Therapy equipment can be expensive. Having a child with special needs can require a parent to purchase many of these items to properly help their child. Some of these things can be created yourself with things around your house or a simple purchase.
Adeline has been walking for about 6 months and we are trying to work on her gait and balance. We created this simple balance beam. We purchased this 10 inch wide piece of wood from Lowe's. For the first few days we just layed it on the floor to help Adeline get use to walking on it. Today I put a few plastic boxes under it. She walked ever so carefully, but she enjoyed the challenge. She would not even let me hold her hand! Later as her balance improves we will practice throwing bean bags while standing on the beam.
Did you ever play tetterball on the playground when you where a kid? This beach ball on a string reminds me of that game. We hung a hook in a doorway and added a beach ball on a string. Adeline really enjoys hitting the ball. She plays this by herself or with someone else. This activity is a great gross motor activity. It also strengthen her vision.
Our crib mattress is one of our favorite therapy type items. We use it to jump and bounce on. We also stack it to make climbing inclines.
The last of our home DIY favorites is a strong sheet or blanket. We make the sheet into a swing. This requires two people one on each end. We rock Adeline back and forth. This is great for the vestibular
system. It is also a workout for me.
