(For additional ideas refer to my DVD Sensory Processing Disorder: Simulations and Solutions for Parents, Teachers and Therapists)

Vestibular:

Studies show that children with ADHD can attend better when sitting on a Ball chair. (You can purchase one at www.ateachabout.com) .You can also try having a student sit on an air-filled cushion or partially inflated beach ball, and provide frequent movement breaks.

Proprioception:

Weighted vest (consult your OT for wearing schedule), weighted lap bag, beanbag chair, heavy “work” opportunities.

Tactile:

Hand fidgets for sensory seekers, vary the media in the sensory table, finger paint in Ziploc bag.

Visual:

Decrease wall decorations, adjust lights, table easel, window guide for reading, adapted handwriting paper, decrease copying from the board rather copy from a page or book at close range, thicken cutting lines, tactile outline coloring picture.

Auditory:

Have student use headphones or earplugs, simplify language, give verbal warning to cover ears prior to expected loud sounds such as fire drills.

Olfactory:

Have students play with Kool-aid scented play dough, add a few drops of peppermint oil to finger-paint, use scented markers for coloring.

Taste/Oral Tactile:

Sour foods are alerting while sweet food are calming.

Allow student to chew gum. Studies show that chewing gum can help your student improve their memory for their schoolwork. If your student chews on his pencil, you can try a non-edible chewing items, such as “chewelry” or chew tubes. (May be purchased at www.abilitations.com)