Autism Monthadult Sized Swing Set
With the sadness of the Boston Marathon on Monday, I think the world needs to hear something good something GREAT.
Superman and I had a fantastic weekend. We spent our Saturday morning and afternoon serving one of my favorite families building a special needs/adult sized swing set in their backyard.
My dear friend, Susan and her husband Joe, have a sweet 13 year old boy with severe autism. Although their sweet Cale is non-verbal, they know that he LOVES to swing. Several weeks ago, Susan emailed me and asked if Superman knew anyone who could come give her a quote to build an adult sized swing in her backyard. Her sweet little boy is a big, growing boy, so the frame would need to be sturdy.
When I asked Superman, he immediately suggested that we get some people together and build it as a service project. See how smart he is? Thats why I keep him around Im still trying to figure out why he keeps ME around. Ill let you know when I figure it out.
And on Saturday, we had the extreme privilege of working along side some of the most wonderful people I know. I am honored and humbled to call them all friends. And I sat with Susan and watched as our idea became a reality. And Susans long awaited dream for her son came to fruition.
Then, using a saw and chisel, he cut out the openings where the 4×4 legs would rest:
And this:
To secure the 4×4 legs to the 6×6 beam, Superman drilled holes all the way through the legs and beam, like this:
And this:
UPDATE:
Are Sensory Swings Safe
There are many inherent dangers in any swing set up, so adult supervision is always advised. You can minimize the risks by hanging your swing in an area where there are few obstacles and placing a soft crash mat below the swing. Also, take your childâs individual needs into account when choosing a swing. Some things to consider may be:
- Does your child need more or less physical support?
- Will certain types of material contribute to their sensory needs or cause sensory aversion?
- Will your child need a swing with straps to help hold them in place?
Common Questions On Llld Therapy Swing Sensory Swing For Adults For Adults Indoor Therapy Swing For Kids To Play & Calm Hanging Hammock Therapy Swing For Autism Child
What is the weight limit for the LLLD Therapy Swing Sensory Swing for Adults?The weight limit for the LLLD Therapy Swing Sensory Swing for Adults is 220 pounds.
What is the purpose of the LLLD Therapy Swing Sensory Swing for Adults?The LLLD Therapy Swing Sensory Swing for Adults is designed to provide a calming and sensory experience for children with autism.
How long can children use the LLLD Therapy Swing Sensory Swing for Adults?There is no specified time limit for how long children can use the LLLD Therapy Swing Sensory Swing for Adults. However, it is recommended that children take breaks every 20-30 minutes to avoid over-stimulation.
Why We Like This
Comfortable adult sensory swing Easy to use Easy to install A relaxing space for kids Durable and safe
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Best Sensory Swings For Autism
Sensory swings are frequently used as a therapeutic tool for children with autism. Many parents have securely installed sensory swings in their home as a way of calming their children who have sensory issues.
We have reviewed the top-rated sensory swings, provided an overview of each and summarized the reviews of customers who have used the swings. We hope to give you enough information to assist you in choosing the right swing for yours or your childs needs.
All of the sensory swings weve highlighted are for indoor use and are not appropriate for use outdoors.
We provide information about the benefits of sensory swings below but lets jump into our product reviews first so you can compare the differences and consider which one is right for your and your child.
Our pics for the best sensory swings, in no particular order, include:
Review Of The Sensory4u
SENSORY4U offers a quality product in their Lycra Sensory Swing. Its made from very stretchy fabric. In spite of its stretchiness, this lycra sensory swing feels supportive around the body. Just make sure when you install it to leave enough clearance from the floor! Over time the fabric does begin to stretch out, but the height can be adjusted to accommodate the additional length.
This swing is the only one we reviewed that offers a fun print. Kids will spend hours in this swing, enjoying the soothing motion and snug but comfortable fit. Even tall adults can fit into this swing
The SENSORY4U Lycra Sensory Swing is not the best option for toddlers, as its tough for them to maneuver entry on their own.
The hardware included with the SENSORY4U made installation a cinch. No special tools or skill needed.
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Hammock Chair For Adults And Teens
A hammock chair makes a great stress relief space for adults and teens with autism or ADHD who have outgrown other sensory swings. This swing style is best for older kids and adults as the ropes could be a tangling hazard for young children. I hang a hammock chair from my porch ceiling during the warm weather months and sit in it to decompress after work. Its also the perfect spot to lounge with a glass of lemonade and a book on weekends. I love the striped design it makes me happy!
Review Of The Dreamgym
We like the unique design of this DreamGYM Net Therapy Swing. There are so many positives with this sensory swing, that we give it an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Aside from its different design, DreamGYM sensory swing is made with quality nylon cord, unlike its counterparts which are made from fabric. The nylon cord is comfortable. It doesnt bind, nor is it itchy.
Parents will feel comfortable letting their kids dangle above the floor in this swing. Its quality components and workmanship are sure to provide many years of swinging pleasure.
The installation is simple, but bar fits quite snugly into the brackets, making it sticky to remove. The DreamGYM can hold up to 220 lbs, so this might be a good option if the whole family plans to enjoy this swing.
Not only is the DreamGYM sturdy and comfy, it is effective in avoiding over-stimulation and meltdowns. On top of being effective, kids just plain love spending time in it.
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Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support
For years, occupational therapists have been using autism sensory swings as a way to teach the body and mind to work together. They provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, which stimulates your childs senses. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder have a hard time filtering and organizing sensory input. This overflow of information puts stress on the nervous system, causing sensory meltdowns. Sensory input, like cuddling and swinging, calms the bodys fight or flight response. Sensory swings make your child feel safe, soothing their overly stimulated senses.The vestibular system is the most important of the bodys senses. It lets us know if were moving, how fast were moving, and in which direction were headed. A developed vestibular system allows us to navigate our environment with confidence. This is because our brain knows exactly where the body is in relation to other objects.Another benefit of sensory swings is an increase balance and coordination. When children have trouble processing vestibular input, their body doesnt know how to move within their environment. As your child sits in their sensory swing, they gain confidence that their body is safe even when their feet are off the ground. The stronger these associations become, the more their balance improves. From increasing attention span, to improving coordination, the benefits of sensory swings are endless.Doorway Trapeze Bar and Gym Rings Combo – RedThis kit includes: This kit includes:
Therapy Swings For Autism Spectrum Disorder
I remember the first time I took my niece to the park. My sister and I put her in a swing and gentlystarted pushing. My niece immediatelygot agitated and wanted out. Fastforward a few years when she was diagnosed with Autism and suddenly, thatexperience made more sense. For mostpeople, combining their sensory experience isnt a problem. But for someone with autism, processing thestimuli of sight, smell, sound, touch, taste and balance is overwhelming. My sister worried that her daughter wouldntbe able to experience typical childrens childhood things like swinging andenjoy them. That worry was abatedhowever when my nieces occupational therapist began using a therapy swing.
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Common Questions On Therapy Swing For Kids Lycra Swing Sensory Hammock Swing Cuddle Swing Special Needs Hanging Kit Included Outdoor Indoor Cocoon Swing For Kids Children Adults Hammock With Autism Adhd Add Spd Aspergers
Why We Like This
The Therapy Swing for Kids is designed for children and teens with Sensory Processing Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD, or those on the autism spectrum. The Cuddle Swing helps children learn body awareness, balance, motor planning, and spatial skills. The Hammock Swing Chair also provides sensory pressure all over and creates a fun space to bounce, swing, spin, or lie down enjoying the movement towards the swing. The swing promotes coordination and balance, strengthens muscles, and improves motor skills! The swing is also washable , so you can take care of messes easily.
Where Your Childs Swing Should Go
As expected, you may be considering putting your swing outside or to purchase a play set for your children to play on. Placing a swing set outside is the most common space, but know that it is also important to have a swing that is accessible for indoor usage too. Inclement weather and late night episodes happen. You want to have a swing accessible for your child at all times to help calm them without any interrupted disturbances. The possibility for an indoor swing is available and with a little creativity and ingenuity, can be installed in your home.
Swinging can help autistic children achieve developmental milestones. For help finding your next swing, look to our swings page. For help with installation, watch our YouTube videos for a visual explanation.
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Understanding Autism Adhd Neurodivergence And Sensory Processing Differences
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for a variety of conditions that affect the way people think, communicate, and experience the world. The two conditions most people think of first when it comes to neurodivergence are autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , but sensory processing disorder can also be diagnosed in people who have other brain-based conditions. Many children and adults with disabilities such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy struggle with sensory regulation. People with depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and anxiety can also have sensory processing differences.
People with sensory processing disorder typically have difficulties with hypersensitivity, hypersensitivity, and proprioception the bodys ability to sense itself and manage its position in space. People who are hypersensitive find certain sensory stimuli to be overwhelming or even painful. They are unusually sensitive to sounds, smells, textures, tastes, and/or lights. They often find crowds and loud busy places to be overwhelming. People who are hyposensitive may not notice pain, and may be sensory-seeking, enjoying rocking, fidgeting, tight clothing, weighted blankets, etc. Note that most neurodivergent people are some combination of both sensory-averse and sensory-seeking, but our needs and preferences vary significantly.
What Is A Sensory Room
A sensory room is a room that is designed to provide sensory stimulation in a safe, controlled, and relaxing environment. It includes a wide variety of sensory stimulators that people can interact with through visual, tactile, and auditory experiences. Sensory rooms are beneficial for children and adults alike, but they are especially useful for individuals with autism.
Since many people who have autism struggle with a dysfunctional sensory system, sensory rooms are perfect environments. Traditional treatment spaces are often washed out by bright fluorescent lights and permeated by unpredictable noise. Sensory rooms are constructed intentionally to be devoid of these overwhelming stimulating factors.
Some of the sensory stimulators offered in these rooms include deep pressure rollers, swings, interactive wall panels, bean bag chairs, weighted blankets, balance beams, and more. People with autism can immerse themselves in these comforting experiences as a way to manage their usually overwhelmed sensory systems.
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What Is A Sensory Swing
Most kids crave movement and can be found scooting, crawling, spinning, and running from dusk to dawn. Toddlers can be especially rambunctious, with parents complaining that their kids are always getting into everything and never sitting still!
All of this movement has a developmental purpose. Youâre probably familiar with the basic five senses of taste, smell, vision, touch, and hearing. But have you heard of the vestibular or proprioceptive sense?
The vestibular sense describes your bodyâs ability to understand where it is in space. Are you moving? Spinning? Sitting up? Are you walking forward or falling to the ground? This sense is controlled by fluid in the inner ear and is an important physical development for young children.
Proprioceptive sense, on the other hand, describes your bodyâs ability to understand how you are moving and using your muscles and where your body is in relation to itself. In other words, is your hand above your head or in your lap? Are you trying to lift something heavy or light? A strong sense of body awareness can enhance coordination skills.
Working on developing vestibular and proprioceptive capabilities is important for all kids, but especially children with special needs who may find it harder to develop these skills. Sitting on a swing at a playground is a great way to help your childâs body learn these senses.
Therapeutic Swings And Swinging
Therapeutic swings offer vestibular stimulation to individuals with sensory processing disorders and other special needs. The gentle back-and-forth motion of swings soothes, improves balance, and develops important motor skills.
Sensory swings for adults and children vary. Several types of therapy swings engage and support users in different ways. For instance, the Snug Hug Cozy Swing applies total body pressure as it moves, soothing people with sensory issues common in autism, Aspergers Syndrome, and other disorders.
Our square carpeted platform swing supports up to 300 pounds, making it a good option for teenagers and adults.
High backed swing seats and other adaptive swing seats allow users with mobility disabilities to fully participate in the therapeutic benefits of swinging.
Swinging is a fun, simple activity with many benefits for those with special needs. Install any of these swings on a swing frame in your home, classroom, or outdoors!
Select from our therapy swings below, or fill out our adaptive swing seats measurement form to receive a personalized list of recommended swings and accessories that fit your needs.
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Causes Of Sensory Overload
The cause of SPDs is poorly understood and can differ based on whether a person has autism, ADHD, PTSD, or other developmental or psychiatric disorders.
What is known is that children with autism typically lack social attention, meaning the awareness of social cues and the expected modes of social interactions. On the flip side, they will often be hyperattentive to objects or environmental stimuli that others either filter out or fail to notice.
This imbalance in attention and the inability to shift focus between the larger environment and smaller details may account for why 95.8% of children with autism experience SPDs, according to a 2020 study in the Frontiers of Integrative Neuroscience.
The types of stimuli that trigger sensory overload can also vary from one person to the next. They may include:
- Sounds: Especially persistent sounds like lawnmowers, washing machines, ticking clocks, or dripping water
- Sights: Such as a flickering fluorescent lamp or curtains that flutter
- Smells: Particularly heavy or distinct smells such as cleaning supplies, perfumes, new carpets, or foods
- Textures: Such as eating slippery foods or touching a slimy gel
Sensory Swings For Autism And Adhd We Recommend
In this sensory swings guide, Ive included a variety of choices and described the different experiences and sensations they provide. Whether you prefer gentle motion, flying high in the air, or something in between, I hope youll find what you need on this list!
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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How Much Clearance Is Needed For A Sensory Swing
This depends on the height of your child and how you will be using your swing, but a good rule to follow is allowing at least two feet from the floor to the bottom of your swing. However, sometimes we like to lower our sensory swing so Ivan can lay on his stomach and touch the floor. The best swing set up lets you raise and lower the swing as needed. We use therapy swing ropes and height adjusters so we can change the height of the swing with ease.
How Do I Hang A Sensory Swing
There are actually a few different options for how to hang your swing. Assuming you are creating an indoor sensory space, you can purchase all the hardware necessary to create a strong set of hooks in your ceiling through Fun and Function. We bought their Multi-Point Ceiling Swing Suspension Kit that provides multiple hanging options all in one frame and can be easily attached to a support beam in your ceiling. We did hire a professional to hang the kit since we wanted to make sure it was safe, but it was just one unit and easy for him to install.
Check out the video below to see how we have our swing set up in our living room:
For a simpler hook, you can also purchase a heavy duty ceiling hook and screw it into a thick hardwood in a doorframe. Before we had our current swing installed, we used a four inch hook and this works well if you have a large door space . Itâs less versatile than a ceiling support system, but less expensive. You can also look at a doorway bracket to hang a narrow swing in a doorway.
Finally, if you donât think you can manage anything hanging from your ceiling or a doorframe, you can opt for a free standing swing frame. Just be sure to check the weight restrictions on the frame before you buy it.
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