Through the coaching process, we have had the opportunity to evaluate the sensory processing systems of many of our students. In our experience, many of the students with autism need proprioceptive input embedded throughout their school day to help them feel calm and regulated. This input may include heavy work jobs/activities, deep pressure, or weighted supports.
Proactively embedding this input can reduce the likelihood of interfering behaviors resulting from overstimulation or dysregulation. Proprioceptive input has a calming effect on the nervous system for up to 90 minutes. When using passive proprioceptive input (e.g. weighted vest), it needs to be applied 15 minutes prior to the calming input to begin.
We have found a variety of proprioceptive supports in the classrooms we teach and will share those in today's Regulation Rendezvous.
Equipment
Passive weighted supports like a lap pad or stuffed animal can provide input during breaks or while working.
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| Jackie Vollmer Driscoll Elementary, Centerville |
While doing a weighted ball toss with a partner or using a rebounder are active ways to get proprioceptive input during a sensory break.
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| Emily Ottmar Brantwood Elementary, Mad River |
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| Kelly Moberly Montgomery County ESC Learning Center- East |
Deep pressure input can be given with assitance using a sensory roller or more independently through a steamroller/squeeze machine.
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| Keelin DiMuccio Fairbrook Elementary, Beavercreek |
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| Jane Chance Elementary, Miamisburg |
Even the resistance from a suction spout water bottle or straw can provide some quick input throughout the day.
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| Jennifer McGowan Smith Middle School, Vandalia |
Use classroom jobs such as cleaning the tables, erasing the board, or sweeping floors for a purposeful heavy work break.
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| Robbie Whorton Trotwood-Madison High School, Trotwood |
Or set up a dedicated heavy work station during centers time. Below, students carry covered books from a crate and match them to the corresponding shelf across the room.
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| Jackie Vollmer Driscoll Elementary, Centerville |
This simple classroom station requires students to carry a variety of weighted balls from one laundry basket to another across the room.
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| Pandy Pugh Indian Riffle Elementary, Kettering |
Sometimes students may need a bigger dose of proprioceptive input to get ready for a sensory-rich time in their schedule or to decompress when feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Or there may not be enough room for a station within the classroom. To cut down on distractions, some input can take place in the hallway. Such as a scooterboard track or pushing/pulling job.
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| Emily Ottmar Brantwood Elementary, Mad River |
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| Terri Wheeler Milton Union Elementary, Milton Union |
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| Jennifer McGowan Smith Middle School, Vandalia |
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| kid's rolling storage cart from Aldi |
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