Oral Seeking Strategies
Tied closely to the gustatory system is our kids who require additional oral input throughout their day to remain well regulated. Sometimes the oral input can be related to taste (gustatory system), feel in the mouth/ texture (tactile system) or to the added heavy work needed to complete the task (proprioceptive system).
As with all sensory strategies, it is important that you connect with you occupational therapist to help determine what strategy would be best for your child! Each child is different and may respond differently to tools. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop what you are doing and contact your occupational therapist immediately.
Oral Seeking Strategies - Food and Drink
Provide strong flavours throughout the day to help alert the child. For example, a squirt of lemon juice, a spicy hot pepper, salt and vinegar chips.
Provide an iced cold drink to alert the child’s system
Provide crunchy or chewy foods to provide additional proprioceptive input to the mouth. For example, raw carrots, jerky, taffy.
Trial using chewing gum for additional proprioceptive input.
Note: you need to be aware if your child is able to follow the basic rules of chewing gum prior to introducing this strategy
Drink thick liquids out of a straw for added proprioceptive input
Provide fizzy/ carbonated beverages
Oral Seeking Strategies - Non-food and Drink
Provide additional input to the mouth, tongue, cheek and chins using a vibrating tool. For example, a vibrating tooth brush
Provide access to a water bottle with a straw throughout the day
Provide access to chew tools, they can be necklaces, bracelet, hand held chew tools
Provide opportunities to engage in oral seeking activities such as blowing bubbles, blowing kazoos or blowing a pinwheel
If you have any questions surrounding your child’s oral seeking needs and are looking for specific strategies for your child, please connect with us at EC Occupational Therapy!