Gabbi Katzenellenbogen OT

Gabbi Katzenellenbogen OT Paediatric occupational therapy private practice in Sandton
- Sensory integration
- DIR Floortime
- SOS feeding

✨ Vestibular input at home made simple ✨Movement is powerful — it helps children develop coordination, posture and emoti...
28/04/2026

✨ Vestibular input at home made simple ✨

Movement is powerful — it helps children develop coordination, posture and emotional regulation. But not all kids respond to movement in the same way 💫

👶 If your child is sensitive to movement:
Think slow and predictable
• Rocking
• Gentle swinging (feet on the ground)
• Tilting head back and forth

⚡ If your child is seeking movement:
Think fast and exciting
• Trampoline jumping
• Rolling down a hill
• High, fast swinging

💡 Top tip: Always follow movement with “heavy work” (proprioception) like pushing, pulling, climbing or crashing. This helps the body feel calm, grounded and organised.

Every child’s sensory system is unique — observing what your child needs is key 🤍

✨ Over-reactive to movement? Let’s talk vestibular sensitivity ✨Some children experience movement very differently. What...
21/04/2026

✨ Over-reactive to movement? Let’s talk vestibular sensitivity ✨

Some children experience movement very differently. What feels fun and exciting for one child can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable for another.

You might notice your child:
• Avoids swings, slides, or heights
• Gets dizzy or nauseous easily
• Experiences car sickness
• Struggles with tilting their head back (like during hair washing)

💡 This isn’t “being dramatic” — their sensory system is working overtime to process movement.

As adults, when we understand why a child is reacting this way, we can better support them with patience, gentle exposure, and the right strategies 🤍

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and there are ways to help your child feel safe and regulated in their body.

Some children seem like they are always on the move — spinning, jumping, crashing, swinging, and never getting dizzy! 🤸‍...
14/04/2026

Some children seem like they are always on the move — spinning, jumping, crashing, swinging, and never getting dizzy! 🤸‍♂️

This can sometimes be a sign that they are under-reactive to vestibular input. The vestibular system helps us understand how our bodies move through space and plays a big role in balance, coordination, and attention.

When a child is under-reactive to this input, their body may need more movement to register it. That’s why they might:
• Spin for long periods without getting dizzy
• Constantly seek jumping, swinging, or crashing activities
• Struggle to sit still or focus
• Appear clumsy or uncoordinated

These kids aren’t just being “wild” — their bodies are seeking the sensory input they need to feel regulated. 💚

Providing opportunities for safe movement throughout the day (jumping, swinging, obstacle courses, animal walks) can help their bodies feel more organised and ready to learn.

✨ What is the vestibular system?The vestibular system is our body’s sense of movement. Located in the inner ear, it help...
07/04/2026

✨ What is the vestibular system?

The vestibular system is our body’s sense of movement. Located in the inner ear, it helps the brain understand whether we are moving or still, how fast we are moving, and in which direction. This gives us an important sense of where our body is in space.

This system plays a key role in:
• balance
• posture
• coordination
• eye movements
• overall regulation

When a child has difficulties processing vestibular input, you might notice things like:
• always being “on the go”
• slouching at the table
• appearing clumsy or uncoordinated
• avoiding swings or climbing equipment
• constantly seeking fast movement

Understanding how the vestibular system works helps us support children with the right types of movement activities to help their bodies feel more organised and regulated.

Heavy work = powerful regulation 💪Carrying heavy objects is a simple way to give the body proprioceptive input — the typ...
31/03/2026

Heavy work = powerful regulation 💪

Carrying heavy objects is a simple way to give the body proprioceptive input — the type of sensory input that helps children feel more grounded, calm, and organised.

When children use their muscles to lift, push, or carry, their joints and muscles send strong messages to the brain that support body awareness, attention, and self-regulation.

The best part? It can easily be built into everyday routines at home or at school.

💡 Try these simple ideas:
• Carry a stack of books to the classroom
• Help move chairs or classroom equipment
• Pack away boxes of toys
• Carry groceries or school bags

Turning everyday tasks into “heavy work” opportunities can make a big difference for children who need extra sensory input.

Crash, jump, repeat! 🛋️✨Crashing onto cushions or pillows is more than just fun — it’s powerful proprioceptive input for...
24/03/2026

Crash, jump, repeat! 🛋️✨

Crashing onto cushions or pillows is more than just fun — it’s powerful proprioceptive input for the body. When children jump or crash into soft surfaces, their muscles and joints get deep pressure feedback that helps the nervous system feel calm, organised, and regulated.

This kind of “heavy work” can help children who:
• seem constantly on the move
• struggle to sit still
• need help calming their bodies
• seek rough-and-tumble play

The best part? You don’t need special equipment. A pile of cushions, pillows, or a mattress can instantly become a sensory crash zone!

💡 Try it at home or even adapt it for the classroom with safe soft surfaces.

20/03/2026

Row, row, row your boat 🚣‍♀️

“Row Row Row Your Boat” isn’t just a nursery rhyme — it’s a great sensory activity for children! This simple game provides both vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive (muscle and joint) input.

Sit facing your child with your legs crossed, hold hands, and gently pull each other forwards and backwards as you sing the song. The rocking movement gives vestibular input, while the pulling through the arms provides proprioceptive “heavy work”.

This combination can help children feel more regulated, organised, and connected to their bodies.

✨ It’s also a lovely way to build connection while supporting your child’s sensory system through play.

Rhino Charges 🦏💪A fun, full-body proprioceptive (heavy work) activity that supports regulation and body awareness.Both c...
17/03/2026

Rhino Charges 🦏💪
A fun, full-body proprioceptive (heavy work) activity that supports regulation and body awareness.

Both child and adult become “rhinos,” pushing against a therapy ball to see who’s the strongest! This activity provides deep input through the shoulders, arms, and core — perfect for kids who need help calming and organising their bodies.

👉 OT tip:
Keep arms straight to really engage the shoulder muscles and provide stronger proprioceptive input.

This is a great activity to use before homework, transitions, or bedtime.

Always supervise and adjust the level of force to keep it safe and fun 🤍

13/03/2026

Deep pressure for calm bodies ⚽✨

“Ball squashes” are a simple and fun way to give children deep pressure input, which can help the body feel more calm, organised, and regulated.

To try this activity, have your child lie on their tummy while you roll or press a large therapy ball over their body. The steady pressure through the muscles and joints provides powerful proprioceptive input that can help children relax and feel more grounded.

💡 Tips:
• Use slow, firm pressure (always watch your child’s cues)
• Avoid the head and neck area
• Turn it into a game – pretend you’re “squashing pizza dough” or “rolling a steamroller”
• Great before homework, mealtimes, or bedtime to help the body settle

Always make sure your child enjoys the activity and feels comfortable.

Obstacle courses are a fun and powerful way to give children proprioceptive (heavy work) input 🧠💪You don’t need fancy eq...
10/03/2026

Obstacle courses are a fun and powerful way to give children proprioceptive (heavy work) input 🧠💪

You don’t need fancy equipment — an indoor obstacle course can easily be created using chairs, cushions, mattresses, tunnels, or blankets.

🧩 Crawling, climbing, pushing, pulling, and balancing all provide rich proprioceptive input, which supports:
✔️ Regulation
✔️ Body awareness
✔️ Focus and attention

Obstacle courses are especially helpful for children who struggle to sit still, feel “busy” in their bodies, or need help organising their movements.

Keep it playful, keep it safe, and follow your child’s lead 🤍

Proprioception (or “heavy work”) gives the body the deep input it needs to feel calm, organised, and grounded 🤍If your c...
03/03/2026

Proprioception (or “heavy work”) gives the body the deep input it needs to feel calm, organised, and grounded 🤍

If your child struggles with regulation, focus, or sleep, adding proprioceptive activities at home can make a big difference.

💪 Easy ideas to try at home:
• Pushing laundry baskets
• Jumping on a trampoline
• Tug-of-war or pillow wrestling
• Carrying groceries
• Wall sits or bear walks

Consistent heavy work helps children feel more connected to their bodies and better able to cope with daily demands.

✨ ✨What does it mean to be over-reactive to proprioceptive input?Some children are more sensitive to movement and pres...
17/02/2026

✨ ✨
What does it mean to be over-reactive to proprioceptive input?

Some children are more sensitive to movement and pressure.
Input that others hardly notice can feel overwhelming to their body 🧠💛

You might notice that they:
🚫 Avoid climbing, jumping or rough play
🧍‍♂️ Seem stiff, cautious or fearful with movement
🪜 Struggle with stairs or uneven surfaces
🤗 Dislike hugs or firm touch

These children aren’t being difficult or anxious on purpose.
👉 Their nervous system is working hard to help them feel safe in their body.

With the right support, pacing and graded proprioceptive input, children can build confidence, body awareness and trust in movement 🌱

If this sounds like your child, an occupational therapist can help guide supportive strategies and activities.

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173 Rivonia Road
Sandton
2196

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Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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