It looks like something out of Mummenshanz. It's like no other toy you have seen. It's a sleeper. Once kids get their hands on it, they go nuts. Here is what The Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center has to say about it:
I must admit, they are pretty strange looking, but very therapeutic! However, if you are new to these, or just want some additional ideas on how to use them therapeutically, then keep reading!
The see-through lycra/spandex "body sock" (Body Sox tm) is a movement, proprioceptive, tactile, and deep pressure experience like no other. Perhaps you are wondering what to do with this "odd" looking thing. Oh, that's easy...just climb in, zip it up, and watch your body make shapes you never thought possible (among other uses which will are suggested below).
Because Body Sox (tm) are see-through (and breathable by the way), you can have the child do several things. First, place the child in front of a full-length mirror with the body sock on. Have them stretch it into as many shapes as possible using every part of their body, and watch the silly looks they can create. Have them hold each pose for 10 or 15 seconds to increase body awareness, balance, and or proprioception.
Second, you can turn the lights off, shine a flashlight (or bigger light) on them, and use the Body Sox (tm) to make crazy looking shadows on the wall. Just as you would with your hands, challenge them to use their whole body to create as many shadow animals, shapes, objects, or letters as possible (standing, sitting, or laying down). It is a wonderful creative activity that also benefits the sensory system and body awareness!
Here's another idea... have relay races with the kids in them, giving them different directions on how to move (i.e. crawl, walk like a penguin, giant steps, baby steps, slither like a snake, commando crawl, hop, jump, etc.).
Why on earth would they do these things, you ask? Most importantly, because it's FUN! Second, because it sparks creativity and imagination. Third, because it is quite therapeutic and it feels good.
Body Sox (tm) will help children with sensory processing disorders to work on "position in space" skills. They must kinesthetically feel what their bodies are doing and how they are coordinating their body movements. Watching themselves in a mirror, or creating shadows, will help them develop t proprioceptive sense, which is often dysfunctional in children with sensory integration dysfuntion/sensory processing disorders.
The last critically therapeutic activity the "body sock" provides is heavy work/deep pressure input that is both calming and organizing. Through all of these movement activities in the lycra "body sock", they will have comfortable, resistive material to push against and have pushing against them. This will benefit both children (or adults) with tactile defensiveness as well as the sensory seeking kids (you know them...the movers, shakers, crashers, endless "energizer bunnies"!)
Declan and Tova received Body Sox as a gift 5 years ago from one of Declan's therapists. At 10 and 12, they still use them. In fact, when their cousins (3, 6, 12, and 14) came over for Thanksgiving last year, they liked them so much that we ended up giving one to each for the holidays. We have recently heard that they have begun to give Body Sox away as gifts themselves. It's cool. Trust me on this one.
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