Your Cart is Empty
What is a sensory circuit? We use this term to describe an obstacle course that is used for a sensory diet routine.
A sensory circuit can be used in the clinic as a way to meet your client's sensory threshold. It can be used at home as your child's daily sensory diet routine as well!
We break down how to create an effective sensory circuit using 5 steps: identify the child’s sensory preferences; create a visual support / tool; add a vestibular and a proprioceptive activity; add 1 or 2 more sensory components; and finally, add a goal.
Try a sensory circuit today!
Check out our Holiday Sensory Survival Guide, on sale NOW!
Shop and Save During Our Digital Course SALE - Save 20% on ANY Digital Course, Dec. 15 - Dec. 22, 2023. harkla.co/pages/digital-courses-holiday-sale
Make sure to check out all of our links below!
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -> https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!
Ep. 187 What it Means to Meet the Sensory Threshold
YouTube: Parenting a Sensory Seeker
YouTube: Parenting a Highly Sensitive Child
Free Sensory Checklist in Description of YouTube Videos
Freebies Page for To-Do Done Visual
YouTube: 5 Multisensory Activities
Crazy Caterpillar Game (Walmart)
Creating a sensory circuit can be transformative for children with sensory challenges, whether you are a parent, therapist, or educator. It can be a simple and effective way to help regulate the nervous system, leading to improved behavior and increased confidence.
Understanding a child's sensory threshold is crucial, as it involves identifying what sensory input they either seek out or tend to avoid. This insight is invaluable for parents and therapists, as it guides them in tailoring their approaches and interventions to meet the child's unique sensory needs.
Visual support can help children follow the sequence of activities. Some favorite examples include:
Including vestibular and proprioceptive activities is crucial for sensory integration and behavior regulation. Typically, it starts with a vestibular activity followed by a proprioceptive one to help reorganize the nervous system.
Vestibular Activities:
Proprioceptive Activities:
Now, add one or more additional sensory components to your circuit. You don't need to include all of them—pick a few that are either enjoyable or challenging for your child:
Remember, the goal is to create a balanced circuit without overwhelming your child. Start simple and build complexity as needed.
Adding a goal to your sensory circuit makes the activity purposeful. For example, it could be completing a puzzle, container play, or a game involving pieces.
Incorporate homework activities like spelling words, handwriting, or math to combine cognitive learning with movement. For example, the Crazy Caterpillar game involves using tweezers to grab colored balls and placing them on a moving caterpillar.
Once the sensory circuit is set up, teach your child how to navigate it. Start by demonstrating the activity and then support them as you guide them through the activities.
If the circuit is too easy, modify the activities to increase the challenge. For example, have them crawl backward through a tunnel instead of forward or clap on every other beat of a metronome instead of every beat.
Creating a sensory circuit is a fantastic way to support your child's sensory needs. Following these five steps, you can make a practical and fun sensory circuit in your home, classroom, or clinic.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
