Welcome to this week’s Blogging Through the Alphabet! I am Blogging through the Alphabet with Ben and Me and many other bloggers who are offering a wide variety of topics. I am sharing a new topic related to Sensory Processing Disorder each week as we blog through the alphabet.
J is for Jumping
Many people with Sensory Processing Disorder need additional sensory input. All three of our children are sensory seekers (at least some of the time). I shared about this a little in the C is for Chewing post as chewing is also a sensory seeking behavior. Just like chewing can provide oral input for sensory seekers, jumping offers great physical sensory input.
Those that need sensory input are often fidgety or may be what others may view as “hyper” behavior. Sometimes this can interfere with activities. In fact, we take frequent breaks during our homeschooling day so the kids can get the sensory input they require, which makes it easier for them to focus on the next task. I shared this more in detail in my Homeschooling Sensory Seekers post.
The best thing about jumping is that there are no special tools required! Kids (or adults) can do jumping jacks or just jump up and down. Of course, there are some great tools available as well at a variety of costs, so you can find one to fit your budget! We have jump ropes, a small indoor trampoline, and a large outdoor trampoline. They all come in handy, but you could definitely choose just one. If you do have financial limitations, you may be able to find a special needs support group in your area that helps with the cost of therapy tools that medical insurance won’t cover.
Another tool that is great (that is also on our wish list) is the Original Rody which can help with the sensory seeking as it is bouncy, but it also helps with building gross motor, balance and coordination skills. Similarly, big exercise balls can fulfill that need, too, though exercise caution with small children as they may fall over particularly if it’s too big. I will hold the ball in place and keep my arms around their waist.
Sensory seeking is definitely a typical need for many with SPD and jumping is a great way to fulfill that need! Do you have any other tools you would suggest?
ABC Blogging
Don’t forget to check out the other bloggers as well who have linked up to Blogging through the Alphabet! I’m too late to link up (again! *Sigh*), but I guarantee you don’t want to miss it! There are a wide variety of topics! Learn more by clicking on the button below!
I know so many kiddos with SPD, and unfortunately, too many of them do not have creative, caring ideas such as these. I think that many parents will benefit from what you are sharing.
Trampolines are great fun for kids, I’ve never really used one.
A wonderful and creative way to bring more awareness to SPD by going through the alphabet! Jumping is also a great way to get little ones physically active. The trampoline looks like so much fun and a great way to get jumping!
It is amazing to see kids have fun using a trampoline, or just simply being kids jumping around. I admire parents who have children with SPD and are doing every thing to make their kids’ lives as happy as possible.
It can be challenging sometimes. I have SPD as well, which can make things easier since I have an idea of what they’re feeling or harder because I’m in sensory overload myself! It’s all a learning experience, though, and we just do the best we can! 🙂
Thank you for sharing. I have heard from friends about how owning a trampoline or even a small bounce house has been really beneficial to their child’s development and sensory-seeking needs. It’s great that companies have now made these for consumer use.
I agree with this as all of my kids have SPD. My girls have a small trampoline (or as they call it a jumpabline) in their room to help. It was a big help during the winter when they couldn’t get out to run around and for rainy days when they can’t go outside.
Oh yes. The little indoor trampoline is awesome for days we can’t go outside.
I had no idea that this was even something. I am still a bit unsure as to what it fully is so I think I am going to have to do some research but it sounds like you come up with some great ideas for your kids when they need it.
Yes, there is a wealth of information out there on SPD – more for children than adults. I’m an adult with SPD, and it’s harder to find information for “sensational adults.”