Relaxation game.

Okay, one of my biggest challenges in life is my rigid thinking and inability to be "naturally flexible" in regards to my immediate reaction to stress.  I  react, and then think, which has not always worked out well for me.  My child is very much the same and has spent a large portion of his school career learning "flexible thinking".  This is mostly a good thing, I think.  "Mostly", because I think it's a good skill to have, obviously.  I just am not sure that it's always taught with respect for his neurology and is often taught at the expense of what I am trying to teach him in regards to self advocacy.

One of his therapists suggested a game that I thought was pretty awesome.  It's a regular old ball and she wrote different phrases like "Find a happy place" or "Take a deep breath" to help him practice relaxation techniques.  We toss the ball back and forth and wherever his right thumb lands is the "relaxation" that he needs to practice.  

I wanted to do this game at home with him, but I changed it up a bit to include some important self advocacy skills.  Like, "Say or sign "NO!" and "Think of a way to ask for a break!".   So, we did it and he LOVES it.  My personal favorite is "LOUD HANDS!" because he sure loves his loud hands!   I think that you could customize this ball to your individual child's needs, and even use PECS cards or pictures.  I used words because my child happens to be hyperlexic and words and reading are big motivators for him.  Anyway, I wanted to share some pictures, and yes, the "WILD card" is the Ice King from "Adventure Time" because our house is totally inappropriate.