The Upside Down Trick

My son can go in hyper mode at any given time. It seems at times the moment his feet touches the ground from the bed he's in overdrive. It makes me tired just watching all the energy he gives out, ooo wee. He's at his best usually on the weekends when he's off his weekday routine. While discussing this with his occupational therapist, she suggested turning him upside down...of course in a playful manner. It seems some kids on the spectrum respond well to this type of play as it gives a calming effect.

So of course we were willing to try anything within reason and now we make it a part of his daily playtime routine at home. His father, while standing puts him up on his shoulder and dips him in front of him while holding his back and head, DeAndre holds on with his legs on dad's shoulder. Dad calls out 1...2...3 GO and dips him then back up about 4 or 5 times. DeAndre loves this. Because I'm smaller then his dad, I have to do this with him while sitting down. He faces me with his legs around my waist and I secure him with my hands behind his head and DIP, upside down he goes. I think he really likes and prefers the way dad does it, lol, but responds well to both ways. He has even come to us with gestures that this is what he wants to play. Maybe it's the blood flow going to the head. I don't know but it really does work for us. After a dip or two he's ready to sit still for a moment.

Now if I could only find a way to make the calming effect last a little longer :)

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