Sensory Integration issues in 4 years child

[joy_october]

My son is 4years old and has very limited verbal speech development. Although he can underdstand most of the things and very much aware of the surroundings. Currently, going through Oral motor development therapy and ABA therapy but somehow his figitive movements are not always in control and do lot of mouthing, specially rubbing them on teeth. How should we address this mouthing behavior, if it's a sensory issue. Can anyone suggest what activities exactly to do to address this behavior?


This discussion is related to Sensory integrative dysfunction in 4-year-old boy.

[specialmom]

Hi,  drinking thick fluids through a staw such as a smoothie, milkshake or even applesauce with my sensory son loves is an excellent activity.  It really works mouth muscles and is calming and organizing to the brain.  Also the opposite, blowing bubbles or a cotton ball across a table with a straw( cut it to make it a little easier) also is a great activity.  Here is an easy activity that really little kids can do----  get a styrofoam cup (small size or medium), get some of those cleaning cloth they sell at the grocery that are fairly thin and often blue or green in color (if you need the actual name or brand, I can look) and cut it to fit over the top of the cup with some room on sides to attach.  This cloth is simular to cheese cloth but slightly more woven.  Anyway, then secure it with a rubber band.  Then take a straw and cut it in half.  Then stick it midway down into the cup (adult needs to do this).  Then get a baking a pan.  Mix some dish washing soap with some water and put the mixture into the pan.  Kids then put the top of the cup with the material side on it into the water/soap mixture and blow through the straw.  It makes mounds and mounds of bubbles and ALL kids LOVE it!!!

Anyway, chewing chewy things is good too.  Let me know if you need any other ideas,  good luck.