Using a bumpy cushion at school

[Anonymous]

DD has some sensory processing issues. Her OT has discovered that she responds REALLY well to using a bumpy cushion while doing seated work. She tends to have low tone and the extra input seems to help. DD is 6 and is worried that she will be teased if she uses it at school (obviously the place it would be most important). I checked with the teacher and she will be the only one using one at this point. I think it would be better if she brings it on the first day and just uses it, rather than waiting a few days when I think it may attract more attention. I could be wrong though. Anyone else been through this? DD will be starting K, if that matters. I would not be surprised if more OT props like chewy erasers, etc are in our future, how do other kids tend to react? DD really likes the cushion that we bought, but is worried about kids thinking she is "weird" and not wanting to play with her.

[Anonymous]

Depends on how the teacher and your DD handles it I think. At least in 4yo preschool the first day it was brought in the kids were curious about it but by the end of the week nobody cared, they where even helpful and offered to get it if the kid forgot it. As long as a big deal is not made from it it should be ok.

[Anonymous]

My DD started K last week and I brought hers on the second day (only cause I forgot it in all the first day excitement). There was not a problem, nor did she say anything about being teased. I explained it to her teacher (and that it was in her IEP), and all seemed fine. For DD it makes a HUGE difference and she has used it in preK as well

[Anonymous]

what is a bumpy cushion? My DD has some sensory issues and will start school next week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what is a bumpy cushion? My DD has some sensory issues and will start school next week.

PP here...just looked up the disc' o sit...looks great! is it recommended? my DD is in constant motion, bouncing in her seat constantly.

[Anonymous]

I'd chat with your childs teacher prior to bringing one in for use, as I believe you need and IEP for 504 for any sort of individual classroom modification. I had ours included my DD's IEP as an essential modification and the teacher accepted the bumpy seat without question when I mentioned that...

[Anonymous]

When I was teaching, if I could have afforded it, I would have bought one for every child in my class!

They are so great -- and then it woudln't have been an "individual modification".

[Anonymous]

Last January we were going to buy one of these for DS to use in his kindergarten class. He used one at OT and it seemed to help. At that point, we didnt' have an IEP or a 504. I emailed his teachers and asked if they would be willing to try it if we provided it. One teacher responded that they already had them available and they would be happy to let him use it. When we were going through the IEP/504 process (which was very tough at this school), they listed it as one of the interventions they were already doing. So, in my limited experience, there wasn't any problem in getting the school to do it, even without a 504. Also, it was never an issue with the other kids and no one made fun of DS. In fact, he mentioned that a few kids wished they could use one like he did.

[Anonymous]

Wow, everyone, thanks for all of the advice!

The one we have is a wedge shape, I'm blanking on exactly how, but it gives more input than the flat one according to the OT. THis is the one we have:

http://www.southpawenterprises.com/FitBALL-Wedge-Jr-P813.aspx

[Anonymous]

thanks PP, I plan to get one of those!

[Anonymous]

We use it at the dinner table too, that plus something for under her feet and all of a sudden we have enjoyable mealtimes.

The cushions are also great for kids who have ADD or ADHD.

If you get a letter, your insurance may cover all or part of the cost as "medical equipment". Also, you may be able to seek reimbusement from your flex fund.

[Anonymous]

Do they sell these anywhere locally? I'm trying to avoid the shipping fee if I can.