Objects You Already Own that Can be Used for Therapy at Home

Got a home exercise program that requires some equipment? No problem! There’s a

good chance you already own everything you need at home. While specialized

equipment can be useful, there are many household items that can be used for

strengthening, regulation, and progressing your child’s exercises. Let’s dive into some

options!

• Pushing a loaded laundry basket - great for strengthening & heavy work for

kids with ASD and sensory processing disorders

Pushing the wall away - standing and pushing into a wall is great for

sensory regulation

• Empty diaper box - Throw a bag of rice, beans or other weighted object

into an empty diaper box and tape it back up. Now you’ve got a perfect

surface to practice tall kneeling and pulling to stand that won’t tip over.

• Filled grocery bags - Having your child pick up grocery bags from the floor

and hand them to you is great for strengthening and another example of

heavy work

• Broom Sticks and textbooks - need some small steps for your new walker?

Textbooks or a broom stick obstacle can be a great way to introduce your

child to steps and introduce navigating obstacles

• Couch cushions - Challenge your crawler or walker’s balance by having

them move across couch cushions placed on the floor!

These are just a few ways to use household items to support your child’s therapy goals.

While specialized equipment can be great, don’t forget about things you already own.

Remember to be creative and have fun with home exercise programs!