3 DIFFERENT STICKS:

Blue Sticks:

Calming sensory activities

Orange Sticks:

Alerting sensory activities

Purple Sticks:

Primitive reflex activities

Special Note:

We always recommend completing calming proprioceptive activities (Blue Sticks) AFTER alerting vestibular activities (Orange Sticks) to decrease potential sensory overload.

TIPS FOR USING THE SENSORY STICKS:

• For calming sensory input to feel more regulated, use the Blue Sticks.
• For alerting sensory input to feel more awake, use the Orange Sticks.
• For primitive reflex integration to target retained reflexes, use the Purple Sticks.
• Try mixing and matching! To create a sensory circuit with all three sticks, start with the Orange Sticks, followed by the Purple Sticks, and end with Blue Sticks.

HOW TO USE THE STICKS:

• Choose a sensory stick.
• Complete the sensory activity.
• Complete at least 5-10 reps of the sensory activity, if applicable.
• Observe any difficulty tolerating certain activities and modify as needed. For example, if an individual feels sick or uneasy after spinning, reduce the intensity or complete a blue stick (calming) afterward.

WHAT IS A SENSORY BREAK?

The goal of the Harkla Sensory Activity Sticks is to provide an opportunity for a sensory movement break.

A sensory break is a designated amount of time that provides movement/sensory input in order to achieve a calm, focused state in order to improve learning, attention, and overall success.

A sensory break is also beneficial to decompress during moments of stress or anxiety, in order to then return to or transition to a specific task that requires attention and focus.

TYPES OF SENSORY BREAKS:

Calming:

Proprioceptive Input

Heavy Work

Deep Pressure

Alerting:

Vestibular Input

Movement

Loud, Fast, Bright

Primitive Reflex:

Specific movement activities that target retained primitive reflexes 

SENSORY BREAKS WILL HAVE THE MOST IMPACT:

• Before and after a sit down task that requires focused attention.
• Before and/or after a transition.
• Before a challenging task.

HOW TO IDENTIFY WHEN TO TAKE A SENSORY BREAK:

• Excessive fidgeting
• Getting up during a focused classroom task
• Making excessive noise
• Meltdowns
• Unable to calm after recess/lunch or other transitions
• Anxiety during transitions

TEACHING OTHERS ABOUT SENSORY BREAKS:

• Explain why movement is beneficial for the body and the brain.
• Practice different sensory break activities and ask questions about which activities they prefer.
• Discuss that everyone is different, so one person might not need a sensory break when another does.
• Ensure that sensory breaks are a positive experience, not something being done because they are “out of control” or “not listening.”

WHAT ARE PRIMITIVE REFLEXES?

• At birth, primitive reflexes are present to assist in survival - most develop in utero. These involuntary movement patterns are designed to keep the newborn alive and help with development throughout infancy.
•  They are essentially the foundation for higher-level learning and development.
• The kicker here is that these primitive reflexes do not stay forever; they should integrate - go away - typically around 12 months of age, some closer to two or three years old.
• When a primitive reflex integrates, it makes way for new, more mature movement patterns and higher-level learning to develop.

WHAT ARE RETAINED PRIMITIVE REFLEXES?

• If a primitive reflex is retained - that is, still present - after 12 months of age, challenges may arise. Each primitive reflex comes with its own set of movements and leads to new and different developmental milestones. If a specific reflex is retained, it may affect a specific area of development.
• Additionally, many reflexes are directly related to another. Therefore, if one reflex is retained, we can assume that others will be retained.
• A study from 2016 found that “Retained primitive reflexes can disturb natural development and involve difficulties in social, educational, and psychomotor development.”
• Typical childhood activities such as: playing with peers, running and jumping, learning to read and write, self-care tasks, and many more can be impacted by retained primitive reflexes.

ACTIVITIES THAT HELP INTEGRATE PRIMITIVE REFLEXES

• Specific movement activities that target retained primitive reflexes can help these reflexes integrate if a child shows signs of retained primitive reflexes! 
• Each movement activity is unique to a specific primitive reflex and the specific movement patterns that show up with that reflex. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRIMITIVE REFLEXES

• Primitive Reflexes Blog