Gibbs Varleisha - Self-regulation & mindfulness: over 82 exercises & worksheets for sensory processing disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder

Self-Regulation & Mindfulness

Over 82 Exercises & Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder

By
Varleisha Gibbs, PhD, OTD, OTR/L

2017 by Varleisha D. Gibbs

Published by:
PESI Publishing & Media
PESI, Inc.
3839 White Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54703

Cover Design: Amy Rubenzer
Editing: Blair Davis
Layout: Amy Rubenzer & Bookmasters
Photography: Arnelle Hughes

Printed in the United States of America
ISBN: 9781683730620
All rights reserved.

About The Author

Varleisha D. Gibbs, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, founded Universal Progressive Therapy, Inc. located in New Jersey. The company is focused to provide interdisciplinary and quality therapeutic services to families. As former owner of the company, she had several opportunities to provide education, treatment, and study the areas of sensory integration, Autism Spectrum disorders, as well as family-centered care. She focused her doctoral studies on family-centered care, Autism Spectrum disorders, and the use of telerehabilitation. This innovative topic led to a publication, Family- Centered Occupational Therapy and Telerehabilitation for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders found in the journal of Occupational Therapy in Healthcare.

Dr. Gibbs speaks nationally on sensory processing strategies and self-regulation throughout the country. She is passionate to provide individuals and families with strategies to understand and care for their children. She is a full time chair/director, and associate professor, in the Masters of Occupational Therapy at Wesley College. This is Delawares first professional degree-granting program in OT.

Contents

Introduction

As an occupational therapist, a large part of my career has been operating a private practice clinic working with children and families challenged by sensory processing disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and various other neurodevelopmental disorders. Many of these children came to my practice without a diagnosis, or a diagnosis without any hope for help.

Through my work with these children, I got a glimpse into their perplexing and misunderstood world. I became utterly aware that my previous education and clinical training didnt provide me with the necessary knowledge or skills to effectively treat these kids. I had to figure out how to provide the best service to these families in desperate need.

Inspired by my personal experience with meditation, compassion and psychology, I knew there had to be a better approach to treating children who have trouble self-regulating, staying focused, managing their senses, and the other challenges they experience. I also began to study neuroscience which dramatically changed my approach.

Ultimately, I wanted to enhance each childs success at home and school through utilizing the childs senses, emotions, and executive functioning skills. I began to investigate each family and their needs individually and learned how to effectively combine and implement my training and experiences. Thats how I developed the integrated strategy of Self-Regulation and Mindfulness.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

This book consists of two parts:

Part 1 begins with an introduction to the nervous system, the brain, and the foundational science behind Self-Regulation and Mindfulness. Following are interactive lessons and worksheets appropriate for schoolage children to teach them the basic internal and external structures of the brain, as well as right and left brain functions.

- If you are looking for further knowledge or background information, Brain Nuggets are offered throughout part 1 to identify more technical and scientific terminology.

Part 2 is designed for children to learn through hands-on activities, such as self-assessments, coloring pages, games, journals and log charts. The tools are easily implemented and provide strategies for improved function at school and home leading to more daily success.

While its science driven, the activities inside Self-Regulation & Mindfulness provide practical, child-friendly lessons to teach parents, educators, therapists and children about their brain and body. Therapists, teachers and parents can utilize the included tools to improve self-regulation and awareness through the following principles.

4 Self-Regulation & Mindfulness Principles

Multisensory Integration

Emotional Regulation

Executive Functioning

Mindfulness

Self-Regulation & Mindfulness defines nine daily activity targets that are based on useful strategies to implement the four principles in the childs daily life.

9 Daily Activity Targets

Touch and Heavy Work

Hydration and Oral Motor

Metronome, Timing and Sequencing Activities

Right and Left Brain Integration

Patterns and Repetition

Breathing and Valsalva

Vision and Sound

Movement

Inhibition Strategies

The focus of these activities is to implement the nine daily targets to address various levels of need for each client. Based on Maslows hierarchy, sensory processing and mindfulness theories, I created the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness 7-Level Hierarchy.

The model provides a guide for exploring and understanding how to fulfill each clients needs. Sensory processing and basic biological needs are always viewed as a motivation or deficiency, regardless of the persons general level of functioning. The bottom of the pyramid represents the foundation of Safety and Preservation and describes each of the seven levels through Reciprocal Mindfulness at the top. When selecting activities for the child, you should have an idea of their general level of functioning as it relates to this hierarchy, as well as using the pyramid to set development goals and acknowledging progress. When assessing remember, Levels 1 through 4 on the hierarchy correspond with higher-level activities, Level 5 corresponds with mid-level activities, and Levels 6 and 7 correspond with foundational-level activities.

Part One

Lets Study the Brain

INTRODUCTION

Yes, all roads lead to the brain. However, it is important to also review the corresponding paths to get there. Lets think about the anatomy of the human nervous system. Please note that this information is not meant to replace or supplement a thorough review of neuroanatomy. In this chapter, we show the various neurological systems and the brain in a basic manner. We will start with the anatomy of trees. Yes, trees. While this may seem disconnected from the premise of this book, it will all make sense.

ANATOMY OF A TREE: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

Have you ever marveled at the wonder and beauty of trees? Trees go through various stages within their lives, as well as between seasons. My grandfather loved to practice gardening. One of his huge successes was an apple tree. I was not aware that he had planted seeds for an apple tree until one time when I came for a visit. It was simply amazing how out of nowhere, there was a yard full of plentiful, delicious apples.