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

How to Promote Calming Sensory modulation requires a child to adapt his or her state of arousal, alertness, and attention to meet the demands of each environment in which he or she needs to function.  Children need to read cues accurately and respond to them appropriately. Sensory modulation is strongly affected by sensitivity and response patterns to sensory input. Children who over or under respond to sensory input often have difficulty regulating their behavior. A well-reg

Be organized: For traveling on a plane or long car ride, pack a knapsack with familiar comfort toys, individual snacks, and a few surprises tucked in. this will give your child some sense of control in an otherwise unpredictable, potentially uncomfortable, situation. To prepare your child for a long trip, talk about the trip no more than a week or two in advance. Your child need not worry about something new, and possibly scary. Create a “social story,” a simple book that you

I stumbled upon these fabulous turkey treat recipes and cannot wait to try them out. The combination of temperatures and textures make for a rich sensory experience. These are great recipes for sensory seekers who love to get their hands messy, and exciting enough to motivate sensory avoiders to get involved in the activity. The application of detailed turkey décor provides lots of opportunity to practice fine motor skills. Following instructions step-by-step gives children a

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

Although Halloween is an exciting time of year and many children are eager to dress up as a favorite character or personality, for children who are overly sensitive to touch (tactile defensive), wearing a costume can be daunting. It is important to consider your child’s needs and respect his/her feelings about dressing up. Listed below are some strategies to keep the tactile defensive child comfortable in his/her costume to ensure a successful Halloween. If your child is afra

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

Swimming season is here! As you stock your pool with toys, keep in mind that the pool is a great place for developing your child’s strength, coordination, motor planning and socialization. Use this opportunity to buy pool toys that will challenge your child’s skills in a fun, creative, and interactive way. What are Swim Thru Rings? Swim Thru Rings are collapsible vertical floating rings. Air chambers connected to each ring are adjustable, allowing you to set rings at differen

Here are some activities that are perfect for the outdoors. Some require the added space that can be found outside and others may be a bit messy at times. These are fun activities that you can share with all of your children. 1. Ball Pool: To create your own “ball pit” at home, fill a soft blow-up pool with plastic balls. The feel of the balls all around your child provides deep touch pressure that can be very calming. To improve tactile and visual discrimination, challenge y