Understanding Social Stories: A Powerful Tool for Helping Children Navigate Social Situations

Social interactions can be challenging for many children, especially those with autism, anxiety, or other developmental differences. One highly effective tool that can support these children in understanding and managing social situations is the use of social stories.

What Are Social Stories?

Social stories are short, descriptive narratives that explain social situations, behaviors, or concepts in a simple and clear way. They are designed to help children understand what to expect in various situations, how to respond appropriately, and what the potential outcomes might be. Social stories are often used to prepare children for new experiences, teach social skills, or explain changes in routine.

Benefits of Social Stories

1. Clarify Expectations- Social stories help clarify what is expected of a child in a particular situation, reducing confusion and anxiety. By outlining the sequence of events and appropriate behaviors, social stories provide a clear guide for children to follow.

2. Reduce Anxiety- For children who are anxious about new or unfamiliar situations, social stories can provide reassurance by offering a detailed preview of what will happen. This helps to demystify the unknown and reduce fear.

3. Teach Social Skills- Social stories are a great way to teach specific social skills, such as greeting others, taking turns, or asking for help. They break down complex social interactions into manageable steps that children can understand and practice.

4. Support Behavioral Change- By reinforcing positive behaviors and outlining the consequences of different actions, social stories can help guide children toward more appropriate social responses. They can be particularly effective in addressing challenging behaviors by offering alternative strategies.

5. Promote Independence- As children become more familiar with social stories, they may begin to apply the lessons independently in real-life situations. Over time, this can lead to increased confidence and autonomy in social interactions.

How to Create a Social Story

Creating a social story tailored to your child’s needs can be a simple and rewarding process.

1. Identify the Situation or Behavior- Start by identifying the specific situation or behavior you want to address. This could be anything from going to a new school, making friends, dealing with disappointment, or following classroom rules.

2. Write the Story- When writing the story, keep the following tips in mind:

• Use Simple Language: Write in clear, simple language that is appropriate for your child’s age and comprehension level.

• Be Positive: Focus on positive behaviors and outcomes. Instead of telling your child what not to do, emphasize what they should do.

• Include Descriptive Sentences: Describe what will happen, who will be involved, and where it will take place. For example, “When I arrive at school, I will hang up my coat and say hello to my teacher.”

• Add Directive Sentences: Provide gentle guidance on what the child should do. For example, “I will raise my hand when I want to speak in class.”

• Include Perspective Sentences: Help your child understand how others might feel or react. For example, “My teacher will be happy when I follow the rules.”

3. Use Visuals- Adding pictures or illustrations can enhance the effectiveness of the social story, especially for younger children or those who benefit from visual supports. You can use photos, drawings, or clipart to represent the different elements of the story.

4. Personalize It- Tailor the social story to your child’s specific needs and preferences. Use their name and include details that are relevant to their life. The more personalized the story, the more meaningful it will be for your child.

5. Read and Review- Read the social story with your child multiple times before the situation occurs. Discuss the story together, answer any questions, and encourage your child to ask about anything they don’t understand. Regular review can help reinforce the concepts and behaviors outlined in the story.

6. Apply It in Real Life- Once your child is familiar with the social story, encourage them to apply the lessons in real-life situations. Afterward, review the experience together and discuss how the social story helped.

Examples of Social Stories

Here are a few examples of situations where social stories might be useful:

• Going to the Doctor: A social story can explain what happens during a doctor’s visit, helping to alleviate fear and anxiety.

• Starting a New School: This story can describe the new school environment, what the child will do there, and how they can make new friends.

• Dealing with Anger: A story can provide strategies for managing anger, such as taking deep breaths or asking for a break.

• Attending a Birthday Party: This story can outline what happens at a birthday party and appropriate behaviors like saying “Happy Birthday” and taking turns with games.

Start creating social stories tailored to your child’s unique needs today, and watch them gain the skills and confidence to thrive in social situations!

Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition

The back-to-school transition can be both a time of excitement as well as a challenge for children and parents alike. The shift from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured environment of school requires adjustments in routines, behaviors, and expectations. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how a few proactive strategies can make this transition smoother for everyone involved. Below are some tips to help your child have a successful and stress-free start to the school year.  Remember, every child is unique, so tailor these tips to best suit your child's individual needs. With a little preparation and support, your child can start the school year with confidence and enthusiasm!

1. Establish a Consistent Routine

Routines provide a sense of security and predictability, which is especially important during transitions. Start implementing a consistent daily routine a few weeks before school begins to help your child adjust.

• Morning Routine: Practice waking up, getting dressed, and eating breakfast at the same time each day.

• Evening Routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine, including activities like reading a book, taking a bath, and going to bed at a regular time.

2. Create a Visual Schedule

Visual schedules can help children understand and anticipate their daily activities. These schedules can reduce anxiety by making the day’s structure clear and predictable.

• Use pictures or icons to represent different activities and times of the day.

• Place the schedule in a prominent location where your child can easily see it.

• Review the schedule together each morning and make adjustments as needed.

3. Practice School-Related Tasks

Familiarizing your child with tasks they will encounter at school can boost their confidence and independence.

• Backpack Organization: Teach your child how to pack and unpack their backpack, ensuring they know where to place items.

• Lunchtime Skills: Practice opening containers, using utensils, and cleaning up after eating.

• Dressing: Encourage your child to practice putting on their school uniform or clothes independently.

4. Focus on Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are essential for tasks like writing, cutting, and using classroom tools. Strengthening these skills can make school tasks easier and more enjoyable for your child.

• Hand Strengthening: Engage in activities like playing with clay, using squeeze toys, or doing simple hand exercises.

• Writing Practice: Encourage your child to practice writing their name, drawing, and coloring.

• Scissor Skills: Practice cutting along lines with child-safe scissors.

5. Address Sensory Needs

Sensory processing can impact a child's ability to focus and participate in school activities. Identifying and addressing sensory needs can help your child feel more comfortable and attentive.  Be proactive in discussing strategies that are successful for your child with his/her teacher.

• Sensory Breaks: Incorporate sensory breaks into your child’s day with activities like jumping, deep pressure hugs, or stretching.

• Quiet Space: Create a quiet, sensory-friendly space at home where your child can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.

• Sensory Tools: Use sensory tools like fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted lap pads if appropriate.

6. Develop Social Skills

Social interactions are a significant part of the school experience. Preparing your child for these interactions can help them build friendships and navigate social situations.

• Role-Playing: Practice common social scenarios like introducing oneself, sharing, and taking turns.

• Playdates: Arrange playdates with classmates to help your child feel more comfortable and connected.

• Communication Skills: Encourage your child to express their feelings and needs effectively.

7. Set Up a Homework Station

A designated homework station can help your child focus and complete assignments more efficiently. Make sure this area is organized and free from distractions.

• Supplies: Stock the station with necessary supplies like pencils, paper, scissors, and a ruler.

• Lighting: Ensure the area is well-lit to reduce eye strain.

• Comfort: Provide a comfortable chair and desk at the appropriate height for your child.

The Magic of Tactile Bins: Engaging Sensory Play for Children

Sensory play is a crucial part of a child's development, helping them to explore and make sense of the world around them. Tactile bins, also known as sensory bins, are an excellent way to provide this type of play. They are easy to create, highly customizable, and can provide hours of engaging and educational fun. Give it a try and watch your child's curiosity and creativity flourish!

What Are Tactile Bins?

Tactile bins are containers filled with materials that engage a child's sense of touch. These bins can include a variety of textures and objects, encouraging children to explore, manipulate, and play. Common materials used in tactile bins include rice, beans, sand, water beads, and more. They can also be themed to align with educational goals or seasonal activities.

Benefits of Tactile Bins

1. Sensory Development- Tactile bins stimulate the sense of touch, helping children to develop their tactile discrimination skills. This sensory input is crucial for children with sensory processing challenges as it helps them become more comfortable with different textures.

2. Fine Motor Skills- Manipulating small objects within the bin helps children develop their fine motor skills. Scooping, pouring, pinching, and sorting activities strengthen the muscles in their hands and fingers, which are essential for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.

3. Cognitive Development- Tactile bins encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Children can engage in imaginative play, create stories, and explore cause and effect through the materials and objects in the bin.

4. Language Development- As children explore and play with tactile bins, they often talk about what they're doing, describing textures, actions, and objects. This enhances their vocabulary and language skills.

5. Emotional Regulation- Sensory play can be incredibly calming and help children regulate their emotions. The repetitive nature of some tactile bin activities can provide a soothing effect, helping children to relax and focus.

Creating Your Own Tactile Bin

1. Choose a Container- Select a container that is large enough for your child to explore comfortably but not so large that it becomes overwhelming. Plastic storage bins, trays, or even large baking dishes can work well.

2. Select Your Base Material- The base material will form the bulk of your tactile bin and should be something that is safe and easy to clean up. Some popular options include:

• Dry rice or beans

• Sand or kinetic sand

• Water beads

• Pom-poms

• Shredded paper

• Dry pasta

3. Add Fun Objects and Tools- Incorporate a variety of objects that can enhance the sensory experience and align with a specific theme or learning goal. Some ideas include:

• Scoops, spoons, and cups for pouring and scooping

• Toy animals, cars, or figures for imaginative play

• Letters, numbers, or shape cutouts for educational themes

• Natural materials like shells, rocks, and pinecones for a nature-themed bin

4. Consider Themed Bins- Creating themed tactile bins can make the experience even more engaging. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Beach Theme: Use sand, shells, small beach toys, and plastic ocean animals.

• Alphabet Theme: Fill the bin with rice and add plastic letters and small objects that start with each letter.

• Construction Theme: Use dried beans, toy trucks, and construction signs.

• Holiday Theme: Incorporate holiday-specific items like plastic Easter eggs, Halloween spiders, or Christmas ornaments.

Fun Ways to Practice Handwriting Over the Summer: Keeping Skills Sharp

Summer is a time for relaxation and fun, but it’s also important to keep up with academic skills to prevent the "summer slide." Handwriting is one such skill that can benefit from regular practice. Regular practice helps reinforce fine motor skills, letter formation, and writing fluency. Fortunately, there are many engaging and enjoyable ways for children to practice handwriting over the summer. Remember, the goal is to make writing feel like a natural and rewarding part of their summer adventures. With a little creativity and regular practice, your child will be ready to return to school with confidence in their handwriting abilities.

Fun Handwriting Practice Ideas

1. Letter Writing

Encourage your child to write letters to family members, friends, or pen pals. This not only practices handwriting but also improves communication skills.

Activity: Set up a letter-writing station with colorful stationery, envelopes, and stickers. Have your child write a letter once a week and send it through the mail.

2. Journal Keeping                                       

Journaling is a great way for children to express their thoughts and practice writing. It can be a daily or weekly activity where they reflect on their summer adventures.

Activity: Provide a fun journal and a set of gel pens or markers. Prompt your child with questions like "What was the best part of your day?" or "What new thing did you learn this week?"

3. Recipe Writing and Cooking

Combine handwriting practice with cooking by having your child write down recipes or help you create grocery lists.

Activity: Choose a simple recipe and ask your child to copy it onto a recipe card. Then, follow the recipe together, allowing them to see the practical application of their writing.

4. Outdoor Chalk Writing

Take handwriting practice outside with sidewalk chalk. Large-scale writing can be especially beneficial for children who need to work on letter formation and spacing.

Activity: Draw a hopscotch grid with letters instead of numbers or write out fun messages and pictures on the driveway. This makes handwriting practice active and playful.

5. Creative Storytelling

Encourage your child to write their own stories or comics. This not only practices handwriting but also fosters creativity and imagination.

Activity: Provide a blank book or a stack of paper and ask your child to create a story or comic strip. They can illustrate it as well, combining art with writing.

6. Handwritten Lists and Plans

Involve your child in making lists and plans, whether it's for a trip, a birthday party, or daily to-do lists.

Activity: Have your child write packing lists for vacations, daily schedules, or lists of books they want to read over the summer. This practical writing helps them see the value in clear handwriting.

7. Crafts and Handwriting Projects

Combine crafts with handwriting practice by creating handmade cards, posters, or scrapbook pages.

Activity: Make birthday cards, thank you notes, or decorative signs together. Encourage your child to write messages and add personal touches to each project.

Sensory Strategies for Traveling with Children: Tips for a Smooth Journey

It’s that time again!  Summer break often means traveling and vacations for families. Traveling with children can be an exciting adventure, but for those with sensory processing challenges, it can also be overwhelming. The change in routine, new environments, and various sensory stimuli can be difficult to manage. However, with the right strategies in place, you can help make traveling a more enjoyable experience for your child and your family.

Sensory processing challenges can make it difficult for children to filter and respond to sensory input appropriately. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, discomfort, and even meltdowns. Recognizing your child’s sensory triggers and having a plan in place can help mitigate these issues while traveling.

Pre-Travel Preparation

1. Discuss the Trip in Advance

·         Talk to your child about the trip ahead of time. Use visual aids like pictures, maps, and social stories to help them understand where you’re going and what to expect.

·         Create a visual schedule outlining the travel itinerary, including transportation, activities, and accommodations.

2. Pack a Sensory Travel Kit

·         Assemble a travel kit with your child’s favorite sensory tools and comfort items. This might include noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, chewable jewelry, and familiar snacks.

·         Include items that provide calming input, such as a favorite stuffed animal, a cozy blanket, or a stress ball.

3. Practice Traveling

·         If possible, do a trial run. Take a short trip to a local destination to practice the routines of traveling. This can help your child become familiar with the process and reduce anxiety on the actual trip.

During the Journey

1. Maintain Routine

·         Try to keep as much of your child’s routine as possible. This includes meal times, naps, and bedtime rituals. Familiar routines provide a sense of security and predictability.

2. Provide Sensory Breaks

·         Plan for regular sensory breaks during travel. Allow your child to move around, stretch, and engage in sensory activities. If you’re driving, schedule stops at rest areas where your child can run and play.

·         On airplanes or trains, encourage movement by walking down the aisles or doing simple stretches in your seat.

3. Use Calming Techniques

·         Implement calming techniques like deep breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, or guided imagery to help your child manage sensory overload.

·         Offer gum or chewy snacks to provide proprioceptive input, which can have a calming effect.

4. Manage Sensory Triggers

·         Be mindful of potential sensory triggers such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to reduce auditory input, and sunglasses or a hat to minimize visual stimulation.

·         Have a plan in place for managing unexpected sensory challenges, such as finding a quiet place to retreat if your child becomes overwhelmed.

At the Destination

1. Create a Sensory-Friendly Space

·         Set up a sensory-friendly area in your accommodation where your child can retreat if needed. Bring familiar items from home to create a comforting environment.

·         Use blackout curtains or a white noise machine to help regulate sensory input and promote restful sleep.

2. Plan Sensory Activities

·         Incorporate sensory-friendly activities into your travel itinerary. Visit parks, playgrounds, or other places where your child can engage in physical activity.

·         Research sensory-friendly attractions or events at your destination, such as museums with sensory-friendly hours or quiet rooms.

3. Stay Flexible

·         Be prepared to adjust your plans based on your child’s sensory needs. Flexibility is key to ensuring a positive travel experience for everyone.

Understanding the Zones of Regulation: Helping Children Manage Emotions and Behaviors

Self-regulation and emotional control are crucial skills for children to develop as they navigate through various experiences at home, school, and in social settings. The Zones of Regulation is a framework designed to help individuals identify and regulate their emotions and states of alertness.

What Are the Zones of Regulation?                                                                                                                        

The Zones of Regulation is a concept created by Leah Kuypers, a pediatric occupational therapist, to help children gain skills in self-regulation. It uses a simple, color-coded system to categorize different emotional and physiological states:

• Blue Zone: This zone represents low states of alertness and arousal. Children in the Blue Zone might feel sad, tired, sick, or bored.

• Green Zone: The Green Zone is the optimal state for learning and socializing. Children in the Green Zone feel calm, happy, focused, and ready to learn.

• Yellow Zone: The Yellow Zone indicates a heightened state of alertness and arousal, but the child is still in control. Children might feel excited, anxious, nervous, or silly in this zone.

• Red Zone: The Red Zone represents extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. Children in this zone might feel anger, rage, panic, or extreme excitement and may have difficulty controlling their behaviors.

Understanding these zones helps children recognize their emotional states and develop strategies to move towards the zone that most appropriately matches his/her current situation or the environment.  None of the zones are “good” or “bad,” but rather it is important to attempt to match the zone to the current demand or expectation for someone in that zone.

Blue Zone Demands: Low-demand activities. This might include rest, quiet time, or engaging in calming activities to help transition to a higher state of alertness if needed.

Green Zone Demands: Regular-demand activities. This is the optimal zone for tasks that require focus, learning, and social interaction.

Yellow Zone Demands: Medium-demand activities. This might include activities that allow for movement or expression to help manage the heightened state, such as physical activities, sensory breaks, or structured tasks with clear expectations.

Red Zone Demands: No-demand or low-demand activities. This zone requires immediate calming strategies and support. Activities should focus on safety and de-escalation, with minimal demands until the individual has moved to a less intense state.

Why Is It Important?

Teaching children about the Zones of Regulation provides several benefits:

• Emotional Awareness: Children learn to identify and label their emotions.

• Self-Regulation: They develop strategies to manage their emotions and behaviors.

• Communication: It provides a common language for children, parents, and teachers to discuss feelings and behaviors.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Children learn to choose appropriate tools and strategies to cope with their emotions.

How to Implement the Zones of Regulation

1. Introduce the Zones

Explain each zone to your child using simple language and examples. Use visual aids, like colored charts or pictures, to help them understand and remember the zones.

2. Identify Emotions

Help your child recognize and label their emotions. You can do this through discussions, reading books about feelings, or using emotion cards.

3. Create a Toolbox

Work with your child to create a "toolbox" of strategies and activities that can help them move from one zone to another, particularly towards the Green Zone. Here are some ideas for each zone:

• Blue Zone: Activities like stretching, listening to upbeat music, or doing jumping jacks can help increase alertness.

• Green Zone: Encourage activities that maintain calm and focus, such as deep breathing, playing with a stress ball, or practicing mindfulness.

• Yellow Zone: Strategies like slow breathing, squeezing a pillow, or taking a break can help manage heightened alertness.

• Red Zone: When in the Red Zone, it’s essential to use calming techniques like taking deep breaths, finding a quiet space, or engaging in heavy work activities (e.g., pushing against a wall).

4. Practice and Reinforce

Regularly practice identifying zones and using tools with your child. Reinforce positive use of strategies by acknowledging their efforts and providing feedback.

5. Use Visual Supports

Visual supports, like zone charts and emotion wheels, can serve as reminders for your child. Place these in accessible areas at home or school to help them quickly identify their current zone and choose appropriate strategies.

6. Model the Zones

Modeling is a powerful teaching tool. Share your own experiences with the zones and demonstrate how you use strategies to move between them. This normalizes the process and shows your child that everyone needs to regulate their emotions.

Indoor Sensory Activities for Rainy Days: Keeping Kids Engaged and Calm

Rainy days can be challenging for parents looking to keep their children entertained and active indoors. For children with sensory processing challenges, it's essential to have a variety of sensory activities that can help them stay engaged and regulate their sensory input. Today, we'll explore some fun and effective indoor sensory activities that are perfect for rainy days.

Why Sensory Activities Matter

Sensory activities are crucial for helping children with sensory processing issues to better understand and manage their responses to sensory input. Engaging in these activities can improve their focus, calmness, and overall well-being. Rainy days provide an excellent opportunity to introduce a variety of sensory experiences right at home.

Indoor Sensory Activities to Try

1.    Sensory Bins

·         Rice or Bean Bin: Fill a large container with rice or dried beans and hide small toys or objects inside. Let your child dig through the bin to find the hidden treasures.

·         Water Beads: Use water beads for a squishy, tactile experience. Make sure to supervise young children closely to prevent accidental ingestion.

2.    Playdough and Clay

·         Homemade Playdough: Make your own playdough using flour, salt, water, and food coloring. Encourage your child to knead, roll, and mold the dough into different shapes.

·         Modeling Clay: Provide modeling clay for your child to create sculptures, which helps develop fine motor skills and provides a calming sensory experience.

3.    Sensory Bottles

·         Calm Down Bottles: Fill a plastic bottle with water, glitter, and small objects. Seal it tightly and let your child shake it to watch the glitter settle, providing a visual and calming sensory experience.

·         Sound Bottles: Create sensory bottles with different materials like beads, rice, or bells to make sound bottles. Each bottle will produce a unique sound when shaken, stimulating auditory senses.

4.    Indoor Obstacle Course

·         Pillow Path: Set up a path using pillows, cushions, and blankets for your child to crawl and jump on. This provides proprioceptive input and helps with balance and coordination.

·         Tunnel Play: Use a play tunnel or create one with blankets and chairs for your child to crawl through. This helps with spatial awareness and body coordination.

5.    Quiet Time Activities

·         Weighted Blanket: Provide a weighted blanket for your child to sit under while reading a book or watching a movie. The deep pressure can be very calming.

·         Calming Corner: Set up a cozy corner with soft pillows, dim lighting, and sensory toys or even a tent where your child can retreat to when they need a break.

6.    Art and Craft

·         Finger Painting: Let your child explore colors and textures with finger painting. Use washable paints and large sheets of paper for a mess-friendly experience.

·         Textured Collages: Provide materials like sandpaper, fabric scraps, and textured paper for your child to create a collage, stimulating their tactile senses.

7.    Music and Movement

·         Dance Party: Play your child's favorite music and have a dance party. Dancing helps with proprioception and vestibular input.

·         Musical Instruments: Use simple musical instruments like drums, shakers, or tambourines for a sensory-rich experience.

Rainy days don't have to be boring or challenging. With a little creativity, you can turn a gloomy day into a fun and engaging sensory adventure for your child. These indoor sensory activities are designed to stimulate your child's senses, improve their motor skills, and provide calming effects. Remember to observe how your child responds to different activities and adjust them to meet their individual needs. With these activities, rainy days can become an opportunity for growth and exploration.

Summer Sensory Activities for Children: Fun Ways to Engage and Thrive

Summer is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time for children to explore new experiences and engage in activities that stimulate their senses. For children with sensory processing differences, these activities can be both enjoyable and beneficial. In this post, we’ll share some exciting summer sensory activities that can help children develop their sensory skills while having fun in the sun.

The Importance of Sensory Activities

Sensory activities offer opportunities for children to explore their environment and learn through touch, sight, sound, smell, and movement. These activities help children improve their ability to process sensory information, which can enhance their overall development and support their participation in daily activities.

10 Summer Sensory Activities for Children

Here are 10 fun and engaging summer sensory activities you can do with your child:

1. Water Play

• Set up a water play area with sprinklers, water balloons, or a small pool. The sensation of water can be soothing and stimulating for children.

2. Sand and Water Table

• Create a sensory play station with sand, water, and various tools like buckets and shovels. Children can explore different textures and practice fine motor skills.

3. Outdoor Art

• Provide your child with large sheets of paper, paint, and brushes. Allow them to create art using their hands, feet, or various tools for a full sensory experience.

4. Nature Walks

• Take a walk in a nearby park or nature reserve. Encourage your child to touch leaves, listen to birds, and observe different textures and colors.

5. Sensory Garden

• Plant a garden with your child and let them touch different plants and flowers. The varied textures, colors, and scents will provide rich sensory input.

6. DIY Sensory Bin

• Create a sensory bin with materials such as rice, beans, or pasta. Add small toys or objects for your child to discover and play with.

7. Bubble Play

• Blow bubbles for your child to chase and pop. This activity can improve visual tracking and coordination.

8. Playdough Fun

• Make homemade playdough and let your child shape, mold, and create. You can add essential oils for a calming scent experience.

9. Bike Riding

• Take your child for a bike ride to enjoy the sensation of movement and wind. Choose a smooth path for safety and comfort.

10. Outdoor Music

• Bring out musical instruments like shakers, drums, or a small keyboard and let your child experiment with different sounds.

Tips for a Successful Sensory Experience

• Monitor Comfort Levels: Keep an eye on your child’s reactions to different activities and adjust them as needed to ensure comfort and enjoyment.

• Incorporate Movement Breaks: If your child becomes overwhelmed, offer them a movement break or a chance to step away from the activity.

• Stay Hydrated and Sun-Safe: Make sure your child drinks plenty of water and wears sunscreen for outdoor activities.

• Involve the Whole Family: Invite siblings and other family members to join in on the fun, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Summer sensory activities offer countless opportunities for children to explore their world and develop important skills. By providing a variety of engaging experiences, you can support your child's sensory development and create lasting memories. Remember to observe your child’s preferences and adapt activities to suit their individual needs for a fun and successful summer!

Sensory Defensiveness

Sensory defensiveness, also known as sensory over-responsiveness, is a condition in which an individual has an exaggerated or negative response to sensory stimuli that most people would find tolerable or unremarkable. This can involve one or more of the senses, such as touch, sound, sight, taste, or smell. Individuals with sensory defensiveness often feel overwhelmed, anxious, or distressed when exposed to certain sensory inputs, even when the intensity of the stimulus is low. In children, sensory defensiveness can manifest in various ways, including:

Touch: Being sensitive to certain textures of clothing, avoiding certain foods due to their textures, disliking being touch or hugged, disliking haircutting, or disliking nail cutting.

Sound: Covering their ears or becoming distressed in loud environments or when there are unexpected noises.

Sight: Being sensitive to bright lights or certain visual patterns.

Taste and Smell: Being very selective about the types of foods they will eat or being averse to certain odors.

Movement: Avoiding activities that involve spinning or sudden movements.

Sensory defensiveness can impact a child's ability to engage in everyday activities, interact with peers, and enjoy experiences. Occupational therapists work with children who have sensory defensiveness to help them understand and manage their responses to sensory stimuli. This may involve sensory integration therapy, which uses controlled exposure to different types of sensory inputs to help children become more accustomed to them.

If you have any specific questions or need more detailed information about sensory defensiveness, please let me know!

Proprioception

Proprioception is one of the eight sensory systems and is the awareness of body in space.  Proprioceptive input receptors are in the muscles and joints.  They give information to the brain about the amount of stretch on each muscle and pressure on each joint.  This provides an accurate picture of the body’s position in space without the use of vision. Proprioceptive input can help children to organize their movements, improve body awareness, and improve coordination.  In addition, proprioceptive input provides deep pressure to the body which helps to inhibit sensory defensiveness.

 Proprioception allows us to:

·         Execute gross and fine motor tasks that require modifications in strength, force, and agility.

·         Perform movements without looking at the moving parts (such as walking down stairs or ballet dancing).

·         Execute the unconscious, automatic movements which allow us to maintain an upright body position.

·         Learn and execute novel gross and fine motor tasks (praxis/motor planning).

 Signs of difficulty with processing of proprioceptive input may include: bumps into things frequently, drop things easily, tires quickly with physical activity, difficulty with motor tasks that have several steps, slumps while sitting, tends to be slow in eating/dressing, seems to deliberately fall or tumble.

 Heavy work activities help to increase body awareness (proprioception) and decrease sensory seeking behaviors. These activities include anything in which you push, pull, or use the large muscles of the body.  Playful heavy work activities that can be done at home include:  animal walks, wheelbarrow walking, pillow crashing, crawling through a tunnel, tug-of-war, carrying heavy loads, propelling self of scooter board, climbing on playground equipment, pushing on a wall, play wrestling, push-ups, donkey kicks, chair dips, planks, handstands against the wall, pouring water out of a water can, and helping to carry groceries.

Praxis

Praxis, or motor planning, is the ability by which we figure out how to use our hands and body for skilled, novel tasks.  Requirements for successful motor planning include sequencing and organizing movements in a smooth and coordinated manner.  Good motor planning requires accurate retrieval and perception of information from all sensory systems.   

Motor planning is a prerequisite for following auditory directions, following a demonstration for dancing or games, copying designs using blocks or other manipulatives, following home or classroom routines, creating new ways to play with toys, “catching on” to new motor tasks, transitioning smoothly, joining into group activities, following multistep directions, initiating and completing tasks, imaginary play skills, cleaning up, and completing art projects that have multiple steps.   

Motor planning is composed of three components: ideation, planning and execution.  Ideation is the generation of multiple ideas for how to best carry out the task.  Planning is the generation of a mental map for how to sequence the task.  Execution refers to the coordinated movements needed to carry out the task efficiently. Follow the execution, we receiving and interpret sensory information related to the performance of the motor task.  This feedback is essential for refining motor skills and improving performance over time.   

What is visual perception and how does it impact participation in the classroom?

Visual perception involves the brains ability to receive, interpret, and act upon visual stimuli.  There are seven areas of visual perceptual skills to include: visual discrimination, visual memory, visual spatial relationships, visual form constancy, visual sequential memory, visual figure ground, and visual closure. 

Visual discrimination- The ability to recognize differences and similarities between shapes, objects, and patterns.  Visual discrimination can impact:

·         letter alignment on lines

·         proofreading skills

·         distinguishing between similar letters r/n/h/b/d

·         distinguishing between math symbols and angles

Visual memory- The ability to remember visual information.  It involves recalling or reproducing what is seen after viewing it for a short period of time.  Visual memory can impact:

·         letter and number recognition

·         learning sight words

·         reproducing numbers/letters/shapes without looking at a model

Visual spatial relationships- The ability to recognize forms that are the same, but may be in a different spatial orientation/directionality.  Visual spatial relationships may impact:

·         the ability to recognize letter and number reversals when reading and writing

·         graphing skills

·         lining numbers up in math

·         following a map or diagram

·         planning and organizing use of space on paper

·         right/left discrimination (following right/left directions on a map)

Visual form constancy- The ability to discern similar forms that may be different in size, color, or spatial orientation and to consistently match the similar forms. Visual form constancy may impact:

·         distinguishing between similar forms such as an oval/circle

·         recognizing letters in various writing styles

·         projecting the idea of a shape onto something familiar (i.e. a snow cone has a triangle, a door is a rectangle)

·         geometry, symmetry

Visual sequential memory- The ability to remember a sequence of pictures, shapes, letters or numbers.  The ability to recall or reproduce a sequence of visual information that is only seen for a short period of time.  Visual sequential memory may impact:

·         following multi-step directions

·         remembering the motor patterns for letter formation

·         spelling

·         copying from the board or a textbook

·         following classroom routines

·         remembering sequences (days of the week, months, alphabet, phone numbers)

Visual figure ground- The ability to visually locate a picture, shape, letter or number among a busy, competing background.  Visual figure ground may impact:

·         finding items in a desk or book bag

·         keeping one’s place when copying from the board or a textbook

·         completing a worksheet with a competing background

·         looking up words in dictionary or on a map

Visual closure- The ability to identify a picture or shape from a partially completed or disorganized presentation (including the ability to complete an incomplete drawing/letter/shape).  Visual closure may impact:

·         spacing between letters and words

·         letter formation

·         breaking words into syllables

·         accurately copying from near and far without omitting information

·         fractions

·         reading fluency

·         completing a drawing or letter if given part of it

·         visualizing end product when completing a construction activity

The occupational therapists at Thrive Pediatric Therapy have specialized training in visual perception and the remediation of visual perceptual skills.  If you have additional questions or concerns about your child’s visual perception skills, we would love to answer any of your questions!  

Why Do Children Need Touch and Movement?

When children touch, sensory receptors in their skin tell them what they are touching. These receptors give them discriminative information about the touch (soft, hard, cold, wet, etc), as well as protective information about what type of touch (burning, an insect crawling on their skin, pinch, etc).  When a child is young, they learn best by hands on touch experiences.

When children move, receptors in their large muscles and joints tell them information about their body (where it is, how it moves through its environment, how the body parts move in relationship to each other to make smooth and coordinated actions).  This is called the proprioceptive system.

In addition, when a child moves, receptors in the inner ear (the vestibular system) use the information to maintain a sense of balance, equilibrium, and organization.  The vestibular sense is the unifying sensory system of the central nervous system.  It communicates with higher centers of the brain to help regulate and organize information regarding speech and language processing, motor planning, attention, regulation of emotions and energy level, and perceptual motor skills.

Activities which encourage movement also facilitate development in the areas of: visual attention, visual tracking, eye-hand coordination, focus, arousal level, respiration, postural control, body awareness, trunk rotation, language processing, praxis, social interaction, and intrinsic motivation. 

Early childhood sensory experiences of touch and movement (knowledge gained through the skin, muscle, and joint receptors) prepare the central nervous system to be able to efficiently gather and process information from the eyes and ears.  Children’s individual needs of amount of sensory input vary, however, if sensory experiences are provided daily, they will seek out how much input they need to be able to feel organized, be able to attend to learning tasks, modulate their behavior, and overall participate more fully in home, play, and classroom activities.

Sensory integration affects every aspect of learning.  It is the ability to take in, sort out, and make sense of information from our environment, or the organization of sensation for use.  Sensory integration occurs automatically and on an unconscious level during normal development as children interact with their environments through their senses (taste, touch, smell, vision, hearing, movement, and proprioception). 

The Pyramid of Learning

The Pyramid of Learning is a way of looking at the whole child.  It is an illustration that depicts a general idea of our children’s foundational skills, and what other skills build upon those. The pyramid showcases the skills preceding the academic learning, the so-called building blocks a child has to develop in order to build well-grounded, stable academic skills. This information is useful, as it helps breakdown skill sets into underlying characteristics and helps prioritize what to address.

This illustration outlines the foundational skills at the bottom of the pyramid, and the skills that are supported by the foundational skills on the tiers above. Once the bottom tiers of the pyramid are adequate, the tiers above can be more efficiently developed. Addressing the skills in this order is known as utilizing the bottom-up approach.

 The very foundation of the pyramid is a child's central nervous system which is closely linked to their sensory systems. Adequate sensorimotor development is built on adequate registration and processing of sensory information (from the tactile, vestibular, proprioception, olfactory, visual, auditory and gustatory systems). Sensory motor development includes postural security, awareness of two sides of the body, motor planning, body scheme, reflex maturity and ability to screen input. This then supports perceptual motor development including eye-hand coordination, ocular motor control, postural adjustment, auditory language skills, visual-spatial perception and attention center functions. 

 Children are referred to occupational therapists for various reasons.  Most of the time our referrals are functional problems that is affecting the "pointy end" of the pyramid. It is then the role of the therapist to see if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed.  Can the therapist help the child gain new skills, modify a task or the way the task is performed or does the therapist help the child to compensate for the difficulty? This is all part of the clinical reasoning that a therapist figures out.

Polyvagal Theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol

Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a neurobiological theory that explains how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) influences behavior, emotions, and physiological state. The theory proposes that the ANS is composed of three hierarchical systems: the ventral vagal complex, the sympathetic nervous system, and the dorsal vagal complex.  

Vental Vagal Complex (VVC): This is the most evolved part of the autonomic nervous system and is responsible for promoting social engagement, connection, and feelings of safety. It regulates the heart rate, facial expressions, vocalizations, and other functions related to social interaction. 

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): This system is activated in response to perceived threat or stress. It triggers the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body to either confront the threat or flee from it. 

Dorsal Vagal Complex (DVC): This is the oldest part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for immobilization and shutdown responses. It is activated in extreme situations of threat when fight or flight responses are not effective, leading to behaviors such as freezing or dissociation.  

Polyvagal theory suggests that the functioning of these systems is not just related to physical survival but also to social engagement and emotional well-being. It emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and connected in promoting overall health and resilience. 

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a therapeutic intervention developed based on polyvagal theory. It is used by mental health professionals, therapists and sensory integration practitioners as an adjunct therapy to help their clients regulate their nervous systems, process external cues and signals more effectively, and attain a grounded state in which they feel safe and receptive.

The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music that has been processed to emphasize the frequency range of the human voice. The protocol aims to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote regulation of the autonomic nervous system. It is used to address various challenges, including anxiety, auditory sensitivities, emotional regulation difficulties, and social communication deficits.  An evidence-based and trauma-informed listening therapy, the SSP helps shift the nervous system to be more present and regulated while improving client capacity for connection and receptivity to other therapies. 

At Thrive Pediatric Therapy, we are certified Providers of the Safe and Sound Protocol and have experienced firsthand the shift that it can make in providing a feeling of safety, opening the door for other therapies to become more accessible, impactful, and accelerated.

Oral Seeking Sensory Behaviors

The oral sensory system involves the sensations related to the mouth, including taste, texture, and temperature. People, especially children, may engage in oral sensory-seeking behaviors as a way to fulfill sensory needs or seek stimulation. Some examples include:

·         Chewing or biting on objects, clothing, or fingers

·         Putting objects in the mouth to explore their texture or taste (past the age of 2)

·         Thumb sucking or using a pacifier (past the age of 4)

What can be done to help decrease these behaviors?

·         Eat spicy or sour foods such as spicy sauces, sour candy, limes, lemons, pickles, grapefruits, mustard, and dried cranberries

·         Eat chew foods such as fruit leathers, dried bananas, jerky, hard granola bars, licorice, bagels, and tootsie rolls

·         Eat crunchy foods like carrots, apples, crisp crackers, rice cakes, hard candies, nuts, chips, and pretzels

·         Sucking through a straw.  Drink not only water through a straw, but suck applesauce, smoothies, and yogurt through a shortened straw

·         Use varied temperatures.  Warmed up food paired with cold food can “surprise” and wake up the mouth.  Smoothies, frozen berries and grapes, frozen bagel, and popsicles are a few ideas.

·         Chew gum! (if your child is over the age of 4 and will not swallow it)

·         Vibration.  Vibrating toothbrushes, z-vibes, and vibrating teethers are great options.

·         Chewies- there are many oral sensory tools easily available online.  Search for “chewelry.”  These tools come in a variety of densities, strengths, textures, colors, and shapes.

Have Fun With Multisensory Letter Formation!

Occupational therapists often use multisensory letter formation for handwriting in order to reinforce understanding of letters through various channels.  It is an approach to teaching and learning where multiple senses are engaged to enhance the process of letter recognition and formation. This method recognizes that individuals may have different learning styles and preferences, and by incorporating various sensory experiences, it aims to make the learning process more effective and enjoyable.  This approach is particularly beneficial for learners who may have different learning preferences or learning challenges.  It also helps create a more engaging and dynamic learning environment, fostering a deeper understanding of letter formation and recognition.  The following are multisensory letter formation activities that can easily be done in any environment:

·         Trace on sandpaper or textured letters

·         Draw the letters in sand or dirt

·         Draw shapes on sidewalk chalk

·         Form letters with large body movements

·         Form letters with painters tape on the floor, then walk the tape

·         Finger painting letters

·         Draw shapes in the bathtub in shaving cream

·         Form out of play-doh or spaghetti noodles

·         Trace with color changing markers

·         Draw on a dry erase board

·         Use apps to practice formation

·         Trace letters in several different colors of chalk or markers to make a “rainbow” letter

·         Draw the shape for the child and have them trace it with glue.  Then, glue sequins, pieces of colored paper, cheerios, yarn, etc to the shape

·         Practice drawing letters on a Magna doodle, or

·         Use flashlights to draw the letters on the ceiling or wall in a dark room

Reflex Integration

Reflex integration typically refers to the process by which the nervous system organizes and coordinates reflexes. Reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to stimuli that help the body maintain balance and respond quickly to potential threats. The integration of reflexes involves the brain and spinal cord working together to interpret sensory information and generate appropriate motor responses.   

Appropriate integration of reflexes impacts many different areas of development, to include:

Motor Development: Reflexes are fundamental to motor development. In infancy, primitive reflexes (automatic movements that are present from birth) are crucial for survival and early motor skills. As a child grows, these reflexes should integrate into more sophisticated voluntary movements. Proper reflex integration is essential for the development of coordinated and controlled motor skills.

Sensory Integration: Reflexes are closely tied to sensory processing. Integration of reflexes helps in organizing sensory input, allowing individuals to respond appropriately to stimuli in their environment. Proper sensory integration is vital for various activities, including learning, social interaction, and self-regulation.

Cognitive Development: Reflex integration is linked to cognitive development. As reflexes integrate, they contribute to the development of higher cognitive functions. The coordination between sensory input and motor output supports cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving.

Emotional Regulation: Reflex integration is interconnected with emotional development. The ability to regulate emotional responses is influenced by the integration of reflexes. Proper reflex integration contributes to emotional stability and the ability to cope with stress.

Postural Control: Reflexes play a role in maintaining postural control and balance. Integrated reflexes contribute to the development of a stable and efficient posture, which is essential for various activities, including sitting, standing, and walking.

Learning Readiness: Reflex integration is associated with learning readiness. Children with well-integrated reflexes often show improved readiness for academic tasks. Reflex challenges or delays may impact a child's ability to engage in learning activities effectively.

Social and Behavioral Development: Reflex integration influences social and behavioral development. Proper motor coordination and sensory processing contribute to a child's ability to engage in social interactions, play, and develop age-appropriate behaviors.

Specific exercises can be done to support the development of these fundamental processes. All of our therapists are trained in reflex integration.  Contact us if you have any further questions!

What is the SOS Approach to Feeding?

The SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to feeding is a therapeutic framework and intervention strategy used to address feeding difficulties in children, particularly those who are picky eaters or have aversions to certain foods. It was developed by Dr. Kay Toomey, a pediatric psychologist, and Dr. Erin Ross, an occupational therapist, who specialize in pediatric feeding disorders.

 The SOS Approach to feeding is based on the premise that feeding difficulties often stem from sensory issues and can be influenced by a child's sensory preferences and sensitivities. The approach aims to gradually introduce and expand a child's diet by addressing the sensory and motor aspects of eating. Here are some key components of the SOS Approach:

1. Sequential: The intervention follows a sequential progression. It starts with the child learning to tolerate the presence of new foods, then touching, smelling, and eventually tasting them. The goal is to help the child progress through these steps at their own pace.

2. Oral: The focus is on oral motor skills and the development of appropriate chewing and swallowing patterns. This includes addressing any oral motor difficulties that may be contributing to feeding problems.

3. Sensory: Sensory factors play a significant role in feeding difficulties. The approach considers a child's sensory sensitivities and preferences and works to desensitize them to new food textures, flavors, and temperatures.

4. Child-Centered: The SOS Approach is child-centered and takes into account the individual needs and preferences of each child. It respects a child's autonomy and pace in exploring and accepting new foods.

5. Environmental Factors: The approach also considers the role of the feeding environment, including mealtime routines, social interactions, and the presentation of food. Creating a positive and relaxed eating environment is essential.

6. Parent Involvement: Parents play a crucial role in the SOS Approach. They are actively involved in the therapy process and are taught strategies to help their child gradually expand their diet at home.

7. Multidisciplinary Team: In some cases, a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians, may be involved to address various aspects of feeding difficulties comprehensively.

SOS is tailored to the specific needs of each child, and the progression through the stages is gradual and individualized. It aims to reduce mealtime stress and anxiety, improve a child's willingness to try new foods, and ultimately expand their diet to include a wider range of nutritious options. Parents and caregivers can also benefit from education and support to help their child with feeding difficulties.

Vestibular input and its impact on learning

The vestibular system plays a crucial role in a child's development and learning. It is responsible for providing the brain with information about the body's position and movement in space, and it is located in the inner ear. Here are some ways in which the vestibular system impacts learning in children:

1.       Balance and Coordination: The vestibular system helps children develop and maintain balance and coordination. This is essential for activities such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing, which are important for physical development and motor skills.

2.       Spatial Awareness: The vestibular system helps children develop an understanding of their spatial orientation in relation to their environment. This awareness is important for tasks like navigating through spaces, understanding directions (e.g., up, down, left, right), and developing a sense of personal space.

3.       Attention and Focus: Proper functioning of the vestibular system can have a positive impact on a child's ability to pay attention and focus. When the vestibular system is functioning well, it can help children maintain their posture and stability, reducing the distractions caused by discomfort or instability.

4.       Sensory Integration: The vestibular system is one of several sensory systems (including vision, hearing, touch, and proprioception) that contribute to sensory integration. Sensory integration is the ability to process and make sense of information from various sensory inputs. A well-functioning vestibular system can aid in this process, leading to improved sensory processing and integration.

5.       Emotional Regulation: The vestibular system is also linked to emotional regulation. Activities that stimulate the vestibular system, such as swinging or spinning, can have a calming and soothing effect on children, helping them manage stress and anxiety.

6.       Cognitive Development: The vestibular system is interconnected with various brain regions, including those responsible for cognitive functions. It plays a role in developing spatial reasoning skills, which are important for tasks like reading maps, solving puzzles, and understanding geometric concepts.

7.       Language Development: Some research suggests that the vestibular system may play a role in language development. Movements that activate the vestibular system, like rocking or swaying, may help children develop language skills by enhancing their ability to focus and attend to auditory stimuli.

8.       Social and Play Skills: A well-developed vestibular system can also impact a child's social interactions and play skills. It allows children to engage in various physical activities and play with their peers, contributing to their overall social development.

It's important to note that children can have individual differences in their vestibular system development, and some may have sensory processing challenges or vestibular dysfunction. Occupational therapists specially trained in vestibular integration can work with children who have vestibular issues to help improve their sensory processing and motor skills, ultimately supporting their learning and development.

Activating the vestibular system in children through fun and engaging activities is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for their sensory and motor development. Here are some fun ways to stimulate the vestibular system in children:

1.       Swinging: Swinging on a swing set at the playground or using an indoor swing can provide excellent vestibular stimulation. Encourage children to swing back and forth or in circular motions.

2.       Spinning: Gentle spinning activities, like twirling around or using a spinning toy, can activate the vestibular system. Ensure the spinning is not too fast to avoid dizziness.

3.       Rocking: Rocking chairs or rocking horses are great tools for providing vestibular input. Children can rock themselves or be gently rocked by an adult.

4.       Trampoline: Bouncing on a trampoline can be loads of fun while also providing proprioceptive and vestibular input. Ensure safety measures, like using a net enclosure, are in place.

5.       Balance Beams: Set up low balance beams or planks of wood on the ground to encourage balancing activities. Make it a game by challenging kids to walk across without falling.

6.       Obstacle Courses: Create an obstacle course with a variety of movements, including crawling under tables, hopping over cushions, and balancing on a line. This engages multiple sensory systems, including the vestibular system.

7.       Dance: Dancing to music involves a lot of spinning, twirling, and rhythmic movements that stimulate the vestibular system. Put on some music and encourage children to dance freely.

8.       Sensory Swings: Some sensory swings, like hammock swings or cocoon swings, are designed specifically to provide vestibular input. These can be hung indoors and are particularly helpful for children with sensory processing challenges.

9.       Rolling Activities: Rolling on the ground or using foam rollers can activate the vestibular system. Children can roll themselves or take turns rolling each other gently.

10.   Tunnel Play: Crawl tunnels or play tunnels provide opportunities for crawling and rolling, which engage the vestibular system as children change their positions.

11.   Scooters and Skateboards: Age-appropriate scooters and skateboards can be used to roll around, providing vestibular input while also improving balance and coordination.

12.   Gymnastics and Yoga: Enroll children in gymnastics or yoga classes, which involve various movements and positions that activate the vestibular system.

13.   Nature Walks: Hiking or walking in nature on uneven terrain can challenge a child's balance and spatial awareness, providing natural vestibular input.

14.   Sensory Swirls: Use colorful scarves or ribbons and encourage children to swirl them in the air in different patterns. This combines visual and vestibular input.

15.   Sled Riding: During the winter, sled riding down gentle hills is a thrilling way to engage the vestibular system.

Always prioritize safety and supervise children during these activities, especially if they are trying something new or potentially risky. Remember that each child is unique, and their tolerance for vestibular input may vary, so it's essential to observe their comfort levels and adjust activities accordingly. Fun and playful vestibular activities can support a child's overall sensory and motor development.