Autism Archives - Page 13 of 14 - KidCompanions Chewelry & SentioCHEWS

January 8, 2013

Chewy and Fidget for Kids, Tweens and Teens

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Feeding problems, IEP Accommodations School, Kid Companions Chewelry, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children, Tourette Syndrome

A chewy and fidget are used to satisfy the needs of many who have an overwhelming urge to chew, bite, and fidget to get on with the day. These sensory oral-motor tools are chewable and wearable chew pendants for people with special needs like autism or that have sensory challenges. Individuals of all ages use them for focusing, calming, alerting, and to increase oral sensory awareness. Many who find transitions difficult, hold on to their familiar chewable necklace and feel less stressed going from home to school and from classroom to different parts of the school.

3 Comments

January 8, 2013

Melatonin As a Sleep Aid for Children and Teens?

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Bipolar Mental Health, Blog, Sensory Processing Disorder, sleep depression school, Special needs children

Over-the-counter melatonin supplements; are they safe? The different opinions about recommending them to help children and teens with special needs sleep issues.

65 Comments

December 27, 2012

Sensory Tools Help a Child to Survive Sensory Overload, Calm and Focus

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Blog, IEP Accommodations School, Kid Companions Chewelry, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children, Tourette Syndrome

Who likes to drive during rush hour? No one! What is life like for a person with sensory processing disorder (SPD)? An overwhelmed individual with SPD likened his life as having a “traffic jam” in his brain. If your child has sensory issues that often come hand-in-hand with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Tourette syndrome, etc. have your child evaluated by a professional. Often the child will be referred to an occupational therapist (OT) who will be able to help your child. What will an OT suggest to parents to help their child with sensory integration issues? Also what exactly is sensory processing disorder?

8 Comments

December 27, 2012

What Is a Sensory Diet?

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Blog, IEP Accommodations School, Kid Companions Chewelry, Sensory Processing Disorder, SentioChews, Special needs children, Tourette Syndrome

If your child is diagnosed with sensory processing disorder (SPD) often his occupational therapist will plan a Sensory Diet to help him. What is SPD? Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or, as if was called before Sensory Integration Disorder, is a complex disorder of the brain that affects one in twenty people. Sensory processing disorder is a neurological disorder causing difficulties with taking in, processing, and responding to sensory information about the environment and from within one’s own body. Individuals can be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to varying degrees and may have trouble with one of the senses, a few, or all of them.

8 Comments

December 13, 2012

Customize Your Child’s Sensory Box – What Items to Choose and Why

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Blog, IEP Accommodations School, Kid Companions Chewelry, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children

Do you use a Sensory box? What do you put in a sensory box? Why do some individuals NEED items to bite, chew and fidget? How can we help kids meet their sensory needs to be successful students and happy campers? This post will help parents and teachers understand that some children, and even many adults, should be provided with a SAFE sensory tool to chew, bite and or fidget. Why?

6 Comments

December 13, 2012

Safety Tips for Parents Regarding Children’s Jewelry and Chewelry

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Kid Companions Chewelry, Parenting all kids, Sensory Processing Disorder, SentioChews, Special needs children

Parents want what is best for their children. They lobby for safe products and a safe environment. When we were getting KidCompanions Chewelry ready for market our product had to comply to many safety regulations from Canada and the United States. Then during 2012 we successfully went through the red tape to get KidCompanions Chewelry CE marked to be sold to the 28 European Union countries. When parents buy our product they can have peace of mind about its safety… can that be said about less expensive children’s jewelry or chewelry? What are the dangers that lurk in toyland?

6 Comments

December 9, 2012

Reduce Celebration Anxiety: How to Give and Receive Gifts

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Special needs children

Teach your child how to give a gift, as well as receive a gift. A child who feels prepared is a child who is less liable to be anxious, tearful, and easily overwhelmed. Gift-giving etiquette is a life skill all children should learn. A child with autism who thrives on routine and familiarity often finds celebrations very upsetting. Follow these suggestions on how to teach how to give and receive gifts to make those special days memorable for the good reasons.

5 Comments

December 9, 2012

Gift Giving Tips for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Special needs children

Finding just the right birthday, holiday, or congrats gift for anyone can be a challenge! If you have a child with an autism spectrum disorder on your list, the task may seem overwhelming. We’re here to help with a few general tips on how-to choose gifts, and the other selections in this publication can jump start your creative juices. But… just in case you find yourself needing more inspiration, we’ve assembled some of our favorite products from Internet sources.

7 Comments

December 9, 2012

Holidays and Autism Parenting Tips: Structure, Predictability, and Schedules

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Special needs children

If you are raising a child with autism, you know from experience that holidays and autism are a difficult mix. No matter how much we love the season or cherish the celebration, all special events come packaged with additional stress. Whether it’s finding the perfect gift, baking signature desserts, or entertaining, we all understand the extra demands of creating memorable occasions.

Now magnify that stress to an unimaginable degree and you will begin to understand how special events impact our children with autism. We know that children on the spectrum do not like changes – even those that may delight – as do neurotypical kids. Their core deficits compromise their ability to anticipate or tolerate change very well…if at all. They prefer structure, predictability, schedules.

5 Comments

July 11, 2012

Challenging the Myths of Autism: Unlock New Possibilities and Hope by Jonathan Alderson

Asperger's, Autism, Blog

p>This book written by Jonathan Alderson, Ed.M. is going to make waves. Waves that I hope will shake up many, especially those who hold positions that can accelerate the changes Alderson writes about. Challenging the Myths of Autism will change the way individuals with autism spectrum disorder have been viewed by many.

3 Comments

March 27, 2012

Advice and Resource Links from Editors of Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism

Asperger's, Autism, Blog, Feeding problems, Special needs children, special needs moms

I have been hosting The Coffee Klatch Monday Tweetchats for about two years. This meant juggling the chats, working with Pierrette for our KidCompanions Chewelry business, writing for our Special Needs Blog, and reading and reviewing books for our Special Needs Book Review site.

2 Comments

March 24, 2012

Tips for Parents and Teachers of Children with Special Needs from Beth Aune, OTR/L

ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Blog, IEP Accommodations School, Interviews, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special needs children

One of the authors of Behavior Solutions books shares her work as an OT in schools- info, strategies, support– there is an explanation for that behavior!