Amanda K Myers-Speech Language Pathologist

02/07/2026

Did you grow up learning we only have 5 senses?
Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell were just the beginning.

There are three hidden sensory systems that play a HUGE role in how kids move, feel, and function every day, but they often get overlooked:

🔹 Vestibular- the sense of balance and movement https://www.theottoolbox.com/vestibular-activities/
🔹 Proprioception- the sense of body awareness and position https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-activities-improves-body-awareness/
🔹 Interoception- the sense of internal body signals like hunger, thirst, or the need to use the bathroom https://www.theottoolbox.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-interoception/

These "hidden" senses impact everything from attention and emotional regulation to posture, coordination, and toileting.

Understanding these systems can help us better support kids who seem wiggly, overwhelmed, or unaware of their own bodies. A great resource to better understand these sensory systems and how sensory seeking or over-responsiveness/ under-responsiveness impact function is The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook: https://www.theottoolbox.com/product/the-sensory-lifestyle-handbook/

01/29/2026

Proprioception! This is a tool for regulation. https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-sensory-activities/

01/27/2026

Development of independence in feeding for young children requires three aspects of bilateral coordination. Here's more on the topic and how to support feeding skills: https://www.theottoolbox.com/development-of-bilateral-coordination-feeding-skills/

01/10/2026

From feed, hay, bedding, brushes, and supplements... to vet and farrier services- the STAR program horses deserve quality care! Please consider a monthly donation for ongoing care of the 5 wonderful program horses who benefit our all ages/ all abilities participants in Equine Assisted Activities and...

12/23/2025

🧠While every child benefits from physical activity, some children exhibit a heightened need for movement. You might observe these children engaging in activities that seem unsafe, such as climbing furniture, collisions, jumping off objects, running into others while standing in line, or pushing peers in a busy environment.
🧠This behavior may be a result of their bodies seeking additional proprioceptive input. The proprioceptive system, crucial for body awareness, also significantly influences self-regulation, attention, and focus.
🧠In particular, the proprioceptive system's role in attention and focus is noteworthy. Adequate proprioceptive input helps children maintain better attention during tasks and enhances their ability to concentrate on academic or play activities.
🧠For some, engaging in physical activities that provide this input can contribute to improved focus, making it easier for them to participate in and complete various tasks. Recognizing and addressing the proprioceptive needs of these children can thus positively impact their attention span and overall ability to stay focused in different environments.
For more information on the impact of heavy work, check out this resource: https://www.theottoolbox.com/heavy-work-activities/

12/23/2025

11/26/2025

Wʜᴀᴛ ᴀʀᴇ Bʀᴀɪɴ Bʀᴇᴀᴋs?
https://www.theottoolbox.com/brain-breaks/

Short week at school, change in routines...brain breaks are needed this week!

11/18/2025

11/15/2025

Sensory Processing Disorder can manifest in different ways! Here is information you need to know about some of the possible different responses to sensory input.

http://momentousinstitute.org/blog/making-sense-of-sensory-processing

10/29/2025

Brain Breaks are important for so many reasons, and sometimes our kiddos can not verbalize the need. It may be up to the adults to be detectives,along with having built in breaks throughout the day ✨To teach this concept and put break time strategies in place, here are some helpful resources:
🧠Brain Breaks: https://www.theottoolbox.com/brain-breaks/
🩷Self-Regulation: https://www.theottoolbox.com/zones-of-regulation-activities/
🍥Visual Supports: https://www.theottoolbox.com/visual-schedules/
💌How to Create Scheduled Breaks: https://www.theottoolbox.com/how-to-create-sensory-diet/

10/29/2025

💪🏼The Proprioception System!

October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month! To help spread awareness, I am sharing a series of graphics about the 8 sensory systems.

To get a printable version of this graphic,
🗣️Comment SENSORY and I'll send you the link directly.

The proprioception system is the internal sense of movement and position (body awareness). It helps us know where our limbs are, how much force to use, and how to coordinate our movements. The receptors are in the joints, muscles, and tendons and perceive contraction, stretching, and compression.

You'll notice I included a list of possible seeking behaviors and challenges. This is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool, but rather for educational purposes. If you have any concerns or questions, please consult with your child's doctor and request an Occupational Therapy evaluation.

Some ways you can address proprioception sensitivities include:

* Weighted lap pads or vests
* Bean bag chair to sit in
* Heavy work activities
* Swimming
* Karate
* Climbing
* Playing in a sandbox
* Carry groceries
* Wearing Lycra
* Chair push-ups
* Dancing
* Washing the car
* Rolling a ball
* Yoga Stretches
* Pillow fights
* Chewing bubble gum
* Using the monkey bars at the playground

To get a printable version of this graphic,
🗣️Comment SENSORY and I'll send you the link directly.

10/29/2025

Types of grasp patterns! Of course there are different names for these grasp patterns that may be used. And we see kids progress at different rates or in different orders through this process. Here is what you need to know: https://www.theottoolbox.com/grasp-patterns/