Sensory Smart Child Therapies

Autumn is here and what a lovely time for nature walks and spotting some of the wonderful changes of the season with your child. Why not use this weekend to explore your local woodland. 🌲You could do a treasure hunt and give your children a list of items to find that are seasonal e.g sticks, rocks, conkers, acorn and pinecones. Encourage them to look for these autumn treasures. 🥬You could collect leaves and do some leaf painting at home. Or try leaf rubbing. Place a leaf vein-side up under a sheet of paper. Rub the side of a crayon over the paper. Watch as the leaf’s texture appears on the paper. Leaf rubbing offers a controlled sensory experience with a clear cause-and-effect relationship. 🥬If you have a pile of leaves in your garden encourage your children to jump in! The crunchy sounds and smells are just enough to get a great workout and sensory integration therapy all at once. Stomp, jump and roll around! Then depending on their age maybe they can help clear them into garden bags! Wrap up warm and enjoy the autumnal weather! #AutumnAdventures #NatureWalks #FamilyFun #OutdoorActivities #AutumnVibes #KidsInNature #LeafRubbing #NaturePlay

It is Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024 #DAW24 Did you know that 10% of the population are dyslexic? That is around 6.7 million people. If you are a parent concerned about dyslexia there is a useful interactive pack by the British Dyslexia Association. It includes information on spotting the signs of dyslexia, how to talk to a child about dyslexia and some hints and tips for supporting a dyslexic child at home and school. This week is also about raising awareness of the importance of early identification and intervention to ensure that every person with dyslexia can flourish. The BDA can provide support and signposting to help dyslexic people so do check out their website with has lots of information on dyslexia. Find out more here https://lnkd.in/e_Qw2SMb #DyslexiaAwarenessWeek #Dyslexia #BritishDyslexiaAssociation #SupportingDyslexia #LearningDifferences #ParentingTips #LearningSupport

October is ADHD Awareness Month The theme for 2024 is 'Awareness is Key' ADHD Awareness Month’s goal is to provide reliable information and resources to help people thrive with ADHD. Although the month of October is designated as ADHD Awareness Month, learning and sharing information about ADHD is beneficial all year long. It is vital to increase awareness and understanding by sharing ADHD information and support with all who could benefit. This website has a great article about the myths and facts about ADHD as the signs and symptons and causes are often misunderstood. This website also has a lot of other information which is useful about ADHD. https://lnkd.in/dZ9xCiQ8 #ADHDAwarenessMonth #ADHD #ADHDAwareness #ADHDFacts #ADHDMyths #ADHDSupport #ADHDResources #ADHDUnderstanding

What is sensory overload? Sensory overload occurs when an intense sensory stimulus becomes too much to handle. It can be triggered by a sudden event, such as a loud noise, or it can build up gradually as a result of the ongoing effort required to cope with sensory sensitivities. When sensory overload happens, it can feel like overwhelming anxiety, an urgent need to escape the situation, or an inability to communicate effectively. In these moments, the brain may focus all its resources on processing sensory input, temporarily shutting down other functions like speech, decision-making, and information processing. By understanding and addressing the needs of a child who is experiencing sensory overload, you can help them feel more comfortable, secure, and in control of their environment. 💚Offer calm, reassuring words and give your child time to recover. Avoid forcing them to stay in overwhelming situations. 💝Establish routines that help your child feel safe and in control, as predictability can reduce the likelihood of sensory overload. 💜Encourage your child to communicate when they’re feeling overwhelmed and to use coping strategies like taking breaks or using their sensory tools. 💡Whenever possible, adjust your child’s environment to reduce sensory triggers. This might mean lowering the lights, reducing noise, or allowing them to use sensory tools. Gentle rocking, swinging, or bouncing on a therapy ball can provide soothing input to help them regain control. Depending on their age you might be able to teach some simple breathing techniques to help them relax, such as taking slow, deep breaths. #SensoryOverload #SensoryProcessing #SensoryIntegration #SpecialNeedsParenting #SensoryTools #SensoryStrategies

Here are some ideas for board games that are suitable for children with sensory processing challenges. These games are all designed to be engaging while minimizing sensory overload, making them ideal for children with sensory processing challenges. They are available from various retailers, including Amazon, Smyths Toys, and The Entertainer. 🦉Hoot Owl Hoot (Peaceable Kingdom) This cooperative game encourages teamwork as players work together to help owls return to their nest before the sun rises. The game features calming visuals and soft colours, promoting a stress-free environment. 🛒Shopping List ( Orchard Toys) A simple and engaging memory game where players race to fill their shopping baskets with items on their list. The game uses large, clear images, and the gameplay is repetitive and predictable, which can be soothing. 🐍Snakes and Ladders & Ludo ( Galt) A classic game combo that’s easy to play and familiar to most children. The gameplay is straightforward, and the game pieces are tactile, with a smooth finish. The board has simple, clear graphics, avoiding overstimulation. 🌰The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game ( Educational Insights) Players take turns helping squirrels collect acorns, using a squirrel-shaped grabber. It’s great for developing fine motor skills. The game is visually simple and uses soft, non-irritating colours. The grabber provides a satisfying tactile experience. 😃Zingo! (Think Fun) A bingo-style matching game that’s easy to understand and play. The game involves sliding a device to reveal tiles that players match with their boards. The tactile element of sliding the device is engaging, and the game uses simple visuals without overwhelming sounds. 🔠Match and Spell (Orchard Toys) This educational game helps children learn basic phonics by matching letters to spell simple words. The game has large, easy-to-handle pieces with simple designs, making it visually calming and easy to navigate. If you have a favourite game do add into the comments! #SensoryProcessing #BoardGamesForKids #CooperativePlay #MemoryGame #FineMotorSkills #EducationalToys

Coming up is Roald Dahl Story Day. This is a day dedicated to Roald Dahl. It commemorates him and all his incredible achievements. Roald Dahl Story Day is celebrated every year on his birthday, the 13th of September, to celebrate the magic he brought to, and continues to bring, children everywhere. Children and adults love the tales of Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Twits and The BFG, just to name a few. When reading these stories to younger children use sensory-friendly toys or objects related to the stories, like a golden ticket or a small stuffed animal resembling one of the characters, to engage children in the storytelling process. Roald Dahl’s stories are filled with imagination and how amazing is it to cuddle up with one of his stories and read it to your child. What is favourite Roald Dahl story? #RoaldDahlStoryDay #RoaldDahl #ChildrensBooks #Storytelling #Imagination

We are excited to announce our Baby Smart groups will be starting on the 25th of September.

Its National Friendship Month. Children with sensory processing challenges can struggle with making friends due to the unique ways they perceive and react to sensory input. These challenges can affect their social interactions in several ways and affect friendships. 😐Children with sensory processing challenges may become easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or crowded environments. This can make it difficult for them to focus on social cues, such as facial expressions or tone of voice, which are essential for understanding others and engaging in conversations. In addtion their reactions to sensory stimuli might seem unusual or unexpected to peers, which can lead to misunderstandings or social awkwardness. 🖐️Some children with sensory issues may dislike being touched, making common social interactions like hugging, holding hands, or playing games that involve physical contact uncomfortable for them. 🫤Sometimes children may struggle to articulate their sensory needs or discomforts, leading to frustration or withdrawal when they cannot communicate effectively with peers. Their sensory preferences might lead them to engage in activities that are solitary or less popular with other children, making it harder to find common ground. Here are few ideas to help - 😀You can try to modify play spaces so that play areas are designed to be sensory-friendly, with quiet corners, dim lighting, or noise-canceling options available. This allows children with sensory challenges to participate in social activities without becoming overwhelmed. 😃Smaller, structured group activities can be less overwhelming and more predictable, making it easier for children with sensory challenges to engage and interact with others. 😀Help your child to learn coping strategies to manage sensory overload, such as deep breathing, using fidget toys, or taking breaks when needed. This can help them stay engaged in social situations longer. 😀It might also help to try role-playing social scenarios at home or in therapy which can help prepare for real-life interactions, boosting their confidence and ability to connect with others. 😀Consider pairing your child with sensory challenges with a peer who is empathetic and patient. This "buddy system" can help the child feel more secure in social situations and build a foundation for friendship. By understanding the specific challenges faced by children with sensory processing issues and implementing supportive strategies, parents, educators, and peers can help children build meaningful friendships and thrive socially. If you have any tips do share in the comments. #SensoryProcessing #FriendshipMonth #SpecialNeedsParenting #InclusivePlay #SensoryChallenges

The transition back to school can be particularly challenging for children with sensory processing challenges. As a parent, there are several strategies you can use to help your child manage this change smoothly: 🛏️Start adjusting sleep schedules and daily routines now before school begins. Gradual changes can help children acclimate to the new schedule without feeling overwhelmed. 👁️🗨️Use a visual timetable to outline the daily school routine. This helps children understand what to expect and can reduce anxiety about the unknown. 💡Prepare a sensory toolkit with items that help your child self-regulate. This might include noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or a weighted lap pad. Discuss with the school how these can be integrated into their day. 😀Establish clear communication with your child’s teachers and support staff. Share strategies that work at home and be open to suggestions from the school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). 👜Foster independence in daily tasks, such as dressing, packing their school bag, and personal hygiene. Increased confidence in these areas can help reduce stress. 📗Use stories to explain different aspects of the school day. Once school starts, keep a close eye on your child’s response. Be ready to adapt strategies and maintain ongoing communication with the school to ensure your child’s needs are being met. #BackToSchool #SensoryProcessing #SpecialNeedsParenting #SensoryToolkit

Are you running out of ideas or stuck for days out during the school holidays? Here are a few ideas for children who have sensory processing challenges 🦓London Zoo offer relaxed opening tours allow neurodivergent people and other people who would benefit in a calm and safe environment to enjoy the Zoo. You can find out more here https://lnkd.in/eFievrJA 🐠The London Aquarium offer 'Quiet at the Aquarium' sessions - details here https://lnkd.in/etvTy9J3 ⚓If you have a budding sailor, check out the maritime museum sensory sailor sessions https://lnkd.in/eP2eMZW6 Do add in the comments any places you have visited that have worked for you and your family. We would love to know. #SensoryProcessing #LondonZoo #QuietAtTheAquarium #MaritimeMuseum #FamilyOuting #SensoryFriendly #SpecialNeedsParenting