At Encourage, we invest fully in our families and children, and we are committed to supporting our foster parents throughout their entire journey. One way that we come alongside our families is helping them identify tools and resources to best address the needs of the kids in their care. We currently have several kiddos with sensory challenges, and the following support items (all under $80 each) could be very helpful in their home. Would you be willing to help meet one or more needs?
Weighted blankets (we could use at least three in twin size) Weighted blankets have been known to help individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, autism and other health conditions feel calmer and sleep better. They are usually made with 10 percent of the individual’s body weight to provide firm but gentle deep pressure. Weighted blanket therapy is similar to that of swaddling an infant. Just as the firm, snug wrapping helps an infant relax and drift off to sleep, the weighted blanket helps a child with a similar effect.
Please purchase this weighted blanket (or similar).
Sensory body socks (we could use three small and medium sizes) Similar to a weighted blanket, a child will benefit from feeling calm and relaxed by the deep pressure input of the body sock. It’s a great quiet suit when a child needs help managing emotions and sleep. At other times a body sock is useful for developing motor skills.
Please purchase this sensory body sock (or similar).
Therapy swing (we could use at least three) The swinging motion helps teach a child’s brain and body to work together. This sensory integration improves coordination, balance, body awareness and concentration. The swaddling feature gives children a sense of protection and blocks out unnecessary sensory input. Therapy swings benefit children who have Sensory Processing Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, or those on the autism spectrum.
Please purchase this therapy swing (or similar).
Perhaps you are not in a season where fostering fits but you are in a season where you could be a blessing to a foster family. If you would like to encourage one of our families by purchasing an item or two from this list, we would be so grateful. Please have your item(s) shipped directly to the Encourage office at 637 College Avenue, Wooster, Ohio 44691. Be sure to let Emily Engman, LSW, (engmane@ccho.org) know of your plans in advance to prevent duplications of items purchased.
We will update this blog post when the needs are met. Thank you for giving generously!
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