Carmen Knight, M.A.T., Early Childhood and Special Education

Summertime is great for spending time with family and friends, swimming or just being outside and seeing amazing fireworks! As fun and exciting as it is, it's important to realize that it can be overwhelming and overstimulating for many children, especially those that have Sensory Integration Disorder. Sensory Integration Disorder is a condition that does not allow children to process senses like their peers. Examples of the disorder are not being able to be around very loud noises or touching certain things like whipped cream. As therapists, we need to make sure that our patients are equipped with tools that help them enjoy the summer with their family.

I've found a fun item that, at the very least, tackles 4 key developmental areas patients may find helpful during the holiday.  Slime is an item that I use for sensory experience, fine motor, independent play, and distraction.

Sensory:

Slime provides a tactile sensory experience that will assist children to self-regulate while enjoying themselves. It provides a calming sensation that will help children feel the sensory stimulation needed to help with their processing. It gives them the calming feeling they need to stay relaxed during overstimulation.

Fine Motor:

Using slime allows children to develop fine motor skills. Grasping, kneading, manipulating slime helps children strengthen muscles in their hands that will help them with everyday activities like holding a toothbrush or pencil, fastening buttons or snaps when getting ready, etc. Tie in summer patriotic holidays using SmileMakers Glow-in-the-dark Patriotic Putty. Have your patient mix in small items, like stars, into the slime, then remove them (and why not work on counting skills by asking your patient to count the stars they remove). This activity is a great way to focus on their pincer grasp and improve that fine motor skill.

Independent Play:

Kids need to know that it is ok to want alone time. Being alone teaches children to regulate their emotions and it increases social independence. Independent play helps children gain confidence and use their imagination. Giving children time alone with a toy like slime gives them an opportunity to calm their minds (especially when overstimulated), the freedom to try different things, dream and pretend. Oftentimes, when discussing therapeutic play, we forget to mention the importance of independent play. It is an important life skill for children to learn because it will be beneficial to them for a lifetime.

Distraction:

Fireworks and large gatherings can be a stressful time for some children. When a child is nervous or upset, use slime as a great distraction tool. It will allow the child to receive some sensory input and diverts attention from the stressful situation to something fun. The tactile experience will calm the child and allow them to self-regulate and enjoy family time.

Check out SmileMakers great selection of products that will help your patients have a calm, creative and happy summer break.