Martial arts are an amazing way to help many sensory kids manage self-regulation and other issues that go along with Sensory Processing Disorder. I can’t tell you how many parents have said Karate or some other form of martial arts have given their kids self-discipline and better focus. Read the story below and consider if…
On our parent discussion board (which you are welcome to join), we sometimes get posts from parents who know their children have Sensory Processing Disorder but later discover their children also are Autistic. “To be completely honest, I thought I was well educated on special education. I mean after all, I have worked with several…
Understanding Sensory Dysfunction: Learning, Development and Sensory Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Bipolar Disorder By Liz McKendry Anderson, Polly Godwin Emmons Understanding Sensory Dysfunction is a clear and comprehensive resource to identifying and addressing sensory dysfunction in children, using a range of practical strategies to help them reach their full potential at…
Children inherently want to please, they do not want to misbehave or get in trouble.This concept is very important to remember when addressing a meltdown in theclassroom or other school setting, such as in the gym or cafeteria. The meltdown isoften misunderstood for attention seeking or spoiled behavior or simply the childtrying to get what they want out of the situation. This…
Who is tired of complaining about the cruddy weather and snow? (Okay, all you Australians. You can stop telling us it’s SUMMER where you are. Ha!) With the unbelievable chill, we’ve been trapped indoors just like many of you have been. So tell me what you’ve been doing to keep your sanity while trapped inside…
When you see your child ramping up toward a meltdown, there are many tricks you can pull out of your bag. Well, Sesame Street finally made a video with one of the ones I love — breathing. Yeah, I know. It sounds simple but “belly breathing” can be an effective tool in getting your child…
Book: How to Make & Keep Friends: Tips for Kids to Overcome 50 Common Social Challenges by Nadine Briggs and Donna Shea How to Make & Keep Friends offers social skills and friendship advice presented in an easy to read, reference guide format. While geared toward elementary school kids, many teens and adults report they are finding these…
“Learning the essential skills to become your child’s advocate and ensure your child receives an appropriate education does not require lots of money or even years of schooling. All it requires is learning five basic skills and consistently implementing them within the school community.” -National Center for Learning Disabilities Folks in our community often talk…
Book: Sensory Integration: A Guide for Preschool Teachers by Christy Isbell, Rebecca Isbell Do you have a child in your early childhood classroom who: Climbs on top of furniture and jumps off? Covers his ears when children are singing? Refuses to touch clay, paint, or sand? Often falls down and skins her knees? Refuses to play…
Book: Social Rules for Kids-The Top 100 Social Rules Kids Need to Succeed by Susan Diamond M.A. Many parents are not sure of what to say and do to help their children improve their social interactions. Social Rules for Kids – The Top 100 Social Rules Kids Need to Succeed helps open the door of communication between…
The Sensory Spectrum warmly welcomes John Pagano, Ph.D., OTR/L of Fab Strategies as a guest blogger. After 30 years as an occupational therapist treating sensory integration difficulties to improve functional skills in children and adolescents, I still find understanding and explaining sensory integration disorders challenging. Clearly describing and explaining sensory integration disorders promotes sensory integration…
Book: More Behavior Solutions In and Beyond the Inclusive Classroom: A Handy Reference Guide that Explains Behaviors Associated with Autism, Asperger’s, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other Special Needs By Beth Aune, Beth Burt, Peter Gennaro Quickly find an in-the-moment solution! Now more than ever, states are mandating that children with special needs be included in the general…
What began as a simple request to wish her son a happy birthday has turned into a major outpouring of love, wishes and support for her little boy with Sensory Processing Disorder and other social challenges, which the mother says is similar to Asperger’s. Colin, a 10 year old, doesn’t want a birthday party because…
As the autism community knows well, many individuals with autism have difficulty processing and integrating sensory information. These sensitivities can create great barriers to participating in daily life for those with autism and their families. As a result, interventions that address sensory difficulties are among the most requested by parents of children with autism. CLICK…
Book: Sensational Sisters: A Story of Two Sisters with Sensory Processing Disorder written by Samantha Sandiland When children discover that they have a sensory processing disorder (SPD), they may have many questions and worries about the disorder. This kid-friendly book reassures children that their problems are common, yet they are still unique. There are many children with…
