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

Spring is here! And so is the warm weather. With this blog we begin a series in which we will share activities, games, and crafts for springtime. Stay tuned for fun sensory play ideas that can also improve eye-hand coordination and gross and fine motor skills. Outdoor activities provide wonderful and rich sensory experiences. Together with your child explore the sights, sounds, and smells that are so unique at this time of year. Look at all the sprouting and budding plants an

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

Most children, especially those with sensory processing disorders, benefit from a structured morning routine. Unfortunately, once a morning routine is established, children rarely sleep later than their usual wake-up time. As much as you might fantasize about sleeping late on a Saturday or Sunday, your children probably make sure that you are up as soon as they are. Here are some tips that might get you some extra shut-eye this weekend, without ever turning on the TV. Have Br

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

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

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