Zoom Autism Magazine Issue 9 | Page 18

to do homework, not work my core muscles.” But after I told him about all the research I found about how therapeutic and relaxing exercise balls can be, he gave it a try. Now he is hooked! Why Jacob says it helps: “I can bounce and roll around on it, which is enjoyable. But what I really like to do is read while sitting on it. It really is relaxing. And besides, who doesn’t like a giant bouncing ball?” Where you can find it: I found our body ball at Walmart for only $8. Headset or Noise reducing Headphones A lot of Jacob’s classes are now online, which means homework is online too, and headphones really help with his focus. They also help with outside stimuli. feels. It’s cool and calming to me.” birthday presents that he uses all the time! Where you can find it: We find a lot of affordable small desk toys that we use as fidgets at Office Playground.com. They have a huge line of magnetic items that Jacob says are a must have! Magnetic Poetry Kits Personalized Mouse Pad Why Jacob says it helps: “They are headphones, Mom. It’s self-explanatory.” Where you can get it: We have had these in the picture forever, and they are fine, but I am thinking about getting these wireless ones with their own stand instead. They can be found at Office Depot and cost less than $20. Fidgets Fidgets can be very effective and helpful selfregulation tools. Almost anything can be used as a fidget to help relieve stress or increase focus and attention. My boy tends to prefer metal items and magnets. If he is sitting at a desk, he is bound to have something in his hand! Why Jacob says it helps: “I like how the metal 18 ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses Years ago we started using magnetic poetry on our refrigerator to help get Jacob’s creative writing juices flowing. You see, while he is very imaginative, he used to have problems getting started. So every day I would put up a random sentence on the fridge, and he would need to add onto it. It was a fun game we played and a great way to help him warm up to writing. While he doesn’t really need any help in that department now, we still use these magnetic poetry kits to communicate with each other. Be it words of encouragement on test day or something to make him smile, it is a wonderful addition to our workstation. Why Jacob says it helps: “It doesn’t really help me anymore, but I do enjoy reading what Mom comes up with. Although I wish she would get some different kits that would allow me to reply in a more interesting manner.” Where you can find it: Shh … don’t tell Jacob, but I just ordered this really cool new kit with famous movie one-liners! Frankly, my dear, I think he will give a damn! LOL! So this one is not really a NEED item, but it is a FUN one that makes Jacob happy just seeing it and truly customizes his workspace. Who can blame him? A personalized mousepad with your picture on it is just plain cool! Why Jacob says it helps: “It’s my face on the body of my favorite Mystery Science Theatre 3000 character with BOTS… need I say more?” Where you can find it: You can have a mouse pad made at most online photo shops, but we made ours through VISTA Print. It cost less than $10 and was one of Jacob’s favorite ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses 19