Showing Results for "sensory"
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Developmental Coordination Disorder and Sensory Processing Issues in Children

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common diagnosis for children with motor skill and sensory processing difficulties in the absence of other conditions and learning issues. This disorder affects 5-6 percent of school-aged children and is more commonly diagnosed in boys.1 Children with developmental coordination disorder have trouble with both fine and gross motor movements. … Continued

Pumpkin Sensory Bag

Fall is here and Halloween is fast approaching, which can only mean one thing. Pumpkins are popping up everywhere! You may have even gone to a pumpkin patch to pick out that perfectly shaped pumpkin to carve. You’ll come home, set it down on some newspaper and scoop out the goop. But then what? Most … Continued

7 Tips for a Sensory Friendly 4th of July

Spending time outside, parades, barbeques, fireworks. Doesn’t that remind you of a perfect 4th of July? Well for some kids, the 4th of July means being overly hot, crowds of people, feeling overwhelmed, and loud noises… That’s a lot for your senses to take in. Use these tips to make the holiday a little less … Continued

Simple Sensory Activities for Baby

Are you looking for fun sensory activities for babies to add to their daily routine? Maybe even some that might excite baby’s senses? Try these ways to engage in sensory play! Many simple activities can go a long way towards developing baby’s 7 senses. Try these activities to work on baby’s sensory development. These are … Continued

How to Make Bath Time a Sensory Experience

Rub a dub-dub: sensory fun in the tub! Bath time is a regular part of your child’s routine that sometimes may not be as enjoyable as you would like. But instead of rushing through it, take advantage of baths for kids by turning them into a fun, sensory activity! Waterfall Station Adding cups and small … Continued

5 Tips for Sensory Friendly Haircuts

Haircuts for kids can be difficult to manage. There are many new sounds, sensations, feelings, and smells that might make children feel uneasy. Children might feel uncomfortable with all the unknown objects like hair products, scissors, hair dryers, etc. or they may not like the feeling of neck towels, smocks, or itchy hair falling on … Continued

How to Help Make Halloween Easier for Children with Sensory Issues

Halloween can be a fun time of year for children. They get to dress up, eat candy, and carve pumpkins! But for a child with a sensory issue these experiences can be stressful enough to make them feel uncomfortable or unable to participate. Here are five tips to make Halloween sensory friendly. Halloween Preview Talk to … Continued

Research: Sensory Processing and Cerebral Palsy

Bumin G, Kayihan H.. Effectiveness of two different sensory integration programs for children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2001; 23(9): 394-399. An investigation of approaches to sensory perceptual motor (SPM) training for children with spastic diplegic CP (abnormal leg and possible arm stiffness), this study determines it is effective for group and individual treatment. … Continued

Research: Parent Perspective on Sensory Integration

Ahn RR, Miller LJ, Milberger S, et al. Prevalence of parents’ perceptions of sensory processing disorders among kindergarten children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2004; 58(3): 287–293. This article shares results of a parent survey indicating that approximately 5.3% of incoming kindergartners in one suburb’s schools met criteria for sensory processing issues based on parental perceptions – … Continued

Research: Sensory Integration/Processing Effect on Learning

Ayres AJ. Effect of sensory integrative therapy on the coordination of children with choreoathetoid movements. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 1977; 31(5): 291–293. This study affirms that children with learning issues, SI deficits and choreoathetosis (involuntary movements) who received SI therapy developed better eye to hand coordination. Ayres AJ. Improving academic scores through sensory integration. Journal of Learning … Continued

Research: Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Theory

Addison LR, Piazza CC, Patel MR, Bachmeyer MH, Rivas KM, Milnes SM, Oddo J. A comparison of sensory integrative and behavioral therapies as treatment for pediatric feeding disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 2012; 45(3): 455-71. This study about children with feeding issues concludes that behavioral and SI therapy used together can build the variety and amount … Continued

Is Baby Ready to Crawl? Here Are Common Signs of Crawling

Crawling is so important for baby’s development! Not only is it an important step in their motor development, but crawling also helps sensory development, executive function skills, play, and feeding. Is your baby close to crawling? Before they can get moving on their hands and knees, they’ll need to build strength in their core, arms, … Continued

Ways to Bond with Baby in the NICU

Parent-infant bonding in the NICU can happen in so many ways! Bonding with baby helps your little one feel safe, secure, and loved. These attachments can start forming while baby is in the NICU. Bonding is a process and can take time, but taking little steps every day (even when they’re in the NICU!) can … Continued

10 Fun & Easy Outdoor Activities for Kids

The weather is getting warmer, which opens up a whole new world of fun outdoor activities for kids! Nature is doing the heavy lifting on this one— all of these outdoor activities require little-to-no set-up. Just take advantage of what nature has to offer! So whether you’re welcoming spring, celebrating Earth Day, or just soaking … Continued

What Are Fine and Gross Motor Skills and Why They’re Important for Baby’s Development

Motor development is essential for baby’s physical strength and movement. Motor skills are broken up into two categories: fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Both begin developing after birth and will progress as baby grows. This complete motor skills guide addresses the differences between fine and gross motor skills with examples and activities, and … Continued

10 Valentine’s Day Crafts and Activities for Babies and Kids!

Make the most of this Valentine’s Day with these 10 fun activities for babies and kids! Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate this fun holiday with Valentine’s Day crafts that engage senses, fine and gross motor skills, communication skills and executive function! Give your child’s favorite games a Valentine’s Day twist or try an entirely new activity. … Continued

States of Newborn Alertness: When is the Best Time to Play with Baby?

Playtime with a newborn baby is so beneficial in the early months! It helps them learn communication, exercise motor skills, sharpen their senses, and so much more. But you’ve probably noticed that your newborn spends a lot of their day sleeping, hungry or tired. Their mood depends on the different states of newborn alertness. This … Continued

Tips to Help Baby Crawl if They Haven’t Yet!

Crawling is a motor milestone many parents look forward to! It is a great way for baby to start moving on their own. There are so many benefits to crawling, beyond just motor development (although that is a great benefit!). Crawling also promotes sensory development, executive function, feeding and play. It also encourages bilateral coordination, … Continued

Why Crawling is Important and 6 Activities to Help Baby Start

Crawling is an important motor milestone for baby! It develops muscles and joints around baby’s core, back, hips, and shoulders, as well as increase strength and balance important for walking later on. When baby learns to crawl it helps more than just gross motor skills; crawling helps with sensory development, play, fine motor skills, and … Continued

How to Handle a Temper Tantrum and How to Prevent Them

No one likes a temper tantrum! Temper tantrums can be very difficult for parents and any caregivers to deal with. When your child is angry, you may feel angry too! Or you may wonder if you can (or even should) comfort them when they have a tantrum. Believe it or not, there are tried and … Continued

Thanks for Staying on Our List!

Thanks for letting us know you’d still like to receive our emails!  Check out some of our other FREE materials: Learn more about Baby’s Milestones  Download the FREE Baby Milestones App NEW! Watch Typical Movements at 1, 2, 3, and 4 Months Watch our FREE videos  Download our Checklists and Brochures Have you downloaded our … Continued

10 Must-Have Developmental Toddler Toys for Outdoor Play

Help toddlers make the most of outdoor play with these 10 outdoor toys! These toy ideas are therapist approved and are great for encouraging your child’s development, from fine and gross motor, sensory, communication, social-emotional, to executive function skills. Outdoor toys can also be used to promote creativity and imaginative play, which gives your child … Continued

Why Tummy Time is Important for Baby’s Head and Neck Strength

Tummy Time is one of the best exercises for baby! We often think of Tummy Time as helping strengthen baby’s core, because we are focusing on their “tummy” part of Tummy Time. But did you know it also has benefits for baby’s head and neck muscles? Here are some of the benefits for baby’s head … Continued

First Time Parent? Here’s A List of What to Get For Baby’s Development

You’re expecting your first baby—how exciting! In the next few months, you’ll plan for baby’s arrival. There’s a lot to do—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some items first time parents should consider getting to help support and encourage baby’s development. You can also check out What Every First Time … Continued

Bad Air Quality? Indoor Activities for Baby

Got bad air quality outside? Or is it just too hot or cold to play with baby outside today? There are always days when it is better to keep baby inside. Here are some activities (created with expert pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists) that were designed to be played indoors and … Continued