5 Tools to Help Overstimulated Kids Calm Down and Focus
While not everyone was thrilled with the 2017 Fidget Explosion, one thing it brought is more awareness of tactile assistants for kids with ADHD, autism and other disorders, or those who might just feel overly agitated and anxious. Occupational therapists keep all sorts of items in their tool bags to help children calm down and focus. Here are five foods parents say have made a difference in the lives of their children.
Weighted Blankets & Foot Pads
Weighted blankets, which are touted as life-changing sleepers with nocturnal anxiety, offer “deep pressure stimulation” for kids looking for sensory information to calm down. According to Brenda Richards , an occupational therapist in Solon, Ohio, the affected child “feels a tight hug while warming,” which sends a signal to his brain to release mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. They become less anxious and more grounded. Magic Blanket has several guidelines for choosing the right blanket weight for your child.
The Weighted Knee Rest is another tool that can help kids calm down and focus while sitting in class, or relax while riding a car or plane.
Rocking Seats
Movable seats allow hyperactive children to wiggle slightly in their seats, which is important because research has shown that movement can help children with ADHD focus. Teachers use these pillows in class, while parents like to have them with them during dinner and homework.
Tangle junior
For kids who always need to do something with their hands, this rotating toy is fun to manipulate and easy to carry anywhere.
Transformer sensor bag
When children are excited, they can crawl into this cozy bag, a place where they can disconnect from the world and calm down. It is highly recommended by parents of children with autism or sensory processing disorder.
Therapy putty
Another alternative to fidgets, a therapeutic putty not only relieves anxiety, but also helps to strengthen the little fingers and develop fine motor skills.