With the recent change in temperature (talk about chilly!), we’re always looking for winter activities to do with our sensory kids. CLICK HERE: Ten Fun Fall and Winter Activities for Kids with Special Needs Photo Credit
Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine recently released findings that a single nasal spray of the hormone oxytocin enhances brain activity, which has significant implications for those on the Autism spectrum. Because Sensory Processing Disorder often accompanies Autism, I thought this would be of particular interest to The Sensory Spectrum’s community. Read the full…
Book: Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney While I always look forward to the holidays, I’ve always dreaded the additional sensory meltdowns thanks to the sights, sounds and excitement that come with the season. Over the years, we’ve learned how to better handle the kids, set expectations and help the kids monitor themselves. One…
Meltdowns have to be one of the toughest parts of raising a sensory kiddo. Here are some terrific tips to share with others about what to do and what not to do when seeing a child having a meltdown. CLICK HERE: Do’s And Don’ts When Witnessing A Disabled Child Having A Meltdown Photo Credit
Book: Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney The holidays are an exciting time. Santa, presents, sugary foods, family and special outings abound. But all of this excitement leads up to just one day. It can be tough for a kid to keep it together while managing their anticipation. Add in getting overwhelmed by sensory issues, and…
Book: Helping Hyperactive Kids – A Sensory Integration Approach: Techniques and Tips for Parents and Professionals by Lynn J. Horowitz MHS OT and Cecile Rost Sensory integration has provided help to children with behavior, learning, and motor skills problems for over 40 years. A treatment based on play, it helps children absorb, process, and respond to…
Book: Wrightslaw: All About IEPs by Peter W. D. Wright, Pamela Darr Wright and Sandra Webb O’Connor Whether you are the parent of a child with special education needs, a seasoned educator, or a professional advocate, you have questions about Individualized Education Programs, (IEPs). In this comprehensive, easy to read book, you will find clear,…
Many families in the sensory community have exercise balls in their home to help with their child’s sensory diet. We do! But do you know all of the things you can do with them? CLICK HERE: Exercise Balls: What To Do With Them? Photo Credit
I’ve noticed a trend on Pinterest lately. Folks are turning their children’s closets into reading nooks. But for sensory kiddos, these transformed closets could be the perfect sensory-free nook to escape to. Tell me, have you taken hour child’s small closet and turned it into a warm cozy nook? As an adult, even I would…
Do you wonder how to recognize Sensory Processing Disorder or what a pediatric occupational therapist’s session may look like? Watch this news program. CLICK HERE: Easing the Symptoms of Sensory Processing Delay
Many families in our sensory community (including people on the Autism Spectrum) have gone gluten-free for their kids. Are you cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year? Going gluten-free can mean giving up on some of your favorite dishes, but do not despair! Even Thanksgiving recipes, in all their wheat-y goodness, can be made both gluten-free and delicious. Gluten lurks in a…
I just love ideas that can use household objects — this time paper clips!
With the pick-up of seasonal allergies, are you noticing your child seems more sensitive than usual? We often talk about sensory triggers for our children; however, I rarely hear parents talk about how allergies come into play. Even mild seasonal allergies can be enough to trigger sensory reactions in kids. As a life-long allergy sufferer,…
Book: Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder by Lucy Jane Miller Ph.D OTR, Doris A. Fuller Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition affecting at least one in twenty children who experience sensations in taste, touch, sound, sight, smell, movement, and body awareness in a vastly different manner from how…
The holiday season can be overwhelming for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and other disorders with sensory components, including autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit disorders. Children with SPD have trouble processing information gathered through the senses, resulting in “unacceptable” behaviors. For instance, children with SPD may refuse to eat at family gatherings, find…
