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...]
5 ways to use a growth mindset with our sensory kids
Does this sound familiar? “I just CAN’T DO IT!” So many of our great kids are constantly feeling frustrated as they see other kids easily doing things that are hard for them (going to the swimming pool, climbing the equipment at the playground, writing on the line, playing games at a … [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...]
Preparing sensory kids for spring break trips: 6 tips for a successful vacation
It's almost time for Spring Break! You hope to plan an experience for your family that will be fun and enjoyable for everyone. Perhaps you are unsure how your sensory kid will react in a new environment, especially when “kid friendly” places have so many unpredictable sensory experiences including … [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...]
Improve postural control and spatial understanding with our ball pit obstacle course
We have lots of ball pits and we make lots of obstacle course adventures – today one of our Great Kids combined the two! The challenge is to move over the arch, under the wedge, through the parallel blocks and climb up the rectangles to get through the ball pit and out to the jump deck before the … [Read more...]
