Pots, Spoons, Couch Cushions, Oh My! How to Enrich Your Child's Sensory Diet Using household Items

This is an informational session for parents or professionals new to the area of Sensory Integration. Session will open with an overview of Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing, and what a ‘sensory diet’ is. The primary focus of the workshop will be on demonstrating and discussing ways to use everyday household items in creative ways to enrich the child’s sensory diet throughout the day. Throughout the session, there will be focus on 1) activities for in the kitchen, 2) strategies to assist with daily life activities, and 3) gross motor activities appropriate for in the house. There will also be discussion regarding some common sensory diet tools, such as when to use compression vs. weighted vests. The session will wrap up with discussion and brainstorming for further ideas. Resources for further information will be provided. Sample items commonly used in sensory diets will be displayed for exploration and discussion as well as handouts for many of the activities presented.