What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is a complex condition with a wide range of symptoms, which can make it difficult for individuals with ASD to navigate the social world and manage their emotions. This is where co-regulation comes in. What is Co-Regulation? Co-regulation refers to the process by which one person helps another regulate their emotions and behavior. This can includeContinue reading “Co-Regulation and Autism”
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Sensory Processing and Mealtime
Sensory processing is a complex process that occurs in the brain and is responsible for interpreting and responding to sensory information from the environment. It is an essential part of everyday life, as it allows us to interact with our surroundings and make sense of the world around us. However, for some children, sensory processing can be a challenge, and this can affect their ability to enjoy mealtime. Sensory processing difficulties can present in aContinue reading “Sensory Processing and Mealtime”
5 Best Fidget Toys for Autistic Children in 2022
The 5 Best Fidget Toys for Autistic Children in 2022 For Autistic children, traditional toys are sometimes challenging to play with and engage with, but there are certain Fidget Toys that have proven to be very effective in engaging autistic children and keeping them focused on the task at hand. It has been suggested that autistic children benefit from the use of fidget toys and fidgeting when it comes to developing their communicationContinue reading “5 Best Fidget Toys for Autistic Children in 2022”
Activities for Sensory Seekers
Sensory Seekers Children who are considered “sensory seekers” are those who have a higher neurological threshold for sensory input. They seek more sensory input in order to feel “normal” and regulated. Given the sensory cup example from the amazing OT Butterfly, the sensory seeking child has a very large sensory cup and they need more sensory input to fill that cup. Signs of a Sensory Seeker Here are some signs your child may be a sensoryContinue reading “Activities for Sensory Seekers”
The Importance of Tactile Sensory Play
The Tactile System The tactile system, or sense of touch refers to the information we receive through the receptors in our skin. These receptors monitor our sensations including light touch, pressure (deep touch), temperature, and pain. They help us discriminate things we touch and come in contact with such as textures, shapes, size, and weight (North Shore Pediatric Therapy). Touch receptors begin developing in the womb and start with the face (Morgan, J., 2017)! WhenContinue reading “The Importance of Tactile Sensory Play”
Sensory Overload and Autism
What is Sensory Overload? Sensory overload happens when you’re receiving more input from your senses than your brain an organize and process. Too many noises, flashing lights, uncertain touch from a person or your clothing. Anyone can experience sensory overload; however, people with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder often have more sensitive responses to sensory input. Our senses relay information to our brain- things we see, things we hear, things we taste- and our brainContinue reading “Sensory Overload and Autism”
Top 10 Gifts for Fine Motor Strengthening
Top 10 Fine Motor Strengthening Gifts for Kids Looking for kids gifts that also help with development? Here are 10 of the best fine motor toys that help develop hand and finger strength which is necessary for eating, dressing, writing, and playing! 1. Playdoh– A fun way to build fine motor strength. Roll it, pinch it, squeeze it, use cookie cutters or playdoh stamps to make imprints. 2. Pop Beads– Great for using both handsContinue reading “Top 10 Gifts for Fine Motor Strengthening”
Best Fidget Toys for Kids with ADHD
Everyone fidgets– you may bite your nails, play with your hair, click your pen, doodle on your paper, or bounce your leg. “Fidgets” have become a common craze today in the world of our kids, but there is actually science behind why fidget tools help some kids focus. Some children’s brains are seeking more input to stay at the “just right” arousal level. For example, a child who is “seeking” input may be constantly moving,Continue reading “Best Fidget Toys for Kids with ADHD”
Where to Buy Toys for Autistic Children
Parents of children with autism are well aware of the importance of providing developmentally appropriate toys to their children that promote healthy sensory development. There are lots of great resources on the web that cover which toys are best for children with autism and what specific aspects of healthy sensory motor development they can help (see our post How Does Sensory Play Help Child Development). However, we thought it might be valuable toContinue reading “Where to Buy Toys for Autistic Children”
5 Reasons Why Sensory Play Is So Important
Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates a young child’s senses of touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing, as well as anything which engages movement and balance. (goodstart.org) Children need to engage in activities that stimulate the senses in order to make sense of their world and to develop the necessary skills to function in society. In this blog post, we will cover 5 reasons why sensory play is important for your child,Continue reading “5 Reasons Why Sensory Play Is So Important”