pLaY aT hOmE mOm!!!!

I am always on the look out for ways to incorporate sensory play into our typical play activities. Part of Ethan's autism diagnosis included Sensory Processing Disorder. Simply put, his ability to take in & process anything related to the 5 senses is underdeveloped. His body can't take it. So, when he hears loud noises, it LITERALLY is painful.

However, through sensory play (activities that tap into the 5 senses), Ethan will be able to strengthen his system, and be able to process sounds, smells, sights, touches, and tastes better. Through occupational therapy, we have been able to figure out what Ethan really responds well to, and ultimately what will help him.

But sensory related items can get quite expensive. So, I often make trips to the dollar stores or drug stores, scanning for items that can be used in unique ways to create sensory play. We have a rice box, bubbles, lite brite, and many squishy toys...similar to stress balls. And then, my sister sent me a link to something called "Busy Boxes" from a blog. She thought it seemed similar to what we were already doing with Ethan's rice box (like a sand box), but maybe could expand upon it. The minute that I visited PLAY AT HOME MOM, I was hooked.

This entire blog is dedicated to creating sensory play out of everyday items.....and inexpensively. So....with all that being said......I am proud to announce my next project......and it's a big one.

Currently, all of our play stuff is upstairs in our living room.....and it is starting to become more & more difficult to maintain it all. So, my husband & I have decided to turn most of our basement into a SENSORY-BASED PLAYROOM!!!!! I'm so excited!!!! We have a bathroom & a kitchenette downstairs as well, so it will be easy for us to spend most of our day in this new area. I'm so excited!!!!! (A big shout out to my wonderful husband who literally said to me, "Do whatever you need to do for Ethan." I LOVE YOU!!!!)

It's going to be slow in the making, but I will be sure to keep you updated every step of the way! WOO-HOO!!!!!

But, in the meantime, I will continue to strive to be a Sensory based Play at Home Mom. Here are a few activities that we have done from the PLAY AT HOME MOM blog.

Decorating our Sticky Window. My nephew really liked this too! Can you see how Ethan has put a dot (googly eye) above the popsicle sticks? He is mimicking what my nephew did. My nephew called that an "eye-sicle"! HAHA!

Sticky Window materials...and Ethan's drink.

Balloon Bath

Glow Stick Bath

He never wants to stop playing to go take a bath, but now he RUNS down the hall to take a Glow Stick bath!