By: Veronica Barriga
For parents of children on the autism spectrum, finding toys that are both engaging and developmentally supportive can feel like a challenge. With many options on the market, it can become overwhelming as we search for the right tools and sensory toys to help our special needs kiddos who struggle with body regulation difficulties.… However, the Figgy Play Couch is quickly becoming a favorite among families and therapists alike. This versatile, modular cushion set is more than just a plaything- it’s helping parents (like myself) find a lasting at-home solution because it doubles as a tool that helps little ones practice “heavy work.” Heavy work is vital for sensory seekers because it activates proprioceptive input in the muscles and joints. By incorporating heavy work into their daily or weekly home routine, children can find calmness, rest easier, and feel more grounded.
What is heavy work, and why do occupational therapists recommend this?
According to experts and leading scholars like Dr. Jane Koomar, heavy work helps organize and calm a child’s nervous system by providing a steadying force when a child may feel overwhelmed. Children with sensory processing challenges, such as those on the autism spectrum, may feel overstimulated or anxious in certain environments, and (as many of us parents know) it can be a huge struggle before bed and as they wake up in the middle of the night unable to sleep! But there are ways to help! Did you know? Heavy work provides the kind of deep sensory feedback that can calm their nervous system. Activities like climbing, pushing, jumping, brushing, and carrying weighted items allow children on the autism spectrum to release built-up energy and feel more centered.
How does Figgy play a role in occupational therapy?
The award-winning Figgy Play Couch was designed to make heavy work activities easy and fun! Crafted to be sturdy, thick (crumble-proof), and durable, the Figgy comes with six separate cushioned pieces that can be reconfigured in countless ways. And it’s quite different from other play couches- the Figgy has velcro connectors that help create dynamic and useful builds like obstacle courses, climbing pyramids, and even the perfect calming corner! Whether used as a fort, a lounge area, or a creative climbing structure, this product offers a wide variety of sensory-rich and calming experiences that engage a child’s imagination and promote motor skills. Bonus: It’s crafted in the USA, certified non-toxic, free from harmful chemicals, machine washable, spill/stain proof, and made with long-lasting CertiPUR-US foam… but any pro will tell you, the main reason occupational therapists love Figgy is that it helps parents and kids on the spectrum practice a variety of “heavy work” activities at home!
Nicole Pounds, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Clinical Outreach, says, “I’m a huge believer in the use of open-ended toys, both in the therapy space and in a home setting. The open-ended nature of Figgy offers the child and grown-up the ability to be creative. It promotes developmental skills like problem-solving, connection, communication, storytelling, motor development, and sensory processing.”
Here are a few ways to use Figgy to help sensory-seeking kids self-regulate and find calm through heavy work activities:
1. Fort Building: Building a fort is more than just fun – it embraces a variety of heavy work activities like lifting, pushing, and carrying cushions. With six individual pieces, Figgy makes it easy for even small kids to carry pieces around. Tip: if the base cushions are too large to handle, help them or have them independently move other pieces like rectangles or wedges. Figgy’s thick foam is enough to provide weight but not too heavy for kids. This allows children to move the pieces and connect and stack them onto each other. Building the perfect fort will take time while helping your little one find more centeredness!
Photo Courtesy: Figgyplay.com
2. Indoor Climbing: Once your fort is built, encourage your child to climb on it! With Figgy’s strong Velcro connectors, you can ensure your builds will stick and not crumble on or under as your child climbs and explores their epic builds! Did you know? The simple act of climbing greatly helps organize the body- something kids on the spectrum may struggle to do independently. By engaging all the muscles at once, sensory needs are met! Doing this often or incorporating climbing into a daily routine can help children rest easily and act as a natural aid before naps or bedtime. Figgy makes it easy to climb indoors and keep kids active at home.
3. Crash Pad & Jumping: Built with safety in mind and certified mattress-like foam, Figgy’s design allows kids to jump on the cushions while providing support underneath. Jumping (whether on a trampoline or a Figgy) works out the wiggles and naturally aids in helping kids with sensory solid needs feel more grounded. When in doubt, occupational therapists say, “Jump it out!” What’s more, a crash pad works wonders- have your little one run towards and, yes, crash onto a soft and inviting surface like the figgy or a bean bag. A crash pad provides fast and instant sensory feedback for kids on the spectrum who need it!
4. Blanket Swing: This exercise will likely take two people to swing one child safely, but it’s just like it sounds: bring a blanket and create a makeshift hammock. First, lay your little one in the blanket, make sure they are face up and their body flat down and centered in the blanket, and then slowly but surely start swinging them back and forth. Stay mindful- watch to ensure your little one faces up the whole time and enjoys the ride. This makeshift hammock-like swing has done wonders for my toddler before bed! The movement regulates them and helps them make sense of their surroundings. We like to place our Figgy as a flat mat underneath the blanket as we swing; this ensures our little one has a safe and calm landing pad if he decides to move quickly or unexpectedly wiggles out of the blanket. Tip: Playing classical music while you swing them will provide additional stimulus (but not too much before bed)!
5. Work it out: Wheelbarrow & Planks: Transform your Figgy play couch into an indoor toddler gym. We tried this with our brands, and they could not withstand a toddler’s weight, but Figgy rectangles can serve as a strong base on which a child can plank and balance. Simply put two rectangles across from each other and lay the child onto them; encourage kids to self-balance and hold the plank as they count to 5 or even 10 seconds! You’d be surprised how devoted and determined kids are during his exercise. If the child seeks movement, try a wheelbarrow pose, but place Figgy cushions underneath as you hold their feet up. They use their arms to stay lifted- the cushions will make it a bit more challenging for them to hold the wheelbarrow pose and promote an excellent range of successful heavy work!
For more tips and resources, check out the links below, which feature some of our favorite pediatric occupational therapists (and moms)!
TheOTButterfly.com
Courtney English | Pediatric Occupational Therapist
The OT ToolBox
To learn more about the Figgy play couch and find more helpful sensory toys and tools head over to figgyplay.com or follow @figgyplay on Instagram.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
