“I could bounce on a trampoline and
spin in circles on the tire swing all day long.”

Miracle Maker Mom

Updated April 2021

Trampolines

LIFE SAVER!!!

We had one well before Bear was diagnosed with Autism.

Thanks to the support of our GP, we accessed an OT while he was going through the diagnosis process and she suggested SPD. We bought him a 12 ft trampoline and he practically lived in it!

All the things he can do!

He does all sorts on there:
✔️ take all his toys on there and bounce them around
✔️ use chalks and draw for ages
✔️ drag the hose or sprinkler on and make it rain
✔️ We do “steam rollers” where I would wrap my arms and legs around him tightly to pin his arms and legs down and roll from side to side in the trampoline. This would give him a lot of deep pressure, squishes and would ensure which ever parent did it had their full attention on him which is craved so much.

Good for the Bad too

It was his area to be angry in, to throw himself around in and to calm down in. He could say if anyone else was allowed in, giving him control over his environment.

One of my favourite videos of him is when we had arrived back home after a visit to the UK. At first light he was on his trampoline just bouncing around as if he was saying hello to a very much missed friend.

I would share it but in true Bear style he is half naked!

Go on, you wont regret it

So if you have the space, get one. If you don’t, try those little ones so they can bounce out some energy and get that bouncing input in their joints.

They don’t have to be expensive. Kmart Australia have a good range and check out your local Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace for second hand ones in your local area.

If you have the cash, Vuly look to be an awesome brand and can include all sorts of additions like swings, canopies and even a tent! That would have been awesome for Bear!

If you aren’t sure, check out your local trampoline centre. Our fav local one is Flip Out Trampoline Arena. He did a Parkour course there and they were so supportive of him and encouraging while being understanding that Autism can come with certain limitations.

We love Bluey

We had to downsize to an 8ft trampoline at home but he still uses it regularly and loves to play games with Husband thanks to Bluey and her dad ☺️. Check out Season 2 Episode 11 for “Trampoline” and learn how to play Scrambled Eggs!

You Spin Me Right Round Baby

As for spinning in circles, we don’t have a tire swing, but most people at the park feel ill just watching Bear on the roundabout. There is no such thing as too fast for him. It’s used as a reward when he has his Physio sessions at the park. The funniest part is watching his try to walk afterwards 😆.

And there are so many benefits to spinning that people don’t realise. So while I’m trying not to be sick just looking at him, he is receiving all sorts of sensory input, using all sorts of muscles just to hang on and if there are other kids around, learns how to share, take turns and stop if someone needs to get off.

Here is a good explanation of why spinning is so good for him…

Credit for the images goes to Miracle Maker Mom ☺️