We often get requests from families for equipment that we use in the clinic. When we refer them to equipment suppliers, they are often unable to afford the high price tag. Here are some items we often use in the clinic that you can make at home (disclaimer: these have not been made by the therapists here, these are moms who are handy and want to share how they fabricated their own equipment).
THERAPY SWING:
This swing was fabricated by a mom who has a blog about her child with autism. It looks pretty simple to make. Let us know if you give it a try! Find the link here.
CRASH PAD:
This mom explains how to make your own crash pad like we have in our gym. I love her ideas for getting the kids involved. Find the link here.
BODY SOCK:
How about this cool body sock? We have a couple here but if you have seen them, they are a fun way to incorporate heavy work into playtime. This mom shows you how to turn a piece of lycra into your child’s very own body sock! Fun! Find the link here.
PRESSURE VEST:
This mom made a pressure vest for her daughter. If your therapist has recommended a pressure vest at any time, this may work for you. We would like you to talk to your therapist before you make one so you know prescriptively exactly what your child would benefit from. But if you can make it yourself, that would be great! Find the link here.
STRETCHY RESISTANCE BANDS:
This mom made stretchy resistance bands for her kids to help with heavy work play for her kiddos. This is something that would be really fun for siblings. Find the link here.
WEIGHTED BLANKET:
This mom used polyfil to make a weighted blanket. There are lots of links out there for making your own weighted blankets. Etsy sells some too. This seems like it would be good because of the individual pillows holding it all together. Find the link here.
STRETCHY SHEET:
So many of our kids have trouble quieting their bodies to go to sleep at night. Sometimes a super stretchy sheet can help. This mom made one using stretchy material. Seems pretty easy! Find the link here.
If you have made something you would like to share, please do so below in the comments section or share with your OT. Also if you try any of these, let us know!
Advanced Pediatric Therapies 