Sensory Overload: How to Recognize and Manage the Symptoms.
Is Sensory Overload really a ‘thing?’ YES. It happens to people with anxiety, autism, ADHD, and other conditions. How to help and prevent sensory overload.
What is Hyperfixation? How do You Stop Being Hyperfixated on things?
Hyperfixation Lots of teens love video games. Everyone knows that. And many teens, autistic or neurotypical, play video games too often, which can interfere with daily living. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they are hyperfixated on video games. But do you remember the story a few years ago about the young man who died after…
Brain Breaks: 10 Ideas and Activities for Kids at School
Brain Breaks for Kids As adults, we know we need brain breaks. It’s why the phrase “water cooler chat” became a thing. Workers realize they need a break, so they walk to the water cooler for movement and refreshment. While there, they may discuss the holidays or Fantasy Football, which gives their brain a break…
15 Best Sensory Toys for Adults
Here are some reader-recommended sensory toys for adults, including those with disabilities like autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.
50 Best Teacher and OT Recommended Toys for Autism
A Special Education Teacher, OT, and others share their recommendations for the best toys for autistic and disabled children; plus how to use them effectively.
What is a Sensory Diet? (Examples)
A sensory diet may help a child improve their self-regulation skills. Read how, why, and getting a sensory diet added to your child’s IEP.
5 Popular Stim Toys for Autism or ADHD | Cheap | DIY | Chew
Stim Toys Quality stim toys can be hard to find, since fidget toys and chewy jewelry, or chewelry, is trendy. Even the higher priced ones don’t always promise quality, or the ones with great reviews just aren’t within your budget. Several popular stim toys can be made at home from everyday household objects, or using…
DIY Weighted Doll | Easy | Budget-friendly
DIY Weighted Doll File this under, “If I can make a DIY weighted doll, anyone can.” Because I am NOT crafty. I’ll show you step-by-step how I made a DIY weighted doll for my child. Easy to make and any soft stuffed animal or doll can be used. Recently someone suggested that I get Kevin…
A Weighted Blanket Causing Pain or Back Pain? Yes, yes it is.
Weighted Blanket Causing Pain Weighted blankets. They seem harmless enough, right? So we started using them. I purchased two for our household. In less than 6 months, they caused me so much hip and back pain, I’m tossing them. We are no longer using weighted blankets in our home. So I thought I’d explain why….
The 5 Best Weighted Calming Toys your Child will Love | Under $10
Weighted Calming Plush Toys We tried the whole weighted blanket thing. And, I did an entire separate article on how my weighted blanket caused pain for me. Extreme pain. However, I still believe in and enjoy the concept of weighted items having a calming effect for anxiety, autism, etc. I really wanted to have something…
15 Sensory Break Ideas | Home | School | Songs | Older Kids
Sensory Break Ideas My son recently gave me his Garmin Vivofit. He no longer uses it and I was interested in one. I’ve been wearing it for about a week. I work from home, and yeah, a lot of it is desk work. Every few hours, my Vivofit lights up says MOVE. Even the folks…
21 Cool Sensory Activities for Older Kids | Teens | Light Play
Sensory Activities for Teens It often feels like when it comes to sensory activities and cool crafts, older kids get left out. Like their sensory needs just disappear when they are a tween or teen, right? No, they don’t! Light Play activities are popular and beneficial for all. But take a look around on the…
How to Make Sensory Bottles | DIY | Benefits | Uses
Making Sensory Bottles Sensory Bottles or Calm Down Bottles are a huge trend right now. And why not? They are great for all ages and abilities, and you can make sensory bottles that match any kid’s interests. A sensory bottle is an umbrella term for any clear bottle that is filled with stuff that is…
6 Benefits of PlayDough | 10 Ways to Use PlayDough in Skill Development
Benefits of Playdough Play Dough is such a great thing for kids and adults. There are many ways to foster development in many skill areas. In looking for benefits of playdough for adults, it really is the same list as children. As far as activities, I don’t worry too much about what is age-appropriate. If…
12 Gross Motor Sensory Activities Using Household Items | Gross Motor Activities for Special Needs
Gross Motor Activities for Special Needs Does your child have sensory breaks in their IEP? Or need them? Are you worried about loss of PT sessions, gym class, recess, organized sports and all the other things that may make our kids more sedentary? And hey, not everyone has a sensory room in their house, right?…
The 40 Coolest Shark Activities, Crafts and Games.
Shark Week Crafts and Activities for Kids Do you love Shark Week? We do! My husband says that the newer Shark Weeks aren’t as good as the older ones, but my kids still enjoy it. And like most things, I try to do an all-around, multi-sensory activities for an event. In other words, when it’s…