Rayan Stanislaus
When you think of yoga, what comes to your mind?
Calm, Slow, Sensual…?
Now place a high-energy child into the mix...it’s
hard to imagine things going smoothly.
Believe it or not, yoga can be a fun and engaging exercise for children of all ages.
Research shows that many children enjoy yoga and may experience an improvement in their overall balance, motion and self-esteem when practised over time.
I wanted to try yoga with my three boys who are all under the age of five.
Yes, you read that right...
When the days were sunny, I placed a yoga mat into our garden and demonstrated the poses to my boys.
‘Oh! This is crazy!’ said my four year old.
Crazy, indeed.
My boys absolutely love to move. They are highly energetic and thrill-seeking. Standing still was like a ‘dare’ to them.
In this blog, I’ll explain how I got my boys to slow down, centre themselves and breathe…. for a tiny bit.
First, what exactly is Yoga?
The meaning of Yoga
Yoga is an ancient mind and body practise that originated in India, the word ‘yoga’ translates to ‘unite’ or ‘connect’. The art of yoga comprises of body movement, breathing techniques and meditation.
These components all work together to promote overall well-being.
Yoga has been established within the occupational therapy community as an effective and therapeutic component in sensory diets.
Sensory Integration and
Dysfunction
Sensory integration is the innate neurobiological process by which the brain interprets and integrates environmental stimuli. For example, if you place your hand onto a hot object, the heat (stimulus) triggers your nerves.
This then sends signals to your brain.
Your brain correctly arranges these signals into an order that they can be interpreted. Once the signal is interpreted, the brain responds by triggering the nervous system to react to the stimulus.
In this case, you will quickly move your hand.
Sensory dysfunction occurs when signals are not correctly organized in the brain. This results in poor information processing, development and responses.
It is common for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) to experience difficulty with sensory integration.
In the field of neuroscience, Dr A. Jean Ayres has developed a theory on sensory integration and treatment. The three basic sensory systems within sensory integration are:
Tactile (Touch)
Vestibular (Movement)
Proprioception (Body awareness)
Tactile
This system consist of the nerves on our skin which reacts to stimuli such as temperate, pressure and pain. According to the Autism Research Institute, children with sensory integration issues may manifest tactile dysfunction in the following ways:
Withdraws from being touched
Refuses types of clothing/ fabrics
Avoids eating certain textured foods
Dislikes getting one’s hands dirty
Dislikes hair on face or having face washed
Vestibular
This involves the semi-circular canals within the inner ear and they detect movement and changes in your head position. If you close your eyes and tilt your head upwards, the vestibular system tells your brain of this change.
In other words, the vestibular system helps the body to balance. Children with a hypersensitivity to the vestibular system may experience:
Fear of ordinary movements such as swinging and sliding
Problems with climbing and descending on stairs
Fear of moving on unstable surfaces
Clumsiness
In contrast, a child with a hypo-reactive vestibular system may try to seek continuous sensory experiences. Signs of this can be seen from excessive whirling, jumping and spinning.
Proprioceptive:
This system is made up of muscles, joints and tendons which work together to provide you with a sense of body position. It helps you adjust yourself while sitting.
It also helps us control small objects like holding a spoon and writing with a pen. Signs of proprioceptive dysfunction includes:
A lack of awareness of body position
Tendency to fall easily
Clumsiness
Strange body posture
Eating in a messy manner
Problems with fine motor skills such as controlling small objects
Yoga improves the three systems
Yoga strengthen these three sensory systems by allowing the body to synchronize in order to complete the poses. The practice enhances all three systems by increasing sensory input to the brain through muscle stretching and strengthening.
With continuous practice, children may become more aware of their body position in space. More benefits of incorporating yoga into a sensory diet includes:
Improves balance, bilateral coordination and eye movement
Stimulates serotonin (calming hormone)
Builds self-esteem and confidence
Yoga techniques for children:
Ok, this was when my three boys came in.
I demonstrated the flow of movements and invited them to imitate me.
In summary, no one actually paid attention to me and they ended up doing their own thing…
Though, I noticed that their balance improved over time and also their attention span.
At the end of two weeks, the older two were able to do at least one pose without out falling over.
Here are some poses that you can try with your little one. They are both simple yet effective.
Everyone can relax and have a laugh while doing them!
Downward Dog
Children can receive proprioception input by having pressure placed in their arms while vestibular input by having their having their heads inverted.
Place hands shoulder-width apart and spread your fingers
Keep pressing your hands down onto the mat while gently lifting your knees off of the ground. Straighten your legs as much as you can. Exhale.
Tree Pose
Ok, my boys struggled with this pose because it involves the body working hard to achieve balance. Balance is a ‘no-way’ for my boys at the moment, they are so wiggly and playful.
Practising this pose over a period of time, however, improves equilibrium.
First stand straight and elongate your back. Place your feet side-by-side, touching each other. Place your arms at your side
Slowly shift your weight on to your right leg then slowly raise your left foot off of the floor. Align the raised left foot to touch the inner part of your right thigh. Inhale and exhale deeply
Raise your arms to the ceiling with palms pressed together to make an inverted V
My four-year old barely managed to get his right foot to touch his left inner thigh. He did, however, had loads of fun trying.
Breathing in..
One important component of yoga is breathing and relaxation exercises.
There are numerous neurophysiological benefits in controlled, deep breathing such as:
Improves the parasympathetic function (calm and digest system)
Reduces anxiety
Increases oxygen which helps in alertness
Decreases fatigue
Promotes healthy sleep patterns
Facilitates a healthy mental state
Deep relax breathing for Children:
Pretend Balloon
Let the child sit comfortably on a chair
Place their hands around their mouth to create a fake balloon
Demonstrate to the child how to breath deeply through the nose
Teach the child to exhale deeply, with each exhale, expand the hands as if it was a balloon being pumped.
Blowing bubbles
Fetch a straw and a bowl of water mixed with dish liquid
Ensure your child does not drink the liquid!
Show your little one how you breathe out to create the bubbles
See who can make the highest tower!
Worth a try
Overall, my boys had loads of fun trying out these techniques. Yoga can be a fun, stimulating and engaging exercise for your little ones.
Start slowly at first and don’t worry about getting things right straight away. Keep the exercise light and playful so that your kids would enjoy the experience.
My boys enjoy yoga so I will keep it in their exercise schedule. The messiness and wobbling definitely adds laughter into the mix!
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By Rayan Stanislaus
Covid-somnia. No, relax..it’s not another strain…
In 2020, neurologists came up with this term because they noticed an increase in reported sleep issues.
It makes sense; the pandemic triggered a domino effect of life-disruptions which can interfere with sleep patterns.
Rather interestingly, researched showed that there are specific groups of people who are experiencing more sleep disruptions during this pandemic than others.
That is right, while you may be up counting sheep, others may be sleeping more comfortably.
So, if you have become an insomniac, rest easy (pun intended...) you are in good company.
Keep reading to find out why some of us are not sleeping during the pandemic and why.
Who is not sleeping during the pandemic?
In 2020, a study done by the University of Southampton showed that one in four people suffered from insomnia; it was previously one in six.
According to Professor Jane Falkingham, at Southampton University, the first four weeks of the pandemic brought on more sleep-related problems than in the previous years.
However, the study also showed that mothers of young children, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) groups and essential workers were at higher percentages.
Another research done by the Spire Healthcare in October 2020 discovered a higher percentage of sleep issues in women.
This research found that 60% of women in the United Kingdom experienced sleep problems.
Additionally, 64% of those women were in the (18-34) age group.
So, why is this happening?
According to Public Health England, people from BAME groups are more likely to be diagnosed with Covid-19. Many Covid survivors have developed PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) because of experiencing horrific and/or life threatening medical events due to the virus.
Also, a high percentage of essential workers are from the BAME group. Essential workers such as healthcare providers are dealing with extreme stressors during the pandemic. They are, after all, in full-view of the tragedies of Covid-19 and may have anxiety for contracting the disease.
In the case of women, they have been experiencing specific sleep disorders even before the pandemic due to biological and behavioural reasons, according to Dr. Ari Manuel at the Spire Healthcare.
Women and young people are employed in industries that have been negatively affected by the pandemic. Women are more likely to be employed in the medical and administrative field while young people make up most of the hospitality sector.
Many women have switched to remote working during the pandemic and for working mothers, research shows that they have taken up most of the childcare responsibilities at home.
Overall, the main causes of covid-related sleep disruption in both men and women are:
Routine interruption
No switch off from work/ irregular work hours/ increased work hours
Decrease in sunlight (which acts as the body’s natural alarm clock)
Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are brought on due to the:
Fear of oneself and loved ones contracting the virus
Not seeing loved ones/ lack of a social structure
Uncertainty/ fear of the unknown
Financial and domestic problems
Do you have a sleep disorder?
According to the British sleep society, insomnia can be identified by having difficulty getting to sleep, waking up for long periods during the night or waking up earlier than necessary in the morning.
Other sleep disorders include night terrors and hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness during the day.)
If you are experiencing any of these, it is recommended that you have a chat with your GP.
What happens to us when we do not get enough sleep?
Your body can be affected negatively if you are not getting enough sleep.
Research has shown that a body’s immune system can weaken due to lack of sleep. Apart from a weakened immunity, lack of sleep can also cause:
Extreme daytime sleepiness
Anncreased likelihood for motor accidents
Moodiness and irritability
Lack of alertness
Impaired memory
Inability to perform normal daily activities
The price of sleep
People are desperately seeking out products that can help them sleep better at night.
Products such as ‘sleep boxes,’ contain oils and teas that may cost you over £50. However, there is not much guarantee of their efficiency.
The sales of sleeping gadgets are also on the rise and though they may occasionally aid in minor sleep disturbances, there is not much research done to show that they improve sleep in the long-term.
These gadgets can cost between £70-£200.
People are also trying their own ‘at-home’ remedies such as alcohol. It was reported that last year saw an increase in alcohol sales and consumption in the UK.
Although it is assumed that alcohol can aid in facilitating peaceful sleep, it can actually disrupt the process.
Furthermore, using alcohol as a sleeping aid can lead to alcohol addiction and this can trigger much bigger problems for the user.
According to Neurology Today, there is also an increase in the reported misuse of sleep medications from those both recovering from Covid-19 and those who are severely affected by the pandemic.
Again, chronic sleep disorders can only be treated by medical professionals and it is vital to seek out help if you believe you or someone is experiencing one.
On the other hand, if you do not consider yourself to have a severe sleeping disorder and you are just experiencing minor sleep disturbances, you can try some safe and cost-effective home remedies.
It’s worth trying a weighted blanket
People are switching to weighted blankets to help them with many issues such as stress and anxiety. According to Harvard Health Publishing, there has been an increase in the sales of weighted blankets over the past few years.
There is research that proves that weighted blankets reduce stress and anxiety which enhances the chances of peaceful sleep.
One study was done in September 2020 in Sweden. Researchers found that psychiatric patients with insomnia experienced a reduction in its severity and day-time sleepiness when using a weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets work through a process called Deep Pressure Therapy. It has been long proven that some babies fall asleep easier when they are wrapped up tightly in their blanket. Weighted blankets work in the same way as they apply pressure to the entire body.
The weighted blanket stimulates the nervous system to release ‘happy hormones’ such as oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin.
When serotonin is released, the ‘sleep hormone,’melatonin is also released, therefore encouraging sleepiness and calmness.
Aside from its proven efficiency, you can find weighted blankets that are low-cost here, you can even get them custom-made with amazing textures and designs.
We all deserve a good night’s rest and there is a chance that you can rest easy when using a weighted blanket.
Peaceful sleep can also enhance your immune system and improve your overall well-being. Rest is one of nature’s best medicine, after all.
Additional Links:
British Sleep Society
https://www.sleepsociety.org.uk/
Public Health England
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/908434/Disparities_in_the_risk_and_outcomes_of_COVID_August_2020_update.pdf
Harvard Medical School
Neurology Today
https://journals.lww.com/neurotodayonline/fulltext/2020/07090/sleep_neurologists_call_it.1.aspx
Spire Healthcare
University of South Hampton
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2020/08/sleeploss-lockdown.page
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Mental health has been hit hard during this pandemic.
What is interesting is how this has triggered a wave of strange coping mechanisms. I remember reading an article about how hot-tubs have become a hot-seller due to a phenomenon called ‘stress-shopping.’
No, it wasn’t just toilet paper, so many people were buying hot-tubs that suppliers could not keep up! Everyone is now looking for that ‘happiness in a can’ that they can release whenever they feel overwhelmed.
I’m guilty of some weird coping mechanisms and I am sure you are too.That teeth-grinding thing that I do? It’s stress!
Your need to organise every spice bottle in your cupboard?
Also stress.
When I think about stress-relief, one non-weird thing that comes to mind is a relaxing Thai massage...something that I’ll have to wait a few months for.
Why are massages so relaxing, anyway?
It’s the same reason why some babies love being wrapped up tightly in their cuddly blankets.
That ‘feel good’ sensation is called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) or Deep Touch Pressure (DTP); terms that I came across often when I started learning about Autism and ADHD.
What exactly is deep pressure therapy?
Simply put, deep pressure therapy involves applying pressure equally across the body. You can think of it as being bear-hugged from head to toe.
Deep pressure therapy triggers a calming response similar to one that you may feel when you are hugged tightly by a loved one. There is definitely science at play when it comes to ‘feeling good.’
In this blog, I’ll explain the benefits of deep pressure therapy and explain why products such as weighted blankets are ‘must-haves’ in your home self-care basket.
How exactly Does Deep Pressure therapy work?
Firstly, we need to understand the biology of how our body reacts to our environment.
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a component of the body’s central nervous system which controls other systems such as the circulatory system, endocrine system, digestive system, excretory system and reproductive system.
The ANS works by responding to stimuli without a person’s conscious effort. In layman’s terms, this system does all the work without your permission. This is all great stuff! imagine placing a reminder on your schedule to digest your broccoli...
The ANS consist of two systems that work together; the Sympathetic system and the Parasympathetic system.
The Sympathetic system
This system is responsible for your ‘fight or flight’ response.
When your brain senses danger, the sympathetic system responds by causing your body to react and get away from that danger. This system stimulates your body to increase your heart rate, force heart contractions, widen your pupils and slow down digestion.
No time to digest that broccoli when your body is trying to save you from basically dying.
Think about a time when you swerved away to avoid a car accident or when you quickly moved your hand away from that hot pan on the stove. You did not have time to actually think about how to respond to these threats; your body reacted automatically to avoid them.
This system is obviously extremely vital to our survival..though, it comes at a price.
The sympathetic system works by releasing ‘stress hormones’, such as adrenaline, into the bloodstream, When this is done too frequently, our bodies can become very stressed and exhausted.
It can eventually put a strain on our organs, disrupt our sleep patterns and cause damage to our overall mental health.
Mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and dementia are all linked to the over-activity of the sympathetic system.
Some diseases such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension could cause the sympathetic system to become overactive. This further leads to more medical complications when left untreated.
Luckily for us, the second component of the ANS keeps the sympathetic system in check; the Parasympathetic system.
Parasympathetic system
The parasympathetic system tells the body how to react in normal, non-threatening situations, like when the body is at rest.
This system reverses the responses that were triggered by the sympathetic system by slowing the heart rate and decreasing blood pressure. Therefore, circulation is improved throughout the body.
Processes like digestion are also improved and overall, the body starts functioning more efficiently. In other words, this system restores and conserves our body’s resources.
So, what does all of this have to do with deep pressure therapy?
So in a nutshell, we’ve learned that the sympathetic system releases stress hormones that are needed for us to get away from danger. On the other hand, the parasympathetic system releases ‘calming’ hormones to facilitate restoration to our bodies.
When Deep Pressure Therapy is applied to the body regularly, it brings balance between these two systems. DPT stimulates the parasympathetic system to release ‘happy’ hormones more steadily while the body’s need to ‘fight or flight’ decreases.
Because this therapy gives the same sensation of a hug or a massage, ‘happy hormones’ such as Oxytocin are released into the bloodstream, causing the body to de-stress and relax.
The ‘Hug-box’
Dr. Temple Grandin is regarded as the pioneer of deep pressure therapy. Her work even led to her building her own ‘hug-box’ to reduce illnesses such as anxiety. Diagnosed with autism herself, her life’s work is centred on the understanding of the illness and advocating for its awareness.
Her work has proven that the use of sensory modulation techniques such as deep pressure therapy can help individuals with an overactive sympathetic system and sensory processing disorders.
Benefits of Deep Pressure therapy
The benefits DPT are vast. Evidence shows that it aids in reducing stress and improves overall health.
Even animals can benefit from this form of therapy, remember to give your dog a big hug next time when he/she is feeling anxious!
Though, not everyone will experience every benefit, regular practice of deep pressure therapy may:
How do you practice Deep Pressure therapy?
You can practice DPT using simple deep massages, wrapping yourself in a blanket and even by being tightly hugged.
If you’re more of an ‘on-the-go’ person who requires your relaxation to be more ‘portable,’ there are products such as weighted blankets, weighted vests, weighted lap pillows, weighted collars and even weighted toys available.
‘Portable Happiness?’
Weighted blankets are very popular and work by applying pressure to the whole body (remember when I mentioned being bear-hugged?)
On the other hand, if you’re looking for pressure to be applied to specific parts of your body then weighted vests, or weighted wrist and ankle weights may be best for you.
Before you go browsing online for weighted products however, you should understand the risks of using them incorrectly.
Weighted blankets are not recommended for children under the age of three and under 50 pounds, as it increases the risk of suffocation.
Also, weighted products can be ineffective if they are too light and harmful if they are too heavy for the person who is using them.
When buying weighted blankets, your best bet is to purchase products that are ‘made-to-measure.’ This allows you to:
Your new best friend
No wonder why so many young children refer to their blankets as their best friend. A weighted blanket can become your best friend, too.
From understanding how applying pressure to the body can make you feel good, it makes sense why so many people are now adding weighted products to their self-care plan.
Deep pressure therapy can be extremely beneficial to people with sensory processing disorders such as ADHD and Autism but also to people who are experiencing stress, anxiety, insomnia and chronic pains.
A Thai massage is definitely something that I am looking forward to, though having the option of feeling that sensation while snuggling up to a fire place sounds like an awesome deal.
It may very well come close to your ‘happiness in a can’.
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From the second you learned of your child’s Autism diagnosis, your reaction may have been a sequence of emotions; sadness, guilt, acceptance and fear. Fear is the constant here. You clinched your child towards you as you looked at the space around you and suddenly the world seemed bigger. To put it into perspective, it takes you back to the day on which your child was born and you held your little human for the very first time.
The world and all its inhabitants were now alarmingly unpredictable and hostile! Or, so it seemed to your new, protective and hormone-driven brain. When your child is diagnosed with a disability such as ASD, you also notice how much the world is remarkably standardised. A lot of times, it may seem like your child does not fit into the societal box of ‘good-natured children.’ Many questions swarmed into your brain. You asked yourself if the world will be kind to your child.
Delays in diagnosis
According to the British Medical Association, 1 in 100 children in the UK has a diagnosis of ASD. Despite the alarming statistics, the BMA has noted the exhausting delays in diagnosis and inadequate support to families. In 2018, at their annual representative meeting, the BMA members raised an alarm on the lack of assistance to young people with ASD through education. Without a doubt, having a thorough understanding of sensory overload and sensory diet in ASD is key when it comes to providing effective support.
In my case, it was my nephew who was diagnosed with ASD. My parents took on the responsibility of caring for two babies at retirement age while his parents worked. I also played an active role in their lives in ways that can be compared to a parent. I am more than an aunt, I am ‘Auntywah,’ according to them, who never got my name right. Like most parents, we knew that my nephew was different at an early age. However, we were all perplexed on what to do next.
The Caribbean is even further behind in terms of providing support through education on ASD and ADHD. Despite that my nephew had obvious signs of both disabilities, it took him eight years to get diagnosed with just one. We are still waiting to see if he will be diagnosed with the other. Unfortunately, despite knowing that he was different before a diagnosis, we were at a loss on how to manage the situation because we did not have an understanding of how over-stimulation affected his behaviour.
I remember being overly ambitious when he was a baby, I attempted a game of peek-a-boo with my very unbothered nephew. He barely looked at us and when we were lucky enough to have him raise his eyes at us, he quickly turned away. How awful must it have been for him to see me waving my arms hysterically as I very badly sang nursery rhymes. He was a baby who seldom cried...but he cried for that!
‘Unbothered’ grew into extremely bothered. The once quiet and ‘unbothered’ baby grew into a very, very emotional boy. At the age of two, we had stopped going to crowded places due to his distressed behaviour. It took us years to realise that these were not tantrums, rather they were meltdowns. Meltdowns differ from tantrums as the former is brought on by extreme distress from an overwhelming situation. Screams, self-harm and parent-harm! Who knew that a child can hit so hard or fight back so strongly as you try to rush him/her to the sanctuary of your car?
Sensory overload
If you are like me, you were probably in tears while trying to process this type of behaviour. After all, we have all heard about the bad reputation of two-year olds. I was at odds and often hoped that it was typical toddler behaviour. During a meltdown, the senses of children with ASD may become too stimulated for them to process. This is what you call sensory overload. Taste, sounds, sights and even textures can trigger a meltdown and leave you feeling like you are walking on a minefield with your child. Your child is not doing it on purpose to challenge you.
According to the National Autistic Society, Autism can affect people differently as it is a spectrum condition. Therefore, not every child with ASD will react the same, even with the same trigger. Like many, you may have asked where did your child fit in this spectrum? How many times have you re-traced a map in your head and tracked the sources of your child’s triggers before receiving a diagnosis? Was it a bell ringing? The chair fabric? In my nephew’s case, crowds were one of his biggest triggers.
According to Kim Davis M.S. at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, people with ASD can be crippled in numerous ways due to stress and anxiety. My nephew is at his calmest when he reads, draws and builds in silence. On the other hand, he is at his most distressed when he feels like his environment is clustered and out of control.
Sensory Diet
The key to providing the optimal environment for your child is to map his/her patterns in behaviour, identify triggers and minimize them. Another important task in supporting children with ASD is to develop their sensory integration. This promotes the development of the correct transmitters in their brain and stimulate growth in their information tracks. Sensory diets are a carefully mapped-out combination of physical activities that are crafted and tailored to fit the specific needs of your child.
Tools like weighted blankets are recommended by occupational therapists for children with ASD and ADHD. They help with calming your child by providing a proprioceptive signal to the brain. Weighted blankets are widely used within sensory diets to promote overall well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep patterns and give the child a sense of control.
‘It takes a village’
If parents, caretakers and teachers are equipped with sound knowledge on how sensory diets can support children with ASD, it can eliminate stress and frustration within families, most importantly, from the child with ASD. Having an understanding of sensory overload and providing a sensory diet to my nephew helped us create the optimal environment for him to thrive. Weighted blankets are a popular tool used by parents, caretakers and occupational therapists to generate a positive growth in their children’s sensory integration.
Hang in there! We are all still learning. It’s true that it takes a village to raise a child. Luckily, my nephew has the support of everyone around him, including Me, his Auntywah.
Additional Links:
British Medical Association
Autism Spectrum Disorder
https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/population-health/child-health/autism-spectrum-disorder
What triggers anxiety for an Individual with ASD? Kim Davis M.S. 2012 https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/what-triggers-anxiety-for-an-individual-with-asd.html
Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/autism-and-adhd#adhd-with-autism
Amanda Morin- The difference between Tantrums and Meltdowns
]]>Sensory integration is a complex neurological process involving senses and the way our brain reads this information. If those processes are disturbed, then the information received by the brain is incomplete, blurred or incorrect. The disorder affects many people, but currently, it is not seen as the global health problem. For most of us, sensory integration can be a minor problem. Each individual will find something to dislike, for example, wet clothing, sour taste or specific sounds. However, the problem starts when more than one sense is dysfunctional. This then can create multiple layers of issues that will need to be assessed by the specialist or a therapist.
A sensory diet is a group of activities that are regularly performed to improve sensory processes. They help to develop the right transmitters in our brain, build the information tracks as well as learn and educate ourself about the obstacles and give the understanding of how to overcome them. The exercises can be performed by the teacher, therapists or parent at home. Weighted therapy in a sensory diet can play a significant role and here are some examples of how to implement them and what impact can be achieved. Each user is different, and every case is complex, and unfortunately, this blog post is showing only several examples.
Local pressure vs weighted blanket
There are several weighted therapy products that can be implemented in the sensory diet. Weighted blanket is the most popular and the most known of all in the range. Weighted blanket applies the weight to the whole body, and it is the most beneficial in more extended use. That is why it is suggested to use during sleep, meditation, relaxation and ‘sofa’ activities like watching the movies or book reading. The more skin contact with the blanket, the better and faster effect. The brain gets more information from the all-body contact. Weighted blanket can improve general well-being state, regulate sleeping patterns, fight the fear of loneliness or darkness, give the sense of gravity, build the sense of space, improve information feedback through gentle joint compression and reduce anxiety attracts. The blanket is the most common weighted therapy product recommended as part of the sensory diet but also to a broader audience. All neurological brain disfunction can benefit from the weighted therapy blanket.
Local pressure aids apply weight to one area or one/few parts of the body at the same time. This technique is useful when we know the specific location in the user’s body that triggers relaxation or help to mute the outside impulses. Local pressure products are promoting more concentration through grounding, helping to focus on specific tasks, slowing down reactions. The most popular products used for the local pressure are collars, vests, belts, pillows, hats, wrist and leg weights and weighted toys. Local pressure weighted aids are used in shorter period therefore, they can be heavier to give more impact. Depending on the weight, it will give different sensation, for example, lighter weight will promote relaxation, and heavier one will promote concentration and sense of grounding. The mid-range weight is good for balancing and improving the sense of space. Weighted therapy in sensory diet can be used along with the weighted blanket to provide an even better result.
Vests can be topped up with the extra weight when used during the therapy session and removed for daily use. The user reaction will tell if you achieved the desired results. Make sure that those tasks are under adult supervision only.
Belts, wrist and leg weights help to improve small motor skills, reducing flapping and helping to concentrate during sitting exercises. Hats and pillows help with balancing the body, creating a sense of space, improve balance walking, helping to focus on the body movements.
Weighted therapy in the sensory diet can be used in many ways depending on the need, frequency and creativity. Weight applied to the body allows to send more sensory feedback to the brain and increase the readability of those pieces of information. The result is to improve the perception of the world we live in.
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THE CORRECT RATIO
Your height and weight against the blanket size are the main factors to look at first. If you want a bigger blanket, then you need to add some weight to balance the difference to give your body the right impact. Make sure the blanket is not bigger than your bed mattress.
Although a human can be categorised, and you might like the same cereal as your best friend this does not mean your brain works the same way. We all are wired in our own individual way. Do you hate certain fabrics? Maybe you overheat or have no sense of temperature at all. Maybe your brain has no sense of gravity. Speaking to an experienced seller that has knowledge can make you realise there are certain things that you need to consider before purchasing the blanket e.g fabric, filling type or the sound.
A weighted blanket is like your best friend. You spend long hours sleeping or sitting under the blanket. Make it personal! It is all about making you happier. Pick the colour that you love the most. Are you eco-friendly? Pick 100% cotton and the natural gravel filling. If you like soft fabrics, then Minky is your best choice of all. Bring the joy and balance back to your life and give your brain a happy time.
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