I combined two things I observed my son had an attraction to, and added 1 element that he didn't, and got a magically fun developmental outcome! 1. Balloons- texture and sound 2. Bubbles- touch and visual 3. Bath. I alternated between air/water balloons with bubble bath and as a "surprise" treat, I would add the bubble machine & blow lots and lots of bubbles into the tub! Many of which landed on him and he loved it! This is both fun and messy so lay down the towels and have at it!

​

Results: Connection; Teaching methods/opportunities discovered; Sensory stimuli/ regulation, and FUN!

​

Sight- Identify which were hot/cold balloons and visual of colors; Touch- Texture of water-balloons and bubbles in tub, Stimulation-Temperature of balloons on surface and when popped (hot/cold balloons); Activity- Try to sink air balloons, reshaping water-balloons, and try to pop water-balloons

This fun pastime is good for much more than building! I originally began using Lego's as a disconnect-to-connect tool. Meaning I wanted him to disconnect from t.v. and connect/communicate with me. I learned that during our 4 or more hour time together I could determine how much "written" instructions he understood and how often (if ever) he would refer to the visual guide; how well he worked with the small parts; how "focused" he could be with a task when he understood it, and how much more he was using both hands together rather than one-handed or cross dominance.

​

Results: Connection, Teaching methods, Occupational Therapy, Development of motor skills, Great time together

My mother and my son would often conduct daytime/nighttime "award shows" and "acceptance speeches". This activity helped to build his communication skills and confidence. It was here that my son discovered his dream of wanting to win an Oscar (or any award), and the art of  grabbing an audience's attention!!!

​

Results: Connection, Communication skills, Teaching method, Confidence builder

In school my son planted a kidney bean that began growing by end of school year. When he brought it home we re-potted it and he took great care of it! He enjoyed watching it evolve into a budded plant that produced lots of new kidney beans. We eventually got more plants and that became his first household chore! 

​

FUN FACT: The plant he is watering is from his kidney bean!

The kitchen can be the perfect setting for teaching ! From early learning (colors, shapes,and numbers) to basic math (counting and measurements), cooking can provide a yummy opportunity to teach! But don't stop there! Get your Occupational Therapy on with the use of materials and utensils! 

I initially bought art supplies and canvas materials because I though I had a Picasso in the making. During my observations I noticed that he would watch the opening and closing credits of movies and television programs that he favored (i.e., Sesame Street, Disney, Pixar, etc.). He would sit with his dry-erase board and draw with precision logo's, character's, signature's! However, we given the "task" to be artistic, we barley got the drawing of a maple leaf! HA! We turned that attempt at understanding and developing a talent, into working on OT developmental goals at  at home!

As a means of teaching responsibility and a desire to earn an income, my son got a job working within the community we once lived!

​

Lesson:

​

"When someone gives you money, they can tell you how to spend it...When you EARN your own money, you spend it how YOU choose to!