0ccupational Therapists dedicate a lot of time and research educating families and children on sensory tools and strategies. Our education and follow up are based on the follow through by adults. Sensory strategies and tools that are embraced, encouraged and utilized in various settings by parents or guardians lead to success for families, parents, and the child.
Often times taking children out into public events brings anxiety for both parents and children. Fear of meltdowns, uncontrollable screaming or others staring, leads to avoidance of social events altogether. Instead of skipping those experiences lets come together and embrace sensory tools, educate the world, and show our children that there are strategies and ways to work through over stimulating environments.
Chewlery, headphones, fidgets, SPIO’s and/or weighted equipment are a few examples along with many more tools. Providing children with the opportunity to use sensory tools appropriately in community environments will promote comfort, eventually with enough practice and consistency decrease meltdowns and anxiety for both parents and children in public settings.
Overstimulating situations as adults are, at times, unavoidable. In the workforce, going to the grocery store, or even something as simple as taking your pet for a walk is all tasks, we want our children to be able to execute properly as they grow up. Exposure to strategies in real-life scenarios will help them as they grow to not only have self-regulation but to have the ability to identify solutions in various ‘uncomfortable’ settings. It is important that we start to teach them young how to identify their own emotions and educate them on the outlets and tools available to help them cope.
Provided below are events happening during or around fall break in the valley. These are great opportunities for parents to dedicate a specific time for their child with sensory needs to explore and develop strategies that could be functional for them as they continue to grow up.
If you have any questions on where to find sensory tools or if your child is having meltdowns or unable to tolerate social settings please stop by or call our Surprise or Peoria T.E.A.M. 4 Kids to schedule an evaluation with an Occupational Therapist.
10/4-10/27 ARIZONA STATE FAIR–
Arizona Exposition & State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. October 4, 2019, to October 27, 2019
10/25-10/26 BALLOON SPOOKTACULAR-
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick– 7555 N. Pima Road Scottsdale, AZ Phone: (480) 270-5000 Time: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM Price: $15 adults; $10 children 3-12
The annual Balloon Spooktacular offers a safe, fun and memorable trick-or-treat experience for the whole family. Kids of all ages will love this spectacularly spooky festival featuring nightly firework shows, live music, a pumpkin patch, and a free KidsZone. More than 20 majestic hot air balloons illuminate the sky as they participate in the world’s longest continuous glow at over 3 hours, as well as offering tethered balloon rides and balloon candy stations serving up more than 4,000 pounds of candy.
10/04-10/31 SEA LIFE UNDERWATER SUPERHERO SPOOKTACULAR
SEA LIFE Arizona
5000 S Arizona Mills Circle Ste. 135 Ste. 145 Tempe, AZ Time: 10:00 AM Price: $14.95 Stop by Sea Life Arizona’s Underwater Superhero Spooktacular, a festive, family-friendly celebration complete with superheroes, costumes, some unconventional pumpkin carving and plenty of goodies and prizes up for grabs.
10/26 BUCKEYE CARNIVAL
Earl Edgar Complex 500 S. Miller Road Buckeye, AZ Phone: 6233496613 Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
This is a family event that features exciting carnival games, bingo, Krazy cars, cake walk, petty zoo, pony rides, food and much more! Tickets can be purchased to participate in activities and are $.50 each. Activities and food range in cost from 1-10 tickets. All booths, food, and activities are operated by local nonprofit groups and 100% of the proceeds raised go back into our community.
