20 (therapeutic) Summer Activities
20 summer fun activities for kids with and without special needs. Work on fine motor, gross motor, sensory, letters, scissors/cutting, and more with the tips in this post by The Pocket Occupational Therapist
Idioms, What Did You Say and What Do You Really Mean?
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs! Idioms or phrases that cannot be understood through their literal meaning can be rather confusing for students with language difficulties. Teaching children and students common idioms can help them navigate verbal communication with adults and peers as well as improve their writing skills. My sons had SUCH a difficult time […]
Fourth of July Tips for Kids
Summer is in full force and we have tips for kids who may struggle with sensory processing. The 4th of July is here. Nothing like a holiday to bring family and friends together – this year is extra special because many virus restrictions are being lifted. Since we all feel like celebrating, I thought I’d […]
5 Tips to Focus on Your Child’s Positive Traits
5 Tips to Focus on Your Child’s Positive Traits Friends, I’ve done some editing on this post as I’ve become a strengths-based therapist. This is the new and improved post with focus on neurodiversity-affirming language. Yesterday I was working with my son on executive function skills. This has become a daily part of our routine. […]
5 Tips to Build Kids’ Working Memory
Working Memory: Executive Function Skill Executive function difficulties commonly come along with (are co-morbid with) many disorders. What are executive function skills……Check out our earlier blog post here for 5 quick facts. Children who have been diagnosed with: ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, sensory, auditory, among many others experience dysfunction in working memory. What IS this […]
Puberty in Autism & Sensory Processing Disorder
How Can I Help My Teenager with Autism or SPD To Learn About Sex, Masturbation, & Menstruation? This post comes from one of my readers. It’s a question I’m asked quite often. The sense of interoception (our body’s eighth sensory system) can be decreased in kids and teens with SPD. Interoception involves feelings, emotions, and internal […]
Holiday Tips for Kids with Special Needs (Part 1)
Holidays bring joy and family traditions that warm the hearts of many. For those of us who have children with special needs, the holidays take on an entirely new dimension. Like everyone, we have shopping, cooking, decorating, and preparation. However, there are additional ways in which we must ready our children for the holiday season. […]
Sounds & Emotions – Sensory Processing Tips
Sounds and Feelings Imagine the sound of your mother’s voice. What memories/emotions does the sound of popping popcorn bring? Think of the sound of nails on a chalkboard. How about the sound of a bee buzzing near your head? Each sound evokes feelings within us. Sounds are more than just noise. Human beings make sense […]
5 Tips for Transitions with Seasonal Clothing
Changing clothes for the seasons can be difficult for children with autism and sensory processing disorder. We offer tips for families, therapists, educators and a helpful matching game that adds fun to function.
Forth of July BINGO!
Does anyone know what holiday is coming up? BINGO! You’ve got it…..it’s the 4th of July. I’m so excited to offer my readers this fun free download! What a great way to bring family and friends together over the 4th of July holiday. Remember that kids often become fearful of loud noises such as fireworks […]
