How to Handle a Hyperactive Child without

Losing Your Mind

by Alisha Grogan MOT, OTR/L
Want to know how to handle a hyperactive child? I’ve got you covered with three big
strategies and over 20 simple activities that can change everything for hyperactive kids.
Improve focus, attention, learning, and communication! 
 

Sometimes my house can feel a little crazy. On any given day, I can be washing dishes
at the sink (I spend a lot of time there) while I watch what seems like pure chaos
unfolding around me. I try to focus on the sound of the rushing water that’s coming out
of the spout and not the loud screams and shrills of laughing and playing coming from
my boys.
I see my son Isaac running through the living room, down the hallway, and back again,
making a loop a few times before heading to the couch and jumping on it, kicking all the
throw pillows onto the floor (and on top of the toys that are scattered across the carpet).
He’s yelling or singing in a big loud voice, I can’t tell which as I turn to scrub crusty food
off of another plate.
But, it’s not long before I feel him whiz by me on his way upstairs only to be found
moments later dragging all sorts of pillows and stuffed animals downstairs to jump and
crash on.
This level of activity, energy, or whatever you want to call it, can continue unceasingly,
and, if I try to interrupt or yell from the sink, it seems as though not a person can
hear me. I begin to wonder, “Am I invisible?”
Au contraire, I need not worry long because now somebody is hurt, crying, and calling
for me.
 Is your home anything like mine?
Some will say, “Oh, that’s boys.” But, I’ve seen girls have just as much energy,
although maybe not as often. Others might say, “You’re not parenting him right, get him
under control.”  And, still others will wonder, “Is he hyperactive?”
 
Why is My Child Hyperactive?

Personally, I think the word “hyperactive” is a big blanket term to describe any kid that
is particularly active, like my Isaac. We use it to describe all sorts of behaviors, usually
ones we don’t fully understand. To make it clear for this post, let’s define a hyperactive
child as one that frequently seeks out movement and can have difficulty sitting still.
What makes some kids hyperactive? Well, there are tons of factors that include:
 Temperament – It’s who they are!
 Genetics – The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, if a parent was “hyperactive”,
well, you get it.
 Diet – Can play a role if it’s a high carb/sugar diet or possible food sensitivities
are involved.
 Environment – If it’s wild and disorganized in a room, it often promotes the same
kind of actions.
 Season – Winter months may increase hyperactivity because of less free play
outdoors.
 Sensory processing – How a child takes in the sensations from their environment
is totally unique and kids that are hyperactive may be wanting more of those sensations
simply because of how their brain works! (More on this in a minute…)
For most “hyperactive” children, a combination of these reasons are likely in play.  And,
the reasons can vary from day to day and week to week. On top of that, some kids can
be hyperactive on particular days or all of the time.
 

 
The Game Changer for Hyperactive Kids…
While any of the above reasons can affect a child’s hyperactivity, there’s one common
denominator that’s often at the root of a hyperactive child or toddler, and that’s sensory.
It’s almost impossible for hyperactivity and sensory not to go together, they’re like
 peanut butter and jelly. Hyperactivity is looking for more activity whether that means a
child is tipping back on their chair, jumping on the couch again, or getting up from the
table 20 times during dinner.
The brain is looking for MORE sensations and it won’t be satisfied until it gets it. That’s
why our hyperactive kids keep pushing the envelope, seeming not to hear or
understand us when we tell them to sit down.
It seems like they’re being bad or defiant. This makes us feel like bad parents, and I am
speaking from personal experience.
BUT, there’s a huge bright light at the end of the tunnel and that’s using sensory
strategies to help us deal with and handle a hyperactive child or toddler.
 
 
How to Handle a Hyperactive Child

When I think about how to handle a hyperactive child, three different solutions come to
mind. They are sensory-based strategies that I’ve used as an OT and as a mom, but
more importantly, they work! Let’s take a look:
1. Offer activities with rhythm and structure – It’s incredibly important for
hyperactive and energetic kids to have an outlet for all that energy. Stifling it, or trying
to, often will make it worse. But sometimes, a free for all can make things much worse
as well. There’s a difference between going outside and running around everywhere
and running back and forth between two points. The latter is putting some structure to
an open activity that may otherwise just make your child more hyperactive.
Then, to kick it up a notch, if you combine some structure with rhythm, the rhythm is
often even more calming and organizing to the body and mind (this is one of the
sensory tricks). For instance, singing a rhythmic song like, “The Ants Go Marching One
by One” or a military chant-like phrase, “March, one, two, three” over and over again to
a specific beat during the activity.
I know that may sound strange, but think about the sound of that military chant
repeating in your mind right now. Do you want to lift your feet to march, do you feel a
sense of calm? Those are common experiences and when we pair songs or chants
with a rhythmic, repeatable beat to motions like jumping, marching, or running, it can
calm kids down quickly.
Now take those ideas of structure and rhythm and apply it to these activities:
 Playing sports – This is built in structure. So many sports your child can play with
you, a sibling, or friend in the backyard or safe space in the home. With tons of sports
to choose from, you have endless options.
 Obstacle course – These don’t have to be too complicated, think about simple
ideas like crawling over and under objects, walking on a line, and hopping to the finish
line. Click here for more inspiration.
 Going for a walk or run
 Jumping on a trampoline – As in my above example, try singing or simply
counting, which is also great for steady focus. We have one like this.
 Climbing – Use a staircase on hands or knees, a jungle gym, a tree, or if you’re
lucky enough a rock wall.
 
 2. Free Active Time – Yes, the total opposite of what I just told you. While structure is
important for a hyperactive child, so is free play. A time when they can run wildly if they
choose without anyone telling them to stop.
Sometimes it’s best to lead with a period of time where they have the time and space to
run wild and do what they like. Great if this can be outside, but inside the home can
work too. Set some ground rules about safe behavior, and if it’s hard to watch, maybe
there are some dishes you can do!
Here are some specific ideas for free active time you could use with your child:
 Run around outside
 Play on swing set
 Jump on couch or bed
 Have a dance party
 Roughhouse or playfully wrestle together
If your child is really ramped up instead of calmed down after some free play, then you
may want to transition to either the first or third strategy afterward.
3. Relax – This is usually the last strategy I use for a hyperactive kid and especially
before bed or during activities they need to sit as still for as possible. These aren’t
always necessary, it depends on your child and the day. But, hyperactive kids can have
a particularly hard time going from a high energy level to a lower one, using some
calming activities, like these can make a huge difference:
 Rocking – Either in a swing, hammock, or rocking chair.
 Swinging – Think porch swing, not a contest for who can go the highest on the
swing set (which is a great activity and can be helpful in it’s own right, but if you’re
going for relaxation, that may not be it).
 Dim lights – Don’t underestimate this subtle change. Sometimes, just dimming
the lights can help calm a child.
 Organized room – An organized space with toys and items put away can also
have a big impact.
 Music – Think soft, slower music.
 Changing light – At times, my kids use these slow changing night
lights/diffusers to watch as they drift off to sleep. A lava lamp can have the same effect.
Having a hyperactive child can be exhausting, in every sense of the word, but don’t
lose hope, these three solutions, either used independently or together can have a
tremendous impact on your child’s life. One caveat though, don’t give up on these too
soon. It’s so important that you try all of these strategies multiple times. It will take you
and your child some time to figure out what’s working and what’s not.
 
 
Tips for the Hyperactive Toddler
While everything above definitely applies to the younger crowd, toddlers can be a bit of
their own beast, so I wanted to share a couple of extra tips for hyperactive toddlers:
Use sensory bins – Might be best to try this after some structured movement time, but
many kids will become very attentive and focused on exploring different textures, often
for longer than they’ll do other activities. Head over to my list of sensory bins for ideas
and how to make them educational too.
Riding toys – Most toddlers have one, have it out often and encourage your
hyperactive toddler to ride it and push it around. It’s fantastic sensory input that will
likely calm them down.
Pile the couch cushions on the floor – All kids love this, but it’s especially perfect for
toddlers. The climbing and jumping will meet their sensory needs.
Decrease screen time – I know how much the TV or tablet can be a lifesaver, but
watch how often your hyperactive toddler is watching it. More and more studies are
showing that screen time actually increases hyperactivity (See this article). I’ve noticed
in my house, with much older kids, that after we watch a movie, which isn’t that often,
it’s like someone just lit a fire under their behinds. Their hyperactivity is through the
roof!
Now you have a plan for how to deal with a hyperactive child or toddler! But, if you
haven’t received it already, you need to grab my Sensory Red Flags You Might Be
Missing Printable. Whether sensory is new to you or not, it’s an important checklist to
have.
 
More Help for How to Handle a Hyperactive Child
 
Genius Activities for Sensory Seeking Kids
8 Steps to Keep Your Child Seated for Meals
Powerful Proprioceptive Activities that Calm, Focus, & Alert
Epic Messy Play List that’s Sensory-filled, Inspiring, and Easy!
 
 And…
I’m behind the scenes on Instagram showing you my real-life, in action, strategies I use
with my kids. You’re not alone. Come join me here.
 

 
Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid’s Table.
She has over 14 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding
development in babies, toddlers, and children.  Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at
home. Learn more about her here.
 
 

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12 Comments
1. Catherine on July 15, 2020 at 11:04 am
 Many toddlers are very active. At what point should a parent take their toddler to an
OT?
Reply
 Your Kids Table Team on July 16, 2020 at 6:03 am
Hey Catherine,
It never hurts to get an evaluation even if they can help to provide you with
some suggestions on where to go/what to do! But, we do have an article
that may help with activities to try at home you can check it out HERE
Best,
Desiree
Reply
2. Catherine on July 14, 2020 at 2:53 am
I’m a little confused about the rhythm and structure part. Can you share some ideas of
that for a toddler?
Reply
 Your Kids Table Team on July 14, 2020 at 6:41 am
Hey Catherine,
For rhythm and structure you want to make sure that they aren’t just
running around. You can have them tag between different object running
back and forth such as touch blue, touch red while running in the yard. You
can have them stomp their feet while running and singing a song. Jumping
on trampoline while keeping to the beat of music. All these things can be
helpful to keep the structure!
Best,
Desiree
Reply
3. sandaruwan peiris on November 18, 2019 at 10:20 am
hi, my child is 6 years old, she has a absence seizures , we give her etozoximide
sodium valproate and colisipan….but now she is hyperactive child. normally we give
baby 1/4 colidine tablet in the night. but her educational concentration too bad…. pl
give + ideas for serve our child…
thank you
Reply
 Your Kids Table Team on November 18, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out! We understand how hard this can be! I’d try some
of the suggestions from the article but you an also look at this Article as it
will walk you through proprioceptive activities that are naturally calming for
kids. Just make sure none of the activities are contraindicated for your
child’s case!
Best,
Desiree
 Reply
4. Krista T. on February 9, 2019 at 4:10 am
I have read many articles on ADHD, hyperactivity and sensory seeking. Your article is
the best one I have come across! You stated what is needed, why, and then listed a
handful of activities that could accomplish that need. AND you explained why each
activity helps! Thank you! I am going to write short notes to refer to when my children
become overly hyper. I am bookmarking your page and cannot wait to read more!
Reply
 Alisha Grogan MOT, OTR/L on February 19, 2019 at 11:05 am
Oh that’s wonderful! Your comment made my day:)
Reply
 Anne on July 24, 2020 at 10:14 pm
There’s useful information in this text and I’m sure those who
come across it will agree. I understand that this is very off
topic , however one can not help but notice the child in the first
picture of this reading. As a mother of a little girl I would not
want OR have my daughter being displayed in such a way
that she is. It would be best if this image were omitted as soon
as possible, as it is rather inappropriate.
Reply
5. Alisha on January 24, 2018 at 7:59 pm
Wow Angie, that’s unbelievable! Thanks so much for sharing your insights and
experience, it will help others.
Reply
6. Angie Heavner on January 24, 2018 at 5:53 pm
The article on hyperactive kids is close to accurate, but missed a couple. One thing that
is unfortunetly missed is Restless Leg Syndrome. My daughter was diagnosed at 4 yrs
old with sever ADHD. She did not sleep more than 4 hrs a day, and not in a row. She
even walked in her sleep. She came off all meds by 4th grade for ADHD but was not
diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome until she was 17 yrs old. She has an extremely
severe case of RLS. She was also diagnosed with short term amensia at 18 yrs old.
The schools insist on ADHD meds and push to much on ADD or ADHD instead of
looking for other possible problems.
Reply
 marlene on June 25, 2019 at 3:56 am
An an OT with RLS/PLMD diagnosed back to age 5 and not treated till 30’s
or 40’s and still not effectively to this date, I feel for her. I use a lot of
sensory strategies to avoid the meds they push for that Good luck to you
and your daughter and thanks for getting the word . Out I have only met 2
 younger children with it and one “outgrew” it? The other couldn’t get
anything to help!

Genius Activities for Sensory Seeking Kids

by Alisha Grogan MOT, OTR/L
Understanding and providing sensory seeking activities to calm and organize sensory
seeking behaviors in your “wild” child. Products provided for review, affiliate links used.
 Would you describe your child as wild, rough, or dangerous… maybe even that they
display sensory seeking behavior regularly? Although there are a variety of reasons a
child may consistently seem to have a lot of energy or participate in extreme behaviors,
sensory seeking activities can be used to help give a safe outlet for all that energy. If
sensory processing differences are the cause of the wildness in the first place, which is
commonly the case, giving your child opportunities to get the sensory input they need
can actually improve how they process sensory input in the future! That is pretty cool,
right? As a pediatric OT, I have some tried and true sensory seeking strategies that are
effective for a wide variety of kids. Of course, each child is unique, and how your child
responds to particular sensory strategies will be unique, too.
I’m going to share with you my favorite sensory strategies for kids with sensory seeking
behavior, but I would be totally remiss in not letting you know about the FREE Sensory
Workshops! This workshop is packed with a sensory plan to help you help your sensory
kiddo.  This sensory stuff can be complex and abstract. So many families I’ve worked
with find it hard to piece it all together. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!
 
What Does Sensory Seeking Behavior Look Like?
One of the most common ways that parents describe their sensory seeking child is:
WILD. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a families house for the first time
to hear them say, “You’ve never seen a kid like mine, they climb the furniture, run
constantly, plow through other kids, and then, you would think they’d be exhausted, but
they have trouble getting to sleep.”  Of course, the truth is I HAVE seen many kids like
this!  These kids seem to be in constant motion and sometimes have a hard time
playing with other kids because they are so rough. They also may have a hard time
sitting down to focus on activities. Those activities can be anything from homework to
eating dinner.
Kids that are always seeking sensory input may even be unaware of dangers other kids
seem to notice. They may run into the street or a parking lot without a second thought
or participate in some really scary behaviors like trying to climb the refrigerator.
Why Is Your Child a Sensory Seeker?
What’s the deal? Why are some kids so active, rough, and even dangerous at times?
Well, for a variety of reasons actually. It could be diet related, strictly behavioral, or due
to differences in the way their brain processes the sensory input it receives all
throughout the day. The last of which is what we are talking about today.
From a sensory standpoint, we are talking about proprioception and vestibular in
particular, or our body’s ability to move through the environment effectively and stay
balanced.  Sensory seeking kids are often not processing the normal sensations they
receive to stimulate those sensory systems throughout the day and as a result, seek it
out more. Meaning, they want activities that give them lots of proprioceptive and/or
vestibular input.
Of course your child can seek sensory input from all of the senses, but the wild and
dangerous behaviors are usually due to these two systems. With other senses your
child may seek out:
 smelling different objects in their environment
 touching everything in sight and being messy
 loud noises, sound, and music
 bright lights, spinning objects, and high contrast pictures
 tasting, mouthing or biting on different items, toys, and foods frequently (read
more on oral sensory processing)
 
The Solution to Sensory Seeking Behavior?
The solution is to give them opportunities to participate in activities that meet their
sensory needs. For kids seeking sensory input that tend to be described as wild, rough,
or dangerous that means activities that give them a chance to move their bodies. But, it
also would mean giving them a productive or safe outlet before challenging times of the
day, like, meals, homework, and bedtime, for example. That may mean setting up
sensory activities somewhat routinely (otherwise knows as a sensory diet), or maybe
not, depending on what is comfortable and effective for you and your child.
 
Powerful Sensory Seeking Activities

Proprioceptive activities involve anything with pressure to the muscles and joints, so
actions like squeezing, hanging, climbing, and jumping give input to this sense. You
can learn more about this powerhouse sense and find dozens of proprioceptive
activities here, as well as on my Sensory Basics page.
Vestibular activities involve anything with movement, and kids tend to seek that out by
spinning, swinging, or climbing something high.
I want to share with you 4 general ways you can help your sensory seeking child calm
down and get a little organized.  I’ll give you a couple examples of free or quick ways to
 implement activities and a few items that are worthy of  investing in because they get a
lot of mileage with a wild, active sensory seeking child.
First, I’d like to introduce you to Fun and Function because they have a huge selection
of exclusive and affordable items to support kids with special needs, especially those
with sensory challenges.  I’m particularly partial to them because their founder is an OT
and mom who knows how hard it can be to find tools to help kids with sensory
challenges.  They believe in “Empowering Different”, as do I, so they are a great fit here
at Your Kid’s Table. All the products shared below are affiliate links for Fun and
Function.
 Jumping – Any jumping activity is great for sensory seekers because it is loaded
with tons of proprioceptive and vestibular input. You can let your child jump on the
couch, bed, or a trampoline, which is hands down my favorite sensory toy.  It is almost
always my first recommendation for kids that are super active, rough, or climbing the
walls.  Fun and Function gave me the Fold and Go Trampoline to try out, and we love
it! It holds up to 150lbs (yay, I can jump on it too!) and all of my kids love it, especially
my wild child. He initiates using it a lot on his own and if he seems antsy before bed or
meals I’ll have him jump on it for a few minutes before hand. The Fold and Go was
really easy to put together, I did it myself. Of course, the best part is that it can fold in
half and flat if you want it too. You do have to take out two screws and remove the
cover from the springs so it isn’t something you would do every night, but it would work
if you were traveling or wanted to put it a way for a little while.
 
The Fold and Go Trampoline from Fun and Function.
Very sturdy, no tipping or shaking with big bouncing!
  Great big bounces with safety handles.
 Climbing – Climbing also stimulates proprioception and vestibular input! Using
jungle gyms and stairs in the home are great activities. I also love the fabric tunnel,
which requires some adult help to hold one end of the tunnel open. I share a DIY
version here, or you can purchase one ready to go here. A lot of deep pressure is also
happening with the tunnel, which is very calming.
 Vibrating toys – Vibration gives a lot of proprioceptive input and some vestibular
too, believe or not. Not all kids like vibration, so you might want to try a small bug
like this first (as a therapist I’d always keep one in my bag), or if you know your kid
responds well to vibration using this vibrating seat is perfect for meals, homework, story
time, etc.
 Pressure – Squeezing into tight spaces like a designated cool down spot or
behind the couch achieve this, as well as big bear hugs.  One item in particular I’ve
been eyeing up is the Cozy Canoe. I haven’t used one of these myself, but this thing
looks awesome. While it doesn’t provide vestibular input it does give lots of
proprioception with the squeeze you get while sitting in it.  There will be times when a
really active child won’t want to sit still for this, they may need to jump on the trampoline
first or crawl through a tunnel a few times.  If I were using the canoe, I would read
bedtime stories in it or even put homework on a clipboard and let them complete in
there.
 
These strategies are do-able right? Try implementing some of these sensory seeking
activities and see how your wild child responds to them, truly it can make all the
difference for you and them! And, if you’d like even more ideas head over to Powerful
Proprioceptive Activities that Calm, Focus, & Alert.
Don’t forget to sign up for the FREE Sensory Workshop!
More About Sensory Activities
100+ Awesome and Easy Sensory Diet Activities
 Everything About Oral Sensory Processing
How to Support Sensory and Discipline Fairly
10 Sensory Red Flags

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27 Comments
1. John on January 12, 2020 at 6:19 pm
I would love to go to the free workshop but there is absolutely no information regarding
where it is located. They should update that. Hopefully it is in Southern California. It
would be great if they could post the location of where it is being held. It says to “Save
a seat” at the workshop, so I am assuming it is not an online workshop.
Reply
 Your Kids Table Team on January 13, 2020 at 1:10 pm
 Hey John,
We do have a few free workshops, but everything is Online! You do still
need to save a seat for the workshop as there are only so many people in
a session. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Best,
Desiree
Reply
2. Veronica Noah on November 18, 2019 at 5:49 am
Thank you, so much for “showing” how much my sesory-seeking level 2 ASD (with
likely SPD, based on what I’ve been seeing) son NEEDS a trampoline. I’ve known, but
not how badly he needs it and will be pushing harder for it.
Reply
 Your Kids Table Team on November 18, 2019 at 12:24 pm
Hey Veronica,
So glad that this article was helpful for you!! If you haven’t checked out our
free sensory workshop you may find some more great information for you!
You can Save Your Seat Here. Let us know if you have any questions!
Best,
Desiree
Reply
3. Heather on October 25, 2019 at 9:32 pm
Hi! Thank you so much for all the information! Some really great ideas for us to try at
home. My little guy is 2 and is definitely displaying some of these signs. His preschool
has had a rough time with him so far, as he’s rough and loud and wants to run and
jump and scream and play ALL THE TIME. It’s specifically an issue during nap time –
he won’t lie down. Any recommendations for things his teacher could do with him
during lunch or during nap time to help cool him down?
Thanks!
Reply
 Your Kids Table Team on October 28, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Hey Heather!
So glad you enjoyed our article and found some great ideas! As far as
what the teacher can do, here is a different article on 80 Proprioceptive
Activities I’d take a look at this and try some of the simple ones at home to
see his response and find ones that seem more calming for him, then
provide those suggestions to the teacher! Hope this helps, keep us posted!
Best,
Desiree
Reply
4. Kerry on October 15, 2019 at 12:03 pm
I definitely have a proprioceptive ‘wild child’!
My other children have the usual crazy toddler and 4yr old energy that sometimes
 overtakes them but when they stop my SPD child can’t.
How do I manage to calm him and the others without it all ending in tears?
Space is also limited inside the house so I try to avoid allowing them to run inside but
sometimes its not possible for them to be outside. 
Reply
 Your Kids Table Team on October 16, 2019 at 11:47 am
Hey Kerry,
Great question, we understand that using sensory activities can overly
excite children too, so you do need to be careful. I would take note to try to
find activities that are more calming for your SPD child and end with those.
If proprioceptive is overly calming you can try rhythmical activities with
singing songs (so there is an end point). I think you’d love our free
workshop on sensory processing as you learn a lot more you can Save
Your Seat Here.
Best,
Desiree
Reply
5. Nel on June 29, 2019 at 9:54 am
I have a quick question about this. My 2 year old daughter meets a lot of these
(running, crashing, jumping, won’t sleep, rough, biting when excited, holds pencil with a
death grip) My question is this: When she sits to color or play play doh, she tenses her
entire body, knees bent and feet flexed, abs tight, arms flexed. She is so flexed that she
is sweating and kind of rocking. She is definitely not autistic or SPD. Do I let her
continue sitting like this because she needs the stimulation or do I give her a healthier
alternative? thanks
Reply
 Alisha Grogan MOT, OTR/L on July 2, 2019 at 10:36 am
It sounds like you are doing a great job observing what your child is
needing with regards to sensory input! If you find that this behavior is
hurting her, I’d reach out to your doctor, but also try to look for an
alternative to help her during these activities. We also have a free
workshop that may be helpful for you in identifying sensory differences and
activities!!
Save your seat here: yourkidstable.com/workshop
Reply
 Jaime on September 30, 2019 at 4:29 am
Have you tried a wiggle seat? Worked wonders for our son!!
There’s a squishy balloon thing that goes on a chair or there
are even stools with a rounded bottom so their whole lower
body can move. Works so good for our son, we even use it at
school. Alternatively you can get a small bungee cord & cut a
pool noodle and put on the front &/or back legs of chairs!
 Reply
 Michelle on May 6, 2020 at 9:01 pm
Hello, I need some help . My son climbs on me through the
night for comfort and likes to play with my bracelet in his
sleep, he also doesn’t sit still when home learning he wiggles
a lot but doesn’t fidget?
Reply
 Your Kids Table Team on May 7, 2020 at 10:34 am
Hey Michelle,
So glad you reached out! I’d look at starting him
on a sensory diet so that he is getting appropriate
sensory input that he needs prior to seeking it
out! You can read about sensory diets HERE.
Also, we do have a free workshop to help
understand sensory needs and working through
them. You can save your seat here:
yourkidstable.com/workshop
Best,
Desiree
Reply
6. Pete on April 10, 2018 at 12:26 am
Hi there,
Our little guy is showing strong symptoms of hyposensitivity- very rough and tumble.
Always has his legs moving, always yelling rather than talking, jumping around the
couches and off very high things- loves spinning and doing very dangerous things. We
are just lucky he is extremely coordinated.
Anyway I have two questions- what sort of symptoms of hyposensitivity would you see
in an adult? I cannot seem to find any info.
and to be diagnosed with hyposensitivity do all of the symptoms need to show as my
boy does not have each one. But show very obvious signs to others.
Cheers
Reply
 Alisha on April 10, 2018 at 1:27 pm
You definitely do not need to have every single symptom. As for adults,
they are usually very active and adventure seekers. However, there isn’t
always a genetic component if that’s were you were looking in to. I hope
that helps. Did you see the sensory diet workshop? I think that would be
helpful for you if your looking for resources.
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7. Chrissy on November 20, 2017 at 11:01 pm
Hi Alisha I thought this site is brilliant we have a very active 7 year old boy very cuddly
though we just going down the sensory route we was very stunned how much extra are
 boy needs we have been to therapy sessions and I done research on sensory and I do
like the fact we are not the only ones with a wild child I found this post very useful
indeed
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 Alisha on November 28, 2017 at 2:06 pm
It can all be very overwhelming, glad you found you’re way here!
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8. Frances on June 3, 2017 at 8:03 pm
Interesting article. I have a sensory seeker, always pushing shoving, running,
grabbing , squeezing, climbing etc etc! I have read many times that jumping is good for
sensory seekers, and he absolutely loves to jump on beds or a trampoline; however I
have been reluctant to buy him one as I have found in the past that it seems over
stimulating and sends him even more crazy and his behaviour can become out of
control. An OT suggested that he may just need to jump it out and come through “the
other side” but I am very wary as his behaviour can be very unmanageable as it is and I
don’t want to buy a trampoline only to have to take it down. or ban him from it. We have
tried a small exercise “trampette” like the one in your pictures but he doesn’t like it as it
is too resistant. Any thoughts? Thanks
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 Alisha on June 9, 2017 at 11:32 am
These are really good thoughts Frances and I know exactly what you’re
talking about. First, I’d check out my post on proprioception- you’ll find a lot
more in there that will be helpful. Second, I’d really focus on doing the
jumping with him and counting or singing a nursery rhyme to keep it
structured and then move to a calming activity following like wrapping up
tightly in a blanket or playing with a toy that vibrates- both are calming, and
he may not “like” those, just some ideas. If your unsure of the trampoline
then I’d use the couch or bed and see if you can get him more regulated
before investing in the trampoline. I do love the trampoline and maybe you
could put up some ground rules about how he uses it if you get one? Just
an idea. Hope that helps!
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9. Nana Becky C. on July 20, 2016 at 10:44 pm
Hi Alisha…. Help…. What do you suggest?
In regard to the “Wild Child”… that is my grandson “B”! “B” is 3 1/2 years old. “B” has
been diagnosed with some sensory issues (but not SPD because he only has a few
sensory issues. No ADHAD or Autisim). Without going into all the details I will get
straight to my question…. How do you suggest getting the wild child” to STOP???
“B” has just begun running back and forth in the house, humming. I suggested my
daughter try the mini trampoline (which they do have). He is using it…. But, now he is
still running, and running to the tramp and jumping, and back to running. It is
continual…. He will not stop!!!
FYI… he is in OT, they have a weighted blanket, they use a chew tube, they are very
 careful with his diet, use/try oils & natural remedies…… The only thing that seems to
calm him is letting him have the iPad – which they try very hard to limit (it is currently
put away)!
Any Suggestions???
God Bless & Thank you 
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 Alisha on July 31, 2016 at 11:38 pm
Oh Nana Becky, I hear you! I can totally envision the whole scene. The
best thing to do is really to give him to the time and space to get that need
met, but if it seems to never end you may need to set a timer or end the
running. Saying something like, “10 more minutes of running and then we’ll
jump on the trampoline or play row row row your boat (while tugging on
arms.)” I would definitely ask the OT for specific suggestions, she should
have some great ideas from working directly with him! See this page too,
and sign up for this free course, which will be really
helpful!: http://www.yourkidstable.com/free-mini-course
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10. Janett on June 4, 2016 at 3:00 am
The last 2 years we have fell down the Sensory Processing (and ADHD) rabbit hole
with my now 8 year old. She met all her markers and wasn’t quite “wild”, but Grampa
correctly nick named her Live Wire! We LOVE our OT and behavioral counselors who
get the sensory needs this sweetheart needs to function, and help me and dad see the
forest through the trees when the melt downs are coming too fast!
As my husband and I read sensory books we admit to one another “I always avoided
that!” ” I like that taste but hate the feel” or “My mom knew I preferred silky over fuzzy
and bought sheets/coats/toys accordingly; I just thought she loved me, not that my
senses couldn’t stand fuzzy!”
SPD in our middle girl has totally opened our eyes to ourselves, and help us manage
our other 2 better because we assess the sensory environment/personal needs before
disciplining “wild” or disruptive behaviors.
Great site with great info on all things developmental! Thanks!
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 Alisha on June 6, 2016 at 1:12 am
Oh Janett, I can’t tell you how much I love reading comments like these!!!
Thank you for sharing, you shared so many little nuggets of wisdom in
there, it is wonderful! It is so true that so many parents have sensory
differences and so many adults feel misunderstood and/or still need to give
their own sensory systems attention. Made my day with this comment,
thank you:)
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11. Joy on May 25, 2016 at 5:19 pm
 Oh how i wish this was made available and studied earlier for my brothers sake. He is
30 now and most of the options then were medications that have had long term affects,
hospitalizations, and much counseling. This is a wonderful resesource and it provides a
sense of hope for our future generations!
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 Alisha on May 30, 2016 at 1:21 am
Thank you so much Joy for you lovely comment:)
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12. Elle on May 4, 2016 at 6:21 pm
What a great resource!! I really enjoy your site. While I am not an OT myself (I am a
trained Speech Language Pathologist assistant) I work with and see a variety of
children with sensory needs. I also have a 2 year old son. There are no concerns for
him at all with meeting appropriate developmental milestones, however these are some
great strategies to incorporate as a way for him to really expend some energy! He’s a
typical energetic and active boy   Thanks again!
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 Alisha on May 5, 2016 at 1:03 am
Hi Elle! Thank you so much for that comment, I really value your opinion!
I’m glad you found some strategies for your little guy!