Brain Waves Occupational Therapy

1. Bear Hug: Wrap your arms around your child and give them a gentle but firm hug. Let them know they can ask for a hug whenever they need a “bear hug break” to feel calm.

2. Weighted Blankets or Lap Pads: Using a weighted blanket during rest time or a weighted lap pad during seated activities can help children feel more grounded and focused. Be sure to use the correct weight for their size (typically 10% of body weight plus 1-2 pounds).

3. Pillow Sandwich: Place a soft pillow on each side of your child’s body and gently press down. You can ask them to “squeeze the sandwich” by hugging the pillows, adding extra fun while providing deep pressure.

4. Rolling Massage with a Therapy Ball: Using a soft therapy ball, gently roll it over your child’s back, arms, or legs with firm, even pressure. This can be done before bedtime or after a busy day to help them wind down. Make it fun: roll different “pizza toppings” onto your child with the therapy ball, such as cheese, pepperoni, or pineapple.

5. Compression Clothing: Compression shirts or snug clothing, like tight pajamas, can provide consistent pressure throughout the day and help with focus and comfort.

7. Jumping & Crashing Schemes: Set up the environment safely with something that is soft and cushioned for your child to jump onto. They can start on the floor, furniture (couch, bed), or a stool/chair to jump off of, and onto a cushion or crash mat. This is a fun way to incorporate deep pressure.

8. Weighted Stuffed Animals: Weighted stuffed animals are comforting and portable, perfect for offering calm when out and about. They can sit on your child’s lap or shoulders for extra deep pressure input.

9. Blanket Burrito: Lay out a blanket or yoga mat and have your child lay down on one side of it, rolling towards the other side while holding onto the end of the blanket in order to wrap themselves up tightly into a blanket burrito or sushi roll!

For more information about the benefits of deep pressure input, check out the Resources page to read the What Is Deep Pressure article!