Case
Stemming

Children with ESE love to Stem and they like to do it on people or a hard object. They like to feel lots of pressure, I wanted to know if it would be appropriate to give them massage vibrator that they could use on their skin or body?

Solution #1
This is a generalization about ESE students. Not ALL ESE students love to stem. I would consult the parents of these specific students first before giving them anything.
Solution #2
I would ask the parents first if they use anything at home in order for the student to get this pressure at home that they like and if they can bring it in. If that doesn't work, I would ask your schools behavioral specialist or social worker. I then would ask the parents if getting one is okay, and if not, what ideas they have.
Solution #3
Talk with the parents of students who are stemming to see if they have tools they use at home for this. Ask them what they think of your suggestion before introducing it into your classroom.
Solution #4
Depending on the student they would like this type of stimming. It is normally students that have Autism or sensory processing disorder. Children like different types of stimming. I have dealt with students that may accept this type of stimming. Each student may need different stimuli when stmimming. I have seen students that lick paper, that need arm squeezes( in IEP), clap hands together, shake fingers and more. I get the idea of asking parents before allowing them to use massage vibrator. I do not know if I would ask parents because I would not ask them if I was going to add other toy/tool. I may have it in a central location if I was concerned in anyway.
Solution #5
I would not give anything electronic to a student. Many students have special items that they enjoy stimming with such as a special wand or pen or toy. Often times a student needs to have some sort of emotional attachment to it as well.
Solution #6
I think it would be a great idea. It is important to respect students and their desired form of stimulation, as long as it does not harm themselves or others. If you have a concern about a student's stimming, it would be smart to discuss with their parents ways in which you can redirect them and/or provide an appropriate means of stimulation. However, there is no harm in accommodating for student's stimming safely and appropriately. I have used combs, tooth brushes, string, playdough, rubber band balls, felt wires, etc. As for students that like to be rough, you could use pillows, padded mats, punching bags, bean bags, medicine balls, etc. Heck, I had a student that was obsessed with taking apart electronics, so I sent out an email asking if anyone had anything that they would not mind donating so the student could take it apart.
Solution #7
That is up to the teacher. I would also discuss that with the parent to make sure they are okay with it.
Solution #8
Ask the parents first about the massage vibrator. You don't want to provide the student wiht something that the student doesn't need or the parent's don't want.
Solution #9
I would discuss with OT the possible ways to help this student out. They have resources that can help. The OT may have a huggy vest that can be used or other tools in their office that can help with the pressure needs of the student.
Solution #10
As Uqataq has mentioned before, this is a generalization and the parents should be contacted about whether the student actually needs to stim. However, let's assume that this is the case. I think only specific types of vibrators would be okay, because it could be distracting to the other students. Other students may also try to take this vibrator from the ESE student or pester them for a turn, which can be very inconvenient to the ESE student. If this is the case, then you should find a different object.
Solution #11
I would use maybe a hard plastic hand massager, instead of a vibrating massager. This would be more appropriate.