It’s no secret that sensory play is healthy for children and needed for optimum development. Though all children should be getting the appropriate amount of sensory stimulation, it is even more vital for children with autism because these children often have developmental challenges with sensory motor skills, regulating emotions, and problem-solving. The COVID-19 vaccines have launched and hopefully, we will slowly be opening back up and take our children out and about for playContinue reading “10 Sensory Activities for Children with Autism That You Can Do At Home”
Author Archives: Lindsey wood
Why Sensory Play is So Important for Children with ASD
As human beings, we experience our world through our senses. We use taste to appreciate an incredible meal, touch to experiences the joy of petting a dog or cat, we may take in the sights and sounds of theater, or a movie….and we stop to smell the roses! For children, sensory play and sensory stimulation are important for development. It is even more important for children with Autism because motor skill development can beContinue reading “Why Sensory Play is So Important for Children with ASD”
The Best Sensory Toys for Children with Autism
The Best Sensory Toys For Children With Autism The CDC states that about 1 in 54 children are born with Autism in the United States of America, and it is prevalent in children from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Being a parent of a child with autism can come with extra stress and even an increase in mental and physical health problems when compared to parents of children with other developmental disorders. Whatever theContinue reading “The Best Sensory Toys for Children with Autism”
10 Best Developmental Toys for Ages 0-1 years
Do we even need to buy babies toys their first year of life? They seem to be so fascinated by things they find around the house– pots and pans, large spoons, plastic water bottles, and empty boxes. These 10 toys will give you the best bang for your buck as they help babies develop the sensory and motor skills they’re expected to gain that first year and can keep that baby engaged and be usedContinue reading “10 Best Developmental Toys for Ages 0-1 years”
How Sensory Issues Affect Eating and Mealtime
How are your mealtimes, do they go smoothly or are they difficult? How many of you have a picky eater? Does your child eat a variety of foods that the family eats, or must you make separate meals for them? Do you eat together as a family or feed your child first? We must remember to consider the sensory system and how it can be impacting eating and mealtime for your children. Mealtime is aContinue reading “How Sensory Issues Affect Eating and Mealtime”
COVID Friendly Activities for the Active Child
Surviving Social Distancing with a Very Active Child Is your child always on the go? Constantly wanting to move, be outside, play at the park, and socialize with friends? Active children and quarantine don’t mix well together. Here are some activities to keep your sanity and promote regulation while remaining socially distant at home. They can be done inside or in your backyard! Calming activities: Massage Deep pressure (e.g. squish under pillows/cushions, roll up likeContinue reading “COVID Friendly Activities for the Active Child”
Games & Toys to Build Fine and Visual Motor Skills
Games and Toys for Fine & Visual Motor Skills Fat Brain Fruit FriendsSensory, bilateral coordination, and fine motor skill building inspired by an OT and SLP!
5 Tips for Children with ADHD and Distance Learning
Children with ADHD may have a hard time paying attention, sitting still, organizing their tasks and materials, managing time and prioritizing work, and managing their emotions. Distance learning may be exacerbating these difficulties. Here are 5 tips for helping your child with ADHD participate in distance learning. 1. Set up Flexible Seating Options Allow flexibility in their learning environment at home. Provide different seating options such as a move ‘n’ sit cushion, standing desk, t-stool/wobbleContinue reading “5 Tips for Children with ADHD and Distance Learning”
Sensory Processing
Happy Sensory Processing Awareness Month! Sensory processing is a very complex topic (and one of my favorites!). The brain receives input from the different senses and turns this input into a motor or behavioral response. For those with sensory processing differences, the information goes into the brain, but doesn’t get organized appropriately. Think of the brain like a file cabinet. Sensory input comes in as what we see, hear, touch, taste, smell, and when weContinue reading “Sensory Processing”
Successful School Environment—Online Learning Edition
Back to school 2020 may look a lot different this year for some of us. If you’re a parent putting on the additional hat of “teacher” this year, I’ve got some tips for setting up your homeschool environment for success! Setting a routine, especially during times of uncertainty like now, is so important to help kids stay regulated and get through their daily tasks! A visual schedule or a to-do list allows a child toContinue reading “Successful School Environment—Online Learning Edition”