch, mini Lite Brite, puzzles
- An MP3 player or portable music player with the child's favorite music loaded and programmed
- And of course your child's favorite comfort toy :-)
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