One Sensory Bag To Go!

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My experience as a preschool teacher has helped me so much when raising my son who has Autism and Epilepsy.  I naturally shared experiences with him as I would with my students in a classroom and was giving him the early intervention he needed before I was able to get those who provide services to get on board!  I feel grateful for having the knowledge and having people in my life to guide me EXCESSIVELY.  However, I know this isn't the situation for most. I think that is why I am so excited about being able to share ideas with whomever may come across these writings.  My hope and prayer is that someone will find something they will be able to use that will help their child.  It's hard feeling like you have nothing to try to help your situation, I've been there!  Now, I have my lil "bag of tricks".  It's just my collection of things I do that rescue me in different situations: a calming song to sing or a favorite music video on the Ipod, a game to play on the fly, a backup plan, a fidget tucked in the car, pocket, purse you name it!

My lil guy has his own bag of tricks and we call it his Sensory Bag. We like the canvas,  drawstring backpack so he can easily get items in and out, yet wear it on his back.  Wearing it gives him a heavy work activity which helps him keep his body in check and we like that!  His bag is stocked with items he selects but will serve a purpose and will satisfy a sensory need.    Here is what is in his bag right now.

• Sporty wrist bands from dollar store for deep pressure
• Regular hair band to provide hands some resistance
• Mini bubbles from dollar store for blowing (heavy work) & distraction
• Spiky ball from dollar store for rubbing on hands, feet andback for sensory input
• Plastic straw for blowing air through or sucking drinks for heavy work
• Stuffed animal to cover ears to muffle sounds
• Beaded necklace from dollar store for sensory input
• Squishy bugs from dollar store for a hand fidget
• small toys that are from happy meals (must be 3, he likes these in 3s)  for playing
• chewing snack like nuts, fruit snack, pretzels for hunger & heavy work

Wrist bands, hairband. bubbles, straw, spiky ball



stuffed animal, necklace, squishy bugs

McD toys and chewy snack

We use the hairbands as a mini resistance bands to help get focused and to keep hands calm.

Here are some inexpensive bags:

Thousand Oaks Drawstring Backpack, Lavender
Olive N Figs Sunny Yellow Catch-All Jute Drawstring Backpack
Basic Drawstring Backpack - Black
UltraClub Value Drawstring Pack - White - One Size