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.
Continue Reading...Customize Your Child’s Sensory Box – What Items to Choose and Why
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?
Continue Reading...Reduce Celebration Anxiety: How to Give and Receive Gifts
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.
Continue Reading...Gift Giving Tips for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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.
Continue Reading...Holidays and Autism Parenting Tips: Structure, Predictability, and Schedules
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.
Continue Reading...Fidgets for ADHD: Toys or Tools for Children with Special Needs?
Are fidgets for ADHD just toys that should be put away at the sound of the bell? Are fidgets really tools for children with special needs to be used all day at home and in class with the blessing of both parents and teachers and on the recommendation of professionals? Does fidgeting really make it possible for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to focus and do their work?
Continue Reading...Michael Phelps, Most Decorated Athlete in Olympic History, Beat ADHD Too!
Michael Phelps became the most decorated athlete in Olympic history at the London 2012 Games! The 27-year-old swimmer had equaled the Russian swimmer, Larisa Latynina’s record of 18 medals earlier the same evening winning a silver in the 200m Butterfly
Continue Reading...Challenging the Myths of Autism: Unlock New Possibilities and Hope by Jonathan Alderson
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.
Continue Reading...Advice and Resource Links from Editors of Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
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.
Continue Reading...Tips for Parents and Teachers of Children with Special Needs from Beth Aune, OTR/L
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!
Continue Reading...Yes, Moms, KidCompanions Chewelry Is a SAFE Sensory Oral Motor Tool AND a Fidget
Stylish, discreet pendants “just right” to touch, to chew, and to wear for ALL who must bite, chew and/or fidget perfect for home, school, sensory diets,
Continue Reading...Passed Toddlerhood and Still Mouthing: Chew Necklace Is the Solution
Emma Apple had a problem. Her child constantly chewed her fingernails. The solution was our stylish chew necklace with a pink heart chew pendant. The team at SentioLife Solutions is always happy to receive feedback from the parents, teachers, and therapists who buy our chew necklaces or see our chew pendants making the difference in
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