On The Blog
Every child and person is unique, and their behaviours are windows into their inner worlds. However, when it comes to children with sensory processing challenges, the intricacies of their experiences can lead to high levels of dysregulation, often resulting in widespread misunderstanding....
As the summer holidays start, parents and families prepare for a well-deserved break and quality time together. For neurotypical children, summer holidays often bring excitement and anticipation. However, for neurodivergent children, the change in routine and sensory overload can present unique...
Have you been avoiding contacting professionals for support because you think your child’s behaviour is ‘just a phase’ or those around you are telling you ‘it’s normal' and so you think you are questioning yourself and what you are experiencing with your...
As human beings, we all experience moments of stress, anxiety, and emotional overload. However, for neurodivergent children, these moments can be particularly challenging to navigate. In this blog, we will explore the difference between overwhelm and dysregulation, and how parents can support...
Sensory processing difficulties can significantly impact a child's experience in school. Sensory trauma can occur when a child experiences intense or prolonged sensory input that is overwhelming or distressing to them, leading to anxiety, avoidance, and negative associations with school. Even...
As a neurodivergent parent, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, after working with families for years, I get it! Whether it's managing work, caring for a family, or simply trying to keep up with the demands of a busy schedule, it's easy to feel like there's never...
What is sensory integration?
The term “sensory integration” refers to the processing, integration, and organisation of sensory information from the body and the environment. This means how we experience, interpret and react to (or ignore) information coming from our senses.
Sensory...
Proprioceptive processing difficulties:
With proprioception processing difficulties it can be like their bodies can’t get enough of it. Sometimes, children that love this type of input may be labelled as hyperactive or naughty but their behaviour is related to meeting their sensory needs.
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Interoception refers to the understanding of our internal bodily messages that the brain perceives from the body. The messages come from our organs such as stomach, lungs, liver, heart, mouth, eyes etc etc. They let our brain know about how the body feels for example, hunger, thirst, needing...
Throughout my career I have heard (and I’m even guilty myself!) or saying ‘They need to learn to self-regulate’ without at the time truly understanding what skills that requires. We would put sensory based strategies in place and then implement perhaps some behavioural...
Christmas is upon us and there are so many play items out there available but what toys develop what skills from a play- function approach. In Occupational Therapy we use play in day to day treatment, supporting children to build on foundational skills they require in order to learn, progress and...