It's February! You know what that means… Stores are stocked with valentines, special treats, and cards. Class parties are being planned and prepared for. Restaurants are taking reservations. All around us, there's energy and focus on that one day that we get to celebrate our love and gratitude … [Read more...]
10 play-based motor planning activities
Motor planning consists of the ability to think of an idea (ideation), plan out what to do (sequencing), carry out the motor task to complete the idea (execution) and make adaptations when needed based on feedback from the activity itself or the input of others. A child who has difficulties in … [Read more...]
10 play-based vestibular activities
The vestibular system helps us to control our balance, eye movements, and spatial orientation, allowing us to know where we are within the world around us. The vestibular system tells us if we are stationary or moving, how fast we are moving, and in which direction. When there is difficulty … [Read more...]
10 play-based tactile activities
Touch is important for overall self regulation and organization of our body. It helps us to understand our surroundings and feel comfortable and secure in both our body and in our environment. Children who have difficulty processing touch sensation may have a hard time understanding the world around … [Read more...]
Free “My child has SPD” cards
As a parents of children with Sensory Processing Disorder we often deal with "the looks" from others about our child's "behavior". We are left to explain the reason why our child is hiding behind us in social situations, does not respond to social greetings or needs more support than the other kids … [Read more...]
Touching and pushing others: sensory or behavior?
Is it Sensory or Behavior? This is a question we get asked and ask ourselves all the time. This blog series will explore different answers for questions about common behaviors. Mason is very “touchy feely” with his peers. He is always bumping, grabbing, lifting and hugging them. Most of his friends … [Read more...]
10 play-based heavy work ideas
What is heavy work? Heavy work is any activity that activates your muscles and typically involves pushing, pulling, squeezing, carrying and lifting. Why is heavy work recommended? Heavy work activities stimulate the proprioceptive system – a system that provides us with a general map of our body and … [Read more...]
How Motor Planning can be impacting your child’s social skills and what you can do about it
What is Motor Planning? Motor Planning is often described and understood as difficulty with planning and executing the coordination of motor tasks, such as riding a bike, pumping a swing and playing sports. Children with these challenges may be given the diagnosis of dyspraxia. How does Motor … [Read more...]
Why sensory meltdowns happen in the absence of sensory stimulation
Self-regulation is more than sensory regulation. Our sensory kids have several other things that fill them up with challenges all day – emotions, academic and cognitive tasks, physical activities, social interactions, language demands and the ebb and flow of hunger, thirst and tired and alert … [Read more...]
Pokémon Go meets the sensory gym: Awaken the sensory systems
Through teamwork and creativity these Great Kids brought Pokémon Go to life placing stuffed animals around the room and using ball pit balls to “capture” them by throwing the balls and knocking them over. They further challenged themselves by attempting to do this from their swings. The vestibular … [Read more...]
