No Longer Left Behind! Family Bike Rides for Fun

Courtesy of Audrey Schroth

Did you know that May is National Bike Month? What a great excuse to get the family outside and on a family bike ride. However, families that experience “isms” might find that a family bike outing is impossible or, at a minimum, a challenging prospect. You might be pleasantly surprised at how many biking type [...]

Pages: 1 2 3 4

12 Ideas Focusing on Balance and Vestibular Activities

balance

In honor of Occupational Therapy (OT) Month, we encourage you to include a focus on balance and the vestibular system.  Need some help?  Here are twelve quick ideas to get you started: Seated Activities Bounce on a  or as you recite a poem to the rhythm of the bounce. high as you recite any list [...]

Pages: 1 2

Simple Movement Can Improve Your Child’s Communication

movement-communication

Here are some movement tips that may be helpful for children that have communications challenges. Maximize the Child’s Posture Is he slumped forward, leaning on his elbow or holding his head with his hand? Are her feet on the floor so she can push on the floor as a source of stability for the rest [...]

Pages: 1 2

Adapting PE for Children with Special Needs

jumping

I have a child with special needs. The term “special needs” includes conditions of many different types and severities so we have to follow up in our conversations with lots of explanations…my six year old has Down Syndrome and is still non-verbal.  Now you have a better picture of my situation. So, when asked to [...]

Pages: 1 2 3

Conquering the Motor Challenges

motor-challenges

“I’m doing it! I’m doing it!” yells an exuberant 8 year-old boy as he rides away from me on his bike. This young boy has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dyspraxia and was so frightened to just sit on his bike with training wheels 4 months ago that he held on to [...]

Pages: 1 2 3 4

Using a Body Sox for Sensory Input

body-sox

The is great for children with sensory issues. The material is see-through and breathable. Children become enraptured as they begin to understand and explore the three-dimensional space they individually occupy. Your kids will soon discover the calming and organizing effect of the . Great for those with Sensory Processing Disorder, autism, ADHD, and Asperger’s. Features [...]

Beating Dyspraxia with a Hop, Skip and a Jump

hop-skip-jump

Don’t turn away from this article just because of the word “dyspraxia.” First, what is dyspraxia? Geoff Platt, author of  lists some of the primary problems of dyspraxia to include: low muscle tone; easily fatigued muscles; poor coordination, balance, and attention; and hyperactivity. Some of the secondary problems include: lack of confidence and self-esteem; avoidance [...]

Playing Handbells to Improve Memory, Communication, and Much More

handbells

A set of handbells is an unusual musical instrument, suitable for children of all ages and in various developmental stages. Handbells are bells designed to be rung by hand and are generally played in tuned sets. An experienced handbell choir, or handbell ensemble, rings recognizable music with melodies and harmony. Unlike an orchestra or choir [...]

Tunnels Help Develop Motor Skills and Muscle Strength

tunnel-tent

Use this alone or combine it with the . You can also add the  to the tent. All these items are sold separately, for the ultimate play experience. They feature sturdy spring steel construction for lasting fun and collapse down for easy storage. These play items are ideal for children who may benefit from weight [...]

10 Things to Do with Socks You Won’t Need after Finding SmartKnit Socks

sensory-socks

My review of Smartknit Kid’s Seamless Socks was just published here: Thumbs (Or Should We Say Toes) Up For SmartKnitKids. We just love them! In fact, we love them so much we’re wondering what to do with some of our less appealing socks – you know, the ones that cause morning meltdowns. Thus, this Wearing [...]

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...