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”
Tag Archives: autism
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”
Best Toys for Non-Verbal Autistic Children
Parents of children who have autism can face challenges throughout their parenting experience. Children who have autism often communicate differently than children who do not, and in this post, we will be discussing non-verbal autism. Non-verbal autism simply means that the autistic child does not speak. It does not mean that they are unable to speak or that they cannot communicate, but instead that they may not have developed the verbal communication skills necessaryContinue reading “Best Toys for Non-Verbal Autistic Children”
5 Toys that will Improve Your Child’s Focus and Concentration
Ever have a hard time concentrating? Even as adults we can have trouble keeping focused on necessary day-to-day tasks. Especially in today’s world with our smartphones, notifications, and constant email and social media buzzing happening constantly. But I want to talk about your children. Especially if your child has Autism, anxiety, or ADHD. Why is concentration an important skill for your child to have? The answer to this question seems obvious, but often in modernContinue reading “5 Toys that will Improve Your Child’s Focus and Concentration”
5 Tips to Help Your Autistic Child Learn & Succeed
I’d like to begin this post with a metaphor. Imagine that you are looking for something in your garage, but the lights are not working so you make sure you bring your flashlight with you into the dark space so you can find what you are looking for. You open the door to the garage and turn your flashlight on and point it in the area where you think the object you are looking forContinue reading “5 Tips to Help Your Autistic Child Learn & Succeed”
How to Create the Perfect At-Home Calm Down Corner for your Child
As we get older and experience more in life, we learn to deal with “big” emotions and the “heavy” feelings that come along with those experiences. Children, however, are not yet equipped to managing strong emotions, which can lead them to have temper tantrums or melt-downs. For children who have ASD, tantrums, and melt-downs can be even more severe. It is ideal for parents and caregivers to have the ideal environment setContinue reading “How to Create the Perfect At-Home Calm Down Corner for your Child”
Fidget Tools for Focus
Everyone fidgets– you may bite your nails, play with your hair, 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” sensory input may be constantly moving, wiggling, touchingContinue reading “Fidget Tools for Focus”
The Joy of Just Being
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 6 children ages 2-8 have a diagnosed mental, behavioral or developmental disorder (2019). Experts believe the rise is partly due to increased stress in children and families (DeAngelis, 2004). As a practitioner, I see these issues firsthand. It shocks me to see young children, as young as 5 years old, experiencing such emotional stress that it actually interferes with their ability to engage inContinue reading “The Joy of Just Being”