A sensory anchor is a behavior or often repetitive activity which helps the brain feel good.  It is a sensory signal indicating the child is feeling dysregulated or needs a dose of a feel good sensation.  For our sensory kiddos, the world can be a scary, unpredictable, disorganizing, and often an uncomfortable place to be.  When the child discovers a sensory based activity that feels good to them, they tend to do it over and over.  We all do this in some fashion!  A sensory anchor helps the child feel grounded, in control of the moment, and a sense of brain organization and regulation.  Here are some examples of possible sensory anchors.....

• Lining toys/objects up
• Following a line or straight surface with the eyes
• Looking at a spinning object
• Hand flapping
• Toe walking
• Making repetitive mouth sounds
• Chewing on a non-food object
• Smelling objects or a new environment/room

It is very important to respect these sensory signals and let the child do it!        I do realize that some children perseverate and become fixated on a sensory anchor...and this is when you come into play!  Encourage and transition to a FUN heavy/hard work play activity, movement activity, or tactile activity which will also help the brain regulate and feel good!  The bubble mountain is a great choice as well!  Also, be sure to give the child a warning that it will be time to move on to something else if the child becomes stuck in the sensory anchor activity.