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Weighted blankets, lap pads, vests and shoulder weights are becoming more and more popular for using with children with sensory processing difficulties. These products are used to provide deep pressure input which calms the sensory systems and helps a child who is feeling overwhelmed or seeking proprioception to regulate their arousal levels. Weighted products can be very helpful for regulation but only when they are used correctly, at the right times and when all the precautions and instructions for use are followed. An occupational therapist can offer advice and guidelines on this   Weighted products are frequently used for the following; In class, to help a child remain in their chair and hold focus during lessons. During breaktimes, to provide calming input in busy and loud environments which can be overwhelming for children with sensory processing difficulties. In sensory rooms, for calming input for children who need more gentle regulation. […]

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Sleep is a one of our basic needs, lack of sleep impacts on all our functioning. In children lack of sleep can result in aggression, restlessness, increased behavioural problems, irritability and poor learning/cognitive performance. In my experience sleep difficulties usually expand beyond the individual child, their parents are awake to support them and the whole family unit is negatively impacted. The tiredness has a knock on effect on some of the challenges which some of these children may already have. Statistics show that on average 50% of children between the ages of 0-6, and 25% of all children will experience sleep difficulties at some point. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are particularly at risk to sleep difficulties with studies consistently showing that 50-80% of children with ASD have difficulties with sleep (Richdale & Schreck, 2009). There is not a definitive explanation as to why children with ASD in particular […]

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Children with sensory processing difficulties often seek routine and structure as a form of comfort and reassurance. When they know what the plan is for the day, or for the week, they can prepare their sensory systems so they are prepared to cope with any upcoming challenges. But what happens when the plan changes? What happens when it snows? Schools are closed, and we are told to stay at home. The daily structure that our children crave is gone and this can cause upset and anxiety for them. We all know the proprioceptive activities help to restore calm and order to the body. Proprioception is the information that is sent from muscles and joints in our body to our brain. It gives the brain information about our position in space and where we are in relation to others. This in turn gives reassurance and helps our brain to regulate sensory […]

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As an occupational therapist it is one of my favourite tools for children who seek movement and have difficult staying seated in their chair. By stretching the band around the legs of the child’s chair they can kick and stretch their feet against it. This offers proprioceptive input which is calming and regulating for children, helping them to remain seated and stay engaged in the classroom activities.   Where to purchase Stretchy Loop Bands? Stretchy Loop Bands are available from Sensational Kids Child Development & Learning Store   Product Review Written By Laura Kelly, Occupational Therapist, at Sensational Kids   Copyright Sensational Kids CLG 2018

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The Rush Hour game involves problem solving and sequencing. You move the cars back and forth to figure out how to clear obstacles and free the ‘icecream truck’. In occupational therapy session I love to use this activities with children to work on attention, concentration, planning and sequencing. It requires a trial and error style approach, that is the child continues to attempt moving the cars around until they find the solution – there is no wrong answer, just a need for a new plan. Rush Hour encourages children to identify a plan, think a few steps ahead and then problem solve when that does not work out. From my experience kids loves this game and it is a great way to encourage independent thinking and problem solving. The children have a great sense of achievement when they free the ‘icecream truck’ and are keen to try the next level […]

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By Katie Cremin – Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin.  Board member at Sensational Kids Charity, Kildare.   About one in every 100 people is believed to have an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), with boys out numbering girls.  With these high prevalence rates and a concern that rates may be rising, it is a good idea to be vigilant for signs in your child. Early diagnosis and intervention is known to be the most effective way of lessening the severity of the disorder. Alongside ASD there are several other ‘neurodevelopmental’ disorders of varying severity and presentations, which can have similar signs to ASD in a child. If you have any concerns at all, seek the advice of a professional early on. Watching and worrying about a child, but not seeking help is very stressful. Many children will have unusual quirks, sensitivities and ways of behaving which may be […]

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