A New Spin on Sensory Skills Therapy Classs

Sensory processing is how we take in information from the world and turn it into meaningful responses. For many, this process is automatic. But for others, it can be a source of stress and confusion. A Mindful Child we have a sensory skills therapy class that is changing the way we approach this challenge, combining innovative therapies into one powerful experience. Imagine a class where you can spin like an astronaut, explore food with intention, and float in a aerial yoga hammock. Sensory skills are best developed through peer play, making the learning process far more engaging for children. Studies consistently show that enjoyable activities not only boost engagement but also accelerate the acquisition of new skills.

This post will explore Mindful Child’s unique sensory skills therapy class that blends powerful activities. We will look at vestibular therapy through astronaut training, mindful eating for food sensitivities, and the calming practice of aerial yoga. You will discover how each component contributes to a holistic approach to sensory integration.

To the Moon and Back: Vestibular Therapy

Your vestibular system, located in your inner ear, is your internal GPS. It governs balance, spatial awareness, and coordination. When this system is underactive or overactive, it can lead to issues with movement, focus, and even emotional regulation. Vestibular therapy aims to retrain this system, and one of the most effective methods is “astronaut training.”

What is Astronaut Training?

Despite its exciting name, astronaut training doesn’t involve launching into space. Instead, it uses a specialized rotational device, like a sensory swing, aerial yoga hammock, or a spinning board, to provide controlled, multi-directional vestibular input. A therapist guides the participant through specific movements—spinning, swinging, and tilting—while they perform simple visual tasks. This combination of movement and focus helps the brain better organize and process sensory information from the inner ear.

The protocol was developed to mimic the sensory experiences of astronauts, who must adapt to gravity-free environments. The therapy helps the brain create a more accurate internal map of the body’s position in space.

The Benefits of Spinning with Purpose

The results of this targeted therapy are profound. Participants often show improvements in:

Balance and Coordination: Activities like walking, running, and even sitting still become easier.
Visual Skills: Eye tracking and focus improve, which can directly impact reading and learning.
Attention: By calming the sensory system, the brain is better able to focus on tasks.
Postural Control: A stronger sense of body awareness leads to better posture and stability.

This therapy provides a fun and engaging way to tackle serious sensory challenges. It turns what could be a difficult process into an exciting adventure.

The Art of Mindful Eating

Food sensitivities and picky eating are common among individuals with sensory processing difficulties. The texture, smell, or even the look of certain foods can trigger an overwhelming response. Mindful eating is a practice that transforms the relationship with food from one of anxiety to one of curiosity and acceptance.

More Than Just a Snack

Mindful eating is the practice of paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body. In a sensory skills class, this isn’t about forcing anyone to eat. It’s about exploration without pressure. A session might involve examining a single strawberry—noticing its color, texture, and smell before even considering a bite.

Therapists guide participants through a sensory-rich exploration:

Sight: Observing the food’s shape, colors, and patterns.
Smell: Inhaling the aroma and noticing any memories or feelings it brings up.
Touch: Feeling the food’s texture, weight, and temperature in their hands.
Sound: Listening to the sound the food makes when handled or bitten.
Taste: If comfortable, taking a small bite and noticing the flavors and sensations in the mouth.

Cultivating a Healthier Relationship with Food

This slow, deliberate approach helps desensitize the sensory system. It allows the brain to process food-related information in a low-stress environment. Over time, this can lead to a greater willingness to try new foods and reduce the anxiety around mealtimes.

The benefits extend beyond the dinner table. Mindful eating teaches self-regulation and body awareness. Participants learn to recognize their body’s hunger and fullness cues, building a foundation for intuitive eating and a positive body image.

Floating into Calm: Aerial Yoga Hammocks

Imagine being cocooned in a soft, silky fabric, suspended just a few feet off the ground. This is the experience of aerial yoga in a sensory therapy class. The aerial hammock is a powerful tool for providing deep pressure and gentle movement, two key elements for calming a disorganized nervous system.

A Gentle Embrace

The aerial yoga hammock acts like a full-body hug. This deep pressure input, known as proprioception, has an organizing effect on the brain. It tells the nervous system where the body is in space, which creates a sense of safety and security. For someone who feels constantly on edge, the gentle squeeze of the hammock can be incredibly grounding.

Unlike a traditional yoga class, the focus here is not on complex poses. Instead, aerial activities are centered on sensory regulation:

Gentle Swinging: A slow, linear back-and-forth motion is highly calming for the vestibular system.
Cocooning: Participants can wrap themselves completely in the hammock, with one of our weighed Hugimals and an essential oils, creating a quiet, dark space to retreat and reset.
Stretching: The support of the fabric allows for gentle stretches that release physical tension without demanding perfect balance.

Benefits of the Aerial Hammock

The aerial hammock offers a unique combination of sensory inputs that promote relaxation and body awareness. It provides a safe space to experience movement and pressure in a controlled way.

Regular practice can lead to:

Reduced anxiety and stress.
Improved motor planning and coordination.
Increased body awareness and confidence in movement.
Better emotional regulation and focus.

The aerial yoga hammock becomes a personal sanctuary—a place where the outside world fades away, allowing the nervous system to find its equilibrium.

A Unified Approach to Wellness

By combining different treatment modalities such astronaut training, mindful eating, and aerial yoga, this type of sensory skills therapy class offers a truly comprehensive experience. Each activity complements the others, addressing different aspects of sensory processing in a way that is both effective and enjoyable. Participants are not just learning ways to balance their nervous systems; they are embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

If you or someone you know is looking for an innovative approach toward sensory processing, exploring a class that incorporates these unique therapies could be a life-changing step. It’s an investment in understanding the body, calming the mind, and engaging with the world in a whole new way.