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In today's episode, we're joined by Matt Sloan, the innovative mind behind Sensory Fitness. Matt and I dive into the fascinating world of sensory fitness, core strengthening, and how to keep neurodiverse kids engaged in physical activities. With his unique approach combining sensory integration therapy and functional fitness, Matt shares invaluable insights and practical tips for parents striving to support their children's physical development.

From the challenges of motivating kids to the importance of core strength in everyday activities, this episode uncovers creative strategies to incorporate movement through play and fun equipment. We also explore how parents can use common household items to facilitate exercises and the role of empathy in understanding sensory difficulties. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking to adapt for neurodiverse individuals or a parent seeking effective ways to integrate physical activity into homeschooling, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring ideas.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Overview of the episode's aim: the importance of core strengthening
• Matt's business: Sensory Fitness, catering to kids and adults on the neurodiverse scale
• Combination of sensory integration therapy and fitness
• Use of functional fitness for practical strength
• Challenges in Fitness for Neurodiverse Individuals including struggles with traditional sports and activities and sensory difficulties that affect participation
• Understanding behavioral choices versus sensory overload
• The Importance of Core Strength
• Fine motor skills connection to core strength
• Crawling as an indicator of core strength
• Strategies for Enhancing Core Strength in Children
• Activities for younger children: Crawling through tunnels, Crawling while doing chores like cleaning floorboards
• Strategies for older children and teenagers include Fitness programs, Utilizing uneven surfaces like couch cushions, Obstacle courses at home or specialized facilities
• Using unusual equipment like shake weights
• Sensory Fitness Certification program overview
• Encouragement to use available equipment and creative approaches
• Ensuring kids are engaged through play
• Tailoring exercises to individual motivations
• Incorporating fitness seamlessly into play activities

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Join the Handwriting Focus Group
• Primitive Reflex Resource Guide from Homeschool OT
• The Skills Nature Builds
• How to work on Writing Without Actually Writing
• Top 3 Ways to Improve Handwriting in the Homeschool... (may not actually include writing)
• Body Sense Alphabet from Cheri Dotterer
• Episode 8- How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics
• Be a Certified Sensory Fitness Coach
• Sensory Fitness Website

Connect with our Guest, Matt Sloan

Matt Sloan is a certified occupational therapy assistant specializing in sensory integration therapy. Matt is also a fitness professional certified as a WeckMethod Master Trainer in Rotational Movement Training©, coach, and has worked as a special education teacher and adaptive PE teacher for kids with social/emotional behavior disorders for over 13 years.

He has been involved in education, fitness, and working with kids and adults of all abilities in a multitude of settings for over 30 years. He is also an accomplished wrestler, practitioner of Muay Thai, boxing, jujitsu, and MMA. Matt has competed in various wrestling, jujitsu, and boxing tournaments and received 3rd place in the All Japan Mixed Martial Arts Tournament in Fukuoka, Japan in 2005. ​

Matt also struggles with ADHD, dyslexia, and a learning disability in reading comprehension and math calculation. He struggled all through school and attributes making it through all his schooling to his amazing special education teachers and sports. Understanding that ADHD impacts life entirely, not just school, Matt uses sensory and movement strategies to help himself manage his ADHD on a daily basis to navigate work, family, relationships, and all aspects of life.

Matt now runs Sensory Fitness. A program developed to incorporate sensory integration therapy and integrative fitness. Sensory Fitness is intentional about exercises, games, and activities to stabilize joints, improve coordination, develop motor planning, and build bodies for an organized mind by using sensory strategies and functional fitness. ​ Sensory Fitness also offers in-person training for parents, educators, health practitioners, and fitness professionals to understand and utilize sensory strategies with their clients, kids, at home, and in their practices.

Find Matt and Sensory Fitness on Facebook and Instagram