Helpful Handy Hints©

Finding Reinforcers
This is an area that is often problematic for many of our students. The key is to observe their behaviours when left
to their own devices and then to use these as a starting point. Remember that a student’s reaction to sensory
input can vary between days and even within a day. Therefore, whenever sensory strategies are being used,
careful observation of the student’s reactions is advised. For students with variable or inconsistent reactions to
sensory input, an assessment with an Occupational Therapist may be advisable.

Behaviours Observed The student gazes at lights or out of the window, fixates at rotating objects, looks
at his hands or flaps his fingers in front of his eyes.
Type of self-stimulation Visual
Spinning discs Light toys (such as spinning Executive toys (such as Useful websites
Laser discs fan or ball) swinging balls) SEN Switcher
Spinning toys Flashing toys (such as Sparking toys (such as toy [Link]
Sand egg timers or oil droppers bouncing ball or stress toy) gun or spinning toy ngflwebsite/sen/[Link]
Snow globes Spinning tops Kaleidoscope
TV or video Wind-up toys View Master Priory Woods School
Computer screensaver Coloured acetate sheets Coil toys [Link]
programmes [Link]

Behaviours Observed The student vocalises, hums, clicks his tongue, taps furniture or clicks fingers
Type of self-stimulation Auditory (Sound)
Drum Toys that make noise Talking toys (such as Stethoscopes
Triangle Clackers Furbies ) Music
Musical instruments Bells Buzz toys Conversation with another
Radio Whistles Toy piano or keyboard person
Push-pull toys that make noise Tambourine Music boxes Talking books
Hair dryers TV or video Walkman or CD player

Behaviours Observed The student touches his own or another person’s body parts, pinches himself,
places his fingers or objects in his mouth.
Type of self-stimulation Tactile (Touch)
Shower scrunchies Items that touch the Hand painting Sand or water play
Soft toys students’ body Face painting Offcuts of different textured
Puppets Koosh ball Blankets materials (such as fur, felt,
Talc Silly putty Make up brush cotton, nylon etc)
Electric fan Vibrating or buzz toys Hand or foot massage Scrubbing brush
Shaving cream Massager Hand lotion Pan scourers

Behaviours Observed The student rocks, bounces or spins his body. He has strange postures (such as
head stands or upside-down), toe walks, holds head on one side or head bangs.
Type of self-stimulation Vestibular (Movement) or Proprioceptive (Body Sense)
Items that recreate motion or Therapy or Pilates ball Barrels to roll in or on Slide
body position Hammock Pedal cars Roundabouts
Rocking horse Swing Spinning office chair Trampolines
Rocking chair Action rhymes Balance ball Push/Pull games against
Firm stroking or patting of body Vibration or buzz toys resistance (such as another
parts student allows or seeks person)

Behaviours Observed The student smells self, other people, items or equipment
Type of self-stimulation Smell
Items that smell Aromatherapy Play dough Flowers
Scented pens and crayons oils Scented candles Make a “Smell Kit”
Incense
To make a “Smell kit” use some small Some ideas could be :  Soap or Washing up liquid
containers with lids (such as empty camera film  Herbs and Spices  Cake essences (such as vanilla,
containers), place some scented items in the  Peppermint coffee, coconut etc.)
container and top with cotton wool. Keep lid  Onion
closed until needed.  Citrus oil extracts

Behaviours Observed The student licks himself or other people. He may lick objects or put them in his
mouth.
Type of self-stimulation Oral-motor or Taste
Sweet and sour contrasts (such Items that have different Put lots of ice into cold For oral stimulation try:
as lemon or lime juice) tastes drinks Aquarium air tubing to chew
Hot and cold contrasts (such as Strong flavoured crisps or Thick shakes through a Teething rings and toys
fried ice cream) sweets straw Chewing gum or sweets
Textiles to chew
Tooth and tongue brushing
Try an electric toothbrush

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