Sensory Integration Exercises-Occupational Therapy (OT)

Below are clear, practical sensory-integration exercises commonly used in Occupational Therapy (OT). These are examples, not a replacement for professional therapy. I’ve grouped them by sensory system so they’re easy to understand and use.

1. Proprioceptive (Deep Pressure / Body Awareness)

👉 Most calming for autistic children
👉 Good for meltdowns, hyperactivity, anxiety

Examples / Exercises

• Wall push-ups (push wall hard for 10 seconds × 5)

• Carrying heavy objects (books, water bottles)

• Animal walks (bear walk, crab walk)

• Rolling child tightly in a blanket (“burrito roll”)

• Pushing a laundry basket with toys inside

When to use:
Before school, after overstimulation, before sleep

2. Vestibular (Movement & Balance)

👉 Helps with balance, alertness, attention
⚠️ Must be used carefully (too much can overstimulate)

Examples / Exercises

• Swinging (slow and rhythmic, not fast)

• Rocking on a chair

• Rolling on a mat

• Spinning only 2–3 times, then stop

• Walking on a straight line or balance beam

Tip: Always combine vestibular activities with deep pressure afterward.

3. Tactile (Touch Sensation)

👉 For children who avoid or seek touch

Examples / Exercises

• Playing with sand, rice, lentils

• Finger painting

• Clay or play-dough squeezing

• Textured balls (soft → rough)

• Brushing arms/legs (only if trained)

Goal: Reduce touch defensiveness and improve tolerance.

4. Oral Sensory

👉 Helps with speech readiness, feeding issues, self-regulation

Examples / Exercises

• Blowing bubbles

• Whistle or straw blowing

• Chewing crunchy foods (carrot, apple)

• Sucking thick liquids with straw

• Oral massage (by trained therapist)

5. Visual Sensory

👉 Helps with attention and eye control

Examples / Exercises

• Tracking bubbles or flashlight

• Sorting objects by color/shape

• Puzzles

• Matching games

• Avoid bright flashing lights

6. Auditory Sensory

👉 For sound sensitivity or poor sound attention

Examples / Exercises

• Listening to soft rhythmic music

• Sound matching games

• Gradual exposure to sounds

• Using noise-reducing headphones when needed

7. Combined Sensory Circuits (Very Effective)

Used in OT sessions as structured routines.

Example Circuit (10–15 minutes)

1. Jumping or swinging (vestibular)

2. Pushing wall / carrying weight (proprioceptive)

3. Table activity (puzzle, drawing)

4. Deep pressure (hug, blanket)

This prepares the child for learning or speech therapy.

Safety Rules (IMPORTANT)

⚠️ Do NOT force activities
⚠️ Watch for signs of overload:

• crying

• dizziness

• aggression

• shutting down

Stop immediately if child is distressed.

How often?

• Daily short sessions (10–20 minutes)

• Best done before school, therapy, or homework

• Consistency is more important than duration

Simple Home Sensory Diet (Example)

Morning:

• Wall push-ups

• Jumping × 10

Afternoon:

• Heavy work (carrying items)

• Tactile play

Evening:

• Slow rocking

• Blanket pressure

Key point to remember

Sensory integration is about regulating the nervous system, not entertaining the child.

When sensory needs are met:

• behavior improves

• attention increases

• learning becomes easier