Do-It-Yourself Therapy Tools

Picture Exchange Card System (PECS)

Looking for a simple way to use picture exchange card system (PECS) (i.e., photos to help your child communicate by making choices)?

Here’s how to do it without having to be an arts and crafts expert. And without buying costly supplies:

1. Take any egg carton and turn it upside down.
2. Cut small slits in the bottom of each egg receptacle—just small enough to fit a playing card-sized photo.
3. Place PECS or photos upright in the slits.
4. Have your child choose cards to make choices about their lives. They can choose visually or using their fine motor skills (pointing, taking, or grasping).

Use smaller count egg cartons if just starting out with choice making. Don’t overwhelm the child with too many choices. Mount photos or PECS to old playing cards. This creates a sturdy surface that will stay upright.

Sensory Wall

Do you have some leftover plastic plates from a BBQ or picnic? Use them to create a sensory wall activity for your child to explore. Make each plate it's very own sensory experience.

Glue different textures to each plate. Use things like beads, rice, pasta, faux fur, wooden sticks, bubble wrap, or craft pom-poms. Be creative.

Once the plates are dry you can glue them to a large piece of heavy, corrugated poster board or plaster paneling. Suction cup or Velcro them to Plexiglas so you can change up the order. Add magnets to the back and use them on your refrigerator. Perfect reach for a toddler or seated child.

Nosey Cup

Has your child's speech therapist, feeding therapist, or occupation therapist encouraged you to buy a "Nosey Cup"? This can be an expense some families cannot afford. Especially if the cup is being used on a trial only basis.

Try making your own with a simple disposable bathroom cup to practice at home.

1. Use a sturdy wax treated paper cup.
2. Cut out the right size for your child. Dispose and remake as needed.

If the cup is a good solution, spend the money on a reusable one.

Re-purpose old sponge curlers to make adapted grippers for your child. This is a low cost, easy way to adapt small items your child needs to hold onto for school or for their daily routine. The spongy curler makes for a great sensory experience as well. Especially if you can find them in different colors/sizes.

Find other tips articles using this search.