Comments on Autism Blog: Summer Activities: Occupational Therapy Activities...

Hi Mrs. Sampson: Sure I'll do my best to reply. Th...

2009-07-30T19:52:47.324-07:00

Hi Mrs. Sampson: Sure I'll do my best to reply. Thanks for including me on your list. : )

To Miss Lisa: Would it be possible to try bowling and pair the adults up with a NT person so they can bowl in teams and have a chance to socialice? I know a lot of autistic people who love to bowl. It would be great for gross motor skill practice.

Or perhaps having an ice cream social mixer (with NT adults too) where everone who needs it has a space to make their own creations. Use soy or rice cream for those who might be on GFCF diets or lactose intolerant. To keep costs down everyone could donate a topping. I realize though, that many people on the spectrum have difficulty with certain foods, so this may not work... just an idea.

To anonymous: I'm thinking beach balls and parachutes. My guy loved chasing a beach ball around when he was four. Parachutes have a lot of flexibility and the cost is moderate. Depends on age and interest I guess. You could also put sensory items of your choice in a plastic pool instead of water.

Cynthia: I wish I could help you more, but I don't have a lot of experience with sensory intergration or tactile defensiveness. Magna Doodles, legos, using tongs to pick up cotton balls are all non messy options. Perhaps you could introduce liquids in a non threatening way by having the child mix up lemonade. If anything, he could just stir it with a long handled spoon if putting in the powder or water would be too threatening for him.
Also, I always suggest appealing to a child's special interest to get him/her to try new things that might be a little intimidating.

Hello Julie, I know you had a few questions today ...

2009-07-30T11:24:53.622-07:00

Hello Julie, I know you had a few questions today in regard to this old blog. I have given my students a list of blogs to respond to and occupational therapy was a subject on our list. I was hoping you'd be generous enough to go back and reply to a couple of their blogs. Any advice would be much useful! Thank you!

Wow, what a spectacular list! I work with autistic...

2009-07-30T10:53:26.864-07:00

Wow, what a spectacular list! I work with autistic adults. Some of these ideas would work wonders (perhaps the shaving cream, although I'd have to use something not scented). I'd like to find something therapeutic that also involves them socializing with other people (they don't know). Do you have any ideas for this?
Thank you!

I have a child who cannot stand to get wet or dirt...

2009-07-30T10:42:58.699-07:00

I have a child who cannot stand to get wet or dirty. What fine motor skills would you or your occupational therapist suggest for him? (When he gets wet or dirty, he can present aggressive and antisocial behaviors)

Do you have any ideas for a child who has tons of ...

2009-07-30T10:40:20.106-07:00

Do you have any ideas for a child who has tons of energy and finds it difficult to do one task at a time, preferably outdoors (but keeping him in a secluded area such as the back yard)?

To Linda: I'll probably visit you soon. To Casdok...

2009-05-29T10:20:03.772-07:00

To Linda: I'll probably visit you soon.

To Casdok: Yes, he does like to leave them there doesn't he? : )

To C.F.: I have a similar approach. I do find outings helpful as my guy gets quite restless at home!

Julie, great list. WOW we do many of these. Part ...

2009-05-28T20:51:41.169-07:00

Julie, great list. WOW we do many of these. Part of me will be figuring out just how often we need to do these activities. It feels overwhelming to try and fill an entire day of these and I'm sure that is not what is intended. During the summer we usually do one or two planned out activities, have reading time, outdoor time and then free-time. This does give me some fun ideas. Thanks

Some great ideas there - if only I could get C's f...

2009-05-28T10:14:03.927-07:00

Some great ideas there - if only I could get C's fingers out of his ears...

HI; I see you need to approve comments first so I ...

2009-05-28T08:40:44.805-07:00

HI; I see you need to approve comments first so I have a question. don't know how to email you with a question. I want to show you my new products for Autism as a Mom and my blog for IEPs. If you are interesed.
www.specialcreation.net
http://www.lindamcinnis.blogspot.com/
I also wonder how you got the visitor counter on your site?
Thanks, Linda