Who Cares? Why Is My Child So Afraid? Why is getting your face wet so important? Safety! In case of an emergency, your child needs to know how to breathe or hold his/her breath under water Once her face is in the water, your child can learn to float. Achieving a horizontal body position is key when learning to swim. Strokes are more hydro-dynamically efficient when the neck is in line with the trunk (i.e. when the face in the water) Being completely submerged underwater, or i

For many children, play dates are a skill to be mastered. For children with sensory processing disorders or autism play-dates can be particularly challenging, but a skill well worth investing time, money and creativity to foster.  Here are some tips for setting your child up for successful play-dates: Start at your house: To minimize sensory demands host the first few play-dates with a child at your house, where your child feels most comfortable and secure. Children who are

Mornings are a particularly challenging time of day for children with sensory processing disorder, autism and executive function challenges. They need to get up, get dressed, backpacks and lunches must be packed, . . . and all before the bus comes! That is stressful under the best of circumstances, but if you are dealing with a child’s sensory sensitivities or disorganization in addition, the challenge can seem daunting. It may appear that the slightest thing can send your ch

Everyone seeks sensory input throughout the day to remain alert and attentive. As adults, we allow ourselves many opportunities to “recharge our batteries”. For example, many of us drink coffee, chew gum, tap our fingers or feet, doodle, etc. Yet, our children are often not afforded those same opportunities in the classroom to help them stay focused. Some children may be able to suppress those needs until given the chance to move freely during scheduled times of the day, such

12 STRATEGIES TO GET YOUR HYPER-SENSITIVE CHILD DRESSED IN THE MORNING Morning routines are rushed and stressful in many homes, but if your child is overly sensitive to the feel of clothing, getting dressed can be a torturous process for both of you. Children with sensory defensiveness can be derailed by fabrics, textures, seams, tightness, looseness, collars and changes in clothing necessary because of the weather. Clothing may range from uncomfortable to painful, distract y

Strategies for the Sensory Challenged Child and their Families Feasts, parties, family gatherings, and candy galore can only mean one thing. The holiday season is rapidly approaching! For children with sensory sensitivities such as those suffering from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or autism, this can be an overwhelming and chaotic experience. Below is a list of suggestions to keep this as the happy and exciting time of year that it should be for the whole family. While v

If you would like to purchase a full resolution version of our infographic please e-mail us: office@potsot.com #Infographic #Autism #SPD

If you would like to purchase a full resolution version of our infographic please e-mail us: office@potsot.com #Infographic #Autism #SPD #Triggers

Kudos to  Royal Caribbean, my favorite cruise line, for becoming one of the first vacation destinations to embrace families with autistic individuals. I am not surprised that the RC, who has been so graciously accommodating to kosher people, has stepped up to the plate. Click here for the 2014 announcement and check out this link to learn about the wide variety of autism services available. #Autism #Travel #Vacation #Cruise

Modified participation is better than opting out completely. If being in the midst of the celebratory chaos is too much for a child who is overwhelmed by sensory overload because of Sensory Processing challenges or autism, participating from a distance may allow him/her to be part of the celebration and remaining comfortable. If family and friends are gathered around the tree in the living room, hang out with your child in an adjacent room that the two of  you selected in adv

Blogger Paddy-Jo Moran’s post Autism Myths and Misconceptions … Autism is Always Visible resonated with me on numerous levels. My waiting room is filled with children, some with Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, anxiety or Sensory Processing Disorder who look just like any group of typically developing children. However, when their behavior or speech patterns do not meet the expectations of those around them (teachers, neighbors, kids on the playground, the guy at the check-out count

The Challenge Parties and other unfamiliar or crowded venues, such as the mall, movies, amusement parks, and live performances, are often especially threatening to children with Sensory Processing challenges or autism who thrive on routine and predictability. With forethought and advanced planning, you and your child will be able to enjoy this party-packed season. Prepare, prepare, prepare 1. Tell your child in advance where the party will be, who will be there, and what acti