Special Occasion Toys
If a child sees the same toy every single day, their brain eventually tunes it out and stops paying attention to it. However, research shows that if you “rest” a toy by hiding it for a while, the child will be super excited to see it again when you finally bring it back.
Keep reading
DIY Bag of Tricks for Sensory Input
Car rides were a particular struggle. Over time, we found that giving his hands a “something to do” made these moments of stillness much easier. We developed what we called our “Bag of Tricks”—an old cosmetic zipper pouch filled with a rotating selection of toys to keep him engaged.
Keep reading
Haircut Tips for Little Boys Part 2: Autism
Instead of forcing him to “sit still,” I shifted the entire experience to meet him where he was. Here is the step-by-step strategy we used to turn a something that caused a violent meltdown into a manageable routine:
Keep reading
What a Ketchup and Mayonnaise Sandwich Taught Me about Early Intervention
She pointed to the ketchup. Okay, —a bit strange, but whatever brings comfort. Then she pointed to the mayonnaise.
Ketchup. Mayonnaise. On white bread. This is where my inner dialogue—screamed, No, that’s gross. I draw the line.
Keep reading
Sensory Play: Bedtime Routine Part 2
Creating a peaceful bedtime routine for a child with sensory processing challenges takes time, patience, and experimentation. By understanding your child’s unique needs and incorporating sensory strategies, you can create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and sleep for everyone.
Keep readingSensory Seeker Bedtime Routine Part 1
We know that children with ASD experience sleep issues and challenging behaviors. Parents then experience stress, and then parent’s stress can worsen a child’s behavior problems. Therefore, effective stress management becomes a critical for both parent and child’s well-being.
Keep reading
Escaping the Car Seat: What Worked for Us
The most important lesson I learned is that prevention is key. When your child is actively escaping their car seat while you’re driving, you’re helpless. Focus on creating an environment that minimizes the likelihood of escape.
Keep reading
Using A Cardboard Box to Support Sensory Needs On the Go
The cardboard box solution, a simple early intervention strategy, addressed several of his sensory needs and made a challenging situation much more manageable. It also underscores the many benefits of cardboard box play for children in general.
Keep reading
How We Used A Social Story To Prevent Drive Thru Meltdowns
While it wasn’t an overnight success, the social story proved to be a game-changer. Equipped with a road map for what to expect, our son was able to navigate the drive-thru experience with newfound calm.
Keep reading
10 Bath Time Activities For A Sensory Seeker
Gross motor heavy work is hard to do during a bath, but fine motor heavy work is doable. After providing him with the following activities, his need for sensory input was satisfied by the work with his hands and exposure to texture.
Keep reading
Little Boy Haircut Tips: A Mom’s Guide Part 1
Following these tips and embracing a “good enough” mentality can turn haircut day from a struggle into a regular routine to look forward to.
Keep reading
Brown Noise: A Sleep Solution
Brown noise is a funny name, but it’s awesome for blocking out household sounds. I highly recommend the sound machine, but if your zoo–I mean, home is especially loud during a baby’s bedtime, you have another louder solution in a basic CD player.
Keep reading
All Things Early Intervention 