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sensory
integration swings are valuable as therapy for autistic
children. Many articles (see samples below) reveal in
detail of how swings can be incorporated in a classroom setting,
at a backyard at home, or in some other space in the house such
as a basement.
True, swings
don't apply to all autistic children who are highly sensitive
and prefer to draw away from sensory stimulants such as swings,
but for the most part swings provide an important sensory
integration tool for helping autistic children integrate
spatial, movement, and balance awareness that are provided by
the simple act of swinging.
Thus, a wide
variety of swings are needed, from fabric "wrap" type
swings to wooden platforms to canvas seat type swings.
These are specially designed for the autistic child.
Interview and
Articles:
"If
children are oversensitive or defensive to movement experiences,
their feet will never leave the ground. They will shun
playground equipment and object to riding in the car or
elevator. They may refuse to be picked up. Or, if they are
under-responsive, they may crave intense movement, and seem
always to be in upside-down positions, swinging on the tire
swing for long periods, and on-the-go constantly -- jumping,
bouncing, rocking and swaying. - Interview
with Carol Kranowitz, author of the Out-of-Sync
Child.
"Perhaps
you are shopping for a
gift for an autistic child. Perhaps you are planning how to
set up your back yard for a son or daughter who is autistic. A
swing can be a valuable investment and help children with
sensory integration." - Sensory
Integration Products, Swings Boost Ability for Autistic Kids,
by Lynn
Moore.
"Sensory
Integration should not be written on formal IEP documentation
UNLESS, the district intends to provide SI therapy on site or
allow the parent to have their child attend an SI Clinic.
General understanding of SI therapy is that provided by a “SI
certified” therapist, in an environment equipped for SI
treatment. This “environment” normally a “clinic
space”, with a variety of activities available, including
suspended equipment and climbing apparatus (swings, platforms,
ramps, slides) as well as the use of other sensory activities
for sensory input enrichment. This environment in not currently
available at any school sites we serve in the Bay Area and this
is not appropriate for academic school based therapy." - Sensory
Integration Evaluations and Treatment in the academic setting

See more
swings here in a variety of styles.
Pictures, price and description included.
You can find
parts for swing sets at these sites:
http://www.componentplaygrounds.com/
http://www.allswingsets.com/Products/productList.asp
http://www.swingplans.com/free_porch_swing_swivel_hooks.html
Incredible
sensory swings here!
http://www.out-of-sync-child.com
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