03/01/2023
4 STEPS TO CREATING
C.A.L.M. AT HOME
AND IMPROVE BEHAVIOR, FOCUS, SOCIAL SKILLS, STRESS, AND LEARNING
introduction
Many factors surrounding the world-wide pandemic, including stress, unpredictable schedules, restricted movement, mandated work and homeschooling shifts combined with more screen time and less human engagement, have resulted in more dysfunction and unease.
This trend of the human experience has resulted in dysfunction of the neurological system often presenting first as sensory concerns like having issues with sound or touch, poor attention, lack of motivation & enthusiasm, poor executive function and emotional balance. Whatever the behavior or response (regardless of age or diagnosis)- anxiety, withdrawal, negativity, regression, tantrums– the solution is to view these behaviors as a reflection of the state of the brain and neurological system.
Our senses are the foundation of the central nervous system, upon which all other skills are dependent, including speech, attention, and regulation, even accessing parasympathetic responses like rest and digestion. When there are holes in the building blocks of the central nervous system, function suffers.
Don’t worry. Our team of Occupational Therapists put this tool together to help you manage the chaos and establish C.A.L.M. in your body and home. We begin by helping you change your perspective of how you manage your environment and daily routines resulting in more access to fun and function while building the neurological framework for optimal brain performance and resiliency.
Ready. Set. GO PLAY!
4 STEPS TO CREATE C.A.L.M. AND BRAIN HARMONY
step 1
COMFORT
Provide comfort and safety to the neurological system by feeding the senses.
Classical music - Mozart
Essential oils - rosemary, vetiver, nutmeg Sensory Swings
Visual Schedules for predictability
Timers for predictability
Soothing parental voice tones
Relaxed and dynamic facial expressions Prioritize sleep
EXAMPLE VISUAL SCHEDULE
step 2
ACTIVATE
Activate your child’s brain based upon their observable behavior.
Over responsive/hyper behaviors:
Climbing the ceilings Excessive talking Overreactive to touch or sounds
Anxious
Tantrums Aggressive Emotional distress
Choose these for 10 minutes:
Heavy Work/lifting with weight balls, push/pulling for obstacle course Joint Compressions/Embracing Squeezes
Deep pressure Input like steamroller, or pillow taco Bubble bath or Warm shower Sensory bins, dry beans or water beads
Breathing exercise with extended exhalation
Rocking in chair, or slowly over ball Theraputty or clay for pounding
Under responsive/hypo behaviors:
Unaware of food on face when eating
Delay in responding to questions Responds with less intensity than peers
Withdrawn
Difficult to engage
Poor body awareness
Clumsy
Appears lazy, to have a behavioral problem or a thrill seeker
Choose these for 10 minutes:
Jumping on Trampoline Dog Walking
Pillow Fight
Skipping
Running
Cooler shower with full body scrub Swimming
Jumping Jacks
Contralateral Jumps
step 3
LEARN
Improve brain communication and efficiency
Collect assignment data ahead of the day Remove as many barriers as possible to learning setting like distractions in the home
Employ Sensory Breaks to keep them on track Modify IEP/504 if possible to lower work volume or extend deadlines
EXAMPLE OF A VISUAL SCHEDULE WITH SENSORY BREAKS FOR A 4TH GRADER
Morning Routine
10 minute sensory break
30 minute school lesson
10 minute sensory break
30 minute school lesson
Reward and lunch
30 minute school lesson
Reward
step 4
MASTER
Master skills via frequency, intensity, and duration.
Increase frequency – the number of times they do an activity
Increase duration – the length of time they do the activity
Increase intensity – the complexity of the activity
Learn more... NEED MORE SUPPORT?
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
Brain Harmony is a team of occupational therapists committed to helping families gain individualized, 1-on-1 access to the most powerful and proven therapy to help both adults and children with any type of learning and performance difficulty – all from the comfort of their own home.
Our programs result in profound improvements in function for disorders including sensory processing disorder, executive function disorder, brain fog, fatigue, learning difficulties, attention and regulation, sleep and stress, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, auditory processing disorders, PTSD, speech and language delays, dyslexia, stroke and brain injuries including post concussive syndrome.
Our award-winning program produces the most powerful outcomes by combining Brain Harmony protocols delivered by certified occupational therapists with the most progressive technology available on the market. We put our focus on training the caregivers and clients to use neuroplastic tools on themselves with the skill and knowledge of a therapist supporting you. We have closed the gap between outcomes and accessibility making it faster and easier than ever to obtain the change you are looking for.
We are occupational therapists helping families receive 1-on-1 therapy for any type of learning or performance difficulty. Click here to improve brain health!
