|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 
Most of us do not give much thought to how our bodies process information and interact with the world we live in. Though we are all familiar with sight, smell, sound and taste, we tend not to think about the other critical senses, the sense of touch, movement and body position. These senses allow us to function in everyday living. The underdevelopment or dysfunction of these senses can be very disruptive, especially for a child who is learning to cope with the world around her.
For most children, sensory integration (the organization of sensory inputs to allow the body to properly react) develops in the course of everyday activities such as the act of playing – which yields tremendous benefits. But for others, it does not develop as efficiently as it should. Sensory integration dysfunction can lead to learning, development or behavior problems in children. This is where occupational therapy using a sensory integrative approach is recommended. A trained professional will be able to work with the child on goal-oriented activities to achieve successes that are unlikely to happen in unguided play. Use Aerobloks™ in play or in therapy to help develop multi-sensory integration. The ergonomically designed Aerobloks™ and its components can significantly assist sensory integration development in children regardless of whether there is an issue with dysfunction or not. The brilliantly colored, semi-transparent inflatable blocks have proven to mesmerize children at first sight. This instant attraction is a catalyst to embracing the toy as a learning tool. Yet Aerobloks™ seems to do it all, from basic lessons in color coordinating and geometric shapes to refining fine and gross motor skills and enhancing tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive sensory development.  Specially designed Velcro connectors make it easy to attach these giant blocks to form fun-filled structures. The act of threading a Velcro strap through a slit opening on the flap connector helps kids polish fine motor skills. Lifting and maneuvering the large inflatable blocks or crawling through tunnels or running in/out of finished structures improves gross motor skills. The pliable and smooth surface of the vinyl blocks, along with the rough and fuzzy surfaces of Velcro, can help develop tactile senses. Finding the proper balance while seating on an inflated Aerobloks™ (each block can uphold 145 lbs. of stationary weight) sharpens vestibular senses. And the physical activities involved in building life-size structures and playing with them is sure to enhance proprioceptive senses. We are certain that with use, therapist and their patients will find even more uses for these amazing Aerobloks™. SENSORY INTERGRATION TERMS Tactile: The sense of touch provides information about size, shape and texture and protects the body from danger. Consider how the body reacts upon touching a sharp object, a hot surface, or a soft plush blanket. Or how do you distinguish a coin from a set of keys when you reach inside your pocket? Vestibular: The sense of movement and balance coordinates the actions of one’s head and body relative to gravity, and therefore to balance reactions. If this sense were dysfunctional, a child would not be able to walk a balance beam or look up in response to his mother’s calling and back down to his drawing without losing his place. Proprioception: The sense of body position makes it possible for a person to maneuver her fingers, arms or legs without having to observe every little action. Efficient proprioception allows the body to automatically adjust to avert a fall; it allows our hands to skillfully handle the act of buttoning, picking up food with a fork, or throwing a baseball. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
© Copyright 2004-2009, All Rights Reserved. AeroBloks™ is a patented product. |
||||||