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Not sure this is in the right place but...DS2 who turns 7 in a few weeks is having some issues. He has dyspraxia and ADHD was also diagnosed a few months back. He has always had sensory issues but over the last few months has started rocking all the time, while reading, talking, playing - anything. It's a long wait to see the OT here and just wondered if anyone knew of any exercises or similar that could help him feel more at ease and control the rocking. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Do you think it's the sensation of the rocking movement that he likes? I don't have much to suggest than maybe a rocking chair? Gives him the sensation of rocking without him physically doing it, if that makes sense?
Hi, also not much advice, but I know you can get these sensory type cushions that they kids can sit on, which move a little bit. A friend who is a kindergarten teacher has some in her room for particular students and when the kids move to primary school, they try and make sure that they have one at their new school. I'm not sure how it works, but something to do with some kids needing that extra sensory input and getting this through the wobbly cushion, (which stops them needing to jump up and move around during class). I'm sure the OT will have some suggestions. PM me if you want me to chase this up for you and get more details.
I would look at changing his diet. Removing sugar & grains and supplementing with a strong probiotic would help him significantly.
meow - tell me more about this - i dont think DS has adhd but i do think he may have dyspraxia... are there dietary links? he has a vey healthy diet, but i hav noticed reacts to sugar/colours
Have you tried any weighted items? DD2 is a movement (vestibular) seeker. Suggestions from the OT were the seat suggested above, a weighted lap blanket & doing things like adding a couple of rocks to her school bag for the walk home to give her the pressure she needed to calm her before she got home & lost it.
You might get some idea's from an SPD website?
Can he sit on an exercise ball in class? could he ride a scooter to school? can you put up a swing some where at home? a skipping rope even?
These may help his sensory needs- its sounds like he has vetsibular (sp) needs- its a body feeling thing
I second the sensory cushion suggestion. I wonder whether giving him something to chew might help as the jaw motion can be felt in the ears which might be the spot where he's feeling the rocking movement? Just a thought
I don't have much help with the rocking but I have seen HUGE improvements with kids with ADHD on sugar free colour free diets.
One family trialled this with a student in my class and the results were astounding.
I vaguely remember reading something about hugging and holding helping kids who rock. So perhaps the heavy blankets assist in the same way.
Good luck.