Summary of "6- Stratégies sensorielles générales"

Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from “6- Stratégies sensorielles générales”

General Principles for Sensory Strategies

Predictability: Use visual tools, routines, and pictograms to help the child anticipate daily activities.
Control: Allow the child to choose and control the type, intensity, and duration of sensory stimulation.
Gradual Introduction: Introduce new sensory activities slowly and with the child’s involvement.
Firm, Deep Touch: Prefer proprioceptive stimulation (deep pressure on joints) over light tactile stimulation, which can be disruptive.
No Force: Never force sensory activities if the child shows discomfort.
Active vs. Passive Stimulation: Favor active sensory engagement where the child controls the experience rather than passive methods like massages given without child input.
Avoid Using Sensory Activities as Punishment or Reward: Encourage daily, independent engagement with sensory activities.

Environmental Adaptations

Minimize Sensory Overload:
- Create calm, uncluttered spaces.
- Position the child away from noise and non-essential stimuli.
- Use dim lighting or desk lamps to focus attention.
- Keep work surfaces clear during tasks like homework.
Seating and Posture:
- Provide good back and foot support (e.g., footrests or booster seats).
- Ensure the child’s spine is at a 90-degree angle.
- Use elastic bands or air cushions to allow subtle movement and reduce restlessness.
Quiet Spaces:
- Designate a quiet, softly lit area with calming activities (reading, coloring).
- Encourage the child to use this space regularly for self-soothing and gentle sensory input.

Sensory and Sensorimotor Strategies

Proprioceptive and Deep Tactile Activities:
- Use weighted objects (e.g., magic bags) on legs for calming deep pressure.
- Hand pushing exercises (against walls or hands) to stimulate joint receptors.
- Jumping activities (on beds, trampolines) for sensory input.
- Massages on shoulders and hands or rolling a ball over limbs, avoiding joints.
- Manipulating modeling clay or firmer clay to stimulate deep tendons.
- Animal walks (e.g., bear crawl, crab walk) to incorporate movement playfully.
- Motor skills courses involving crawling, climbing, balancing on one leg.
- Yoga poses and relaxation exercises for older children.
- Suspended activities (e.g., trapeze, hanging from bars) for joint traction.
- Carrying heavy objects as part of daily routine tasks.
- Outdoor activities like walking in snow, shoveling, climbing play structures.
Oral Stimulation:
- Activities such as sucking, blowing, whistling.
- Drinking through straws of various diameters and textures.
- Use of electric toothbrushes or small vibrators on limbs (with caution, especially avoiding vibration in epilepsy).

Calming and Relaxation Techniques

Environmental adjustments such as dim lighting, soft music, and warmth.
Breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation for older children.
Movement: favor slow, linear rocking or swaying motions; avoid rotational movements.
Manipulating objects: engaging hands with objects can be calming.

Important Notes

The cumulative effect of integrating these sensory strategies regularly throughout the day leads to better daily functioning. No single strategy works universally; a combination tailored to the child’s needs is most effective.

Presenters / Sources

The video appears to be presented by a specialist or therapist knowledgeable in sensory integration strategies for children (specific names not provided).