The Day Starts with Sensory Experiences

I can't imagine what it is like to have autism. My boy is sensory sensitive, but also sensory seeking. When we go places and too much is going on, he will put his hands on his ears to get away from the craziness going on around him.., but he likes to be loud with his vocal stims. He likes to be able to higher the volume on the television set when he is watching something he likes. Right now, he is all about the show "Rugrats." My husband and I have speculated it is the fact that he has control over the sensory experience that is calming to him. You can bet the volume is almost always going to be higher when he is around because he rarely puts the volume lower. I do know one thing for sure: the kid LOVES going to the splash pads and to the park. You probably have noticed this as well with your loved one on the spectrum. Undoubtedly, he has a better day when he does NOT look at any electric screens (minus his AAC device) for the first half of the day and has sensory activities instead. If your loved one has a tablet or a similar device, you know EXACTLY what i am talking about. I will make a blog about electronic devices in the future as it is an important topic. I am making it a priority to make sure my little one does not have any screens before noon and we do something sensory fulfilling to him whether it be: going to the splash pad, going to the park, jumping on our trampoline, brushing his arms and legs with his occupational therapy brush, blowing bubbles, playing with Play-doh, fidget spinners, kinetic sand, or listening to his favorite songs (he has a tab on his AAC device with his favorite songs and he will request music). Life gets hectic. I am still trying my best to save money for the kids upcoming school year supplies and clothes, managing the doctors appointments, cooking meals, etc...but i understand how important it is for our boy to get the time he needs to regulate his body through sensory activities.