WORK for the mouth? Well, not really! As babies, we learn to calm ourselves through sucking. When a baby suckles, he begins to develop methods to regulate and organize. Additionally, sucking helps to develop speech patterns and helps to develop/mature the central nervous system! However, not all babies can use sucking in these wonderful ways. […]
play dough mats are the newest way to work on fine motor and hand strengthening while having fun
It’s President’s Day and this year, I’ve found some really fun activities that will fit goals for fine motor, executive function (specifically planning, following directions, and executing), and gross motor goals. Presidents’ Day Mask Here’s an awesome activity from Lakeshore Learning. Paper plates are affordable and readily available. The George Washington mask can be made […]
Many children with special needs experience co-morbid conditions involving eating. Co-morbid means they ‘come along with’ other disorders. For example, many children with autism experience sensory processing difficulties. I’m often asked HOW to help our kids eat. My answer is to let kids play with food. Decreasing pressure around mealtimes is important. Time at the […]
Halloween is almost upon us and I’ve found some fun treats to make with my boys this week. What I love best about making food with them is that when they make it, they are more likely to eat some of it! As you know, playing with your food is strongly encouraged for kids who […]
Children with disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract commonly experience pain during eating. As a result, the child may develop resistance or anxiety surrounding feeding. The placement of gastric tubes can further complicate the situation as children who require delivery of nutrition via a tube may not have the […]
