Hypotonia describes low muscle tone. If your newborn has it, they’ll most likely feel limp when you hold them in your arms — kind of like a rag doll. This is why it’s also referred to as “floppy infant syndrome.” Physicians can diagnose hypotonia within the first several minutes of the baby’s life. They perform […]
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Signs My Child Has a Handwriting Problem
Learning to write sentences and words correctly and clearly is an essential focus for children in their elementary school years. All younger children have some difficulty when trying to perfect their penmanship. But, if you notice your child’s handwriting is unclear or distorted consistently, that could be due to a learning disability known as dysgraphia and you’ll […]
How to Help My Child Adjust to a New School
As a parent, you no doubt do your best to structure your child’s life in a manner that removes instability, minimizes emotionally difficult changes and provides predictable routines. But, no matter how hard you try, change is inevitable and can be impactful. One change that’s sure to happen at some point is a change in […]
How to Help Your Child Transition to Kindergarten
For many children, Kindergarten is a huge change. They’re just experiencing a structured school setting for the first time. While entering Kindergarten can be an exciting time, it can also be an anxious one too, especially for parents who have kids with disabilities. If your child struggles with things like following directions, sitting still, or sensory […]
Back to School Tips for Special Needs Children
There’s much more to consider when going back to school than if your child’s handwriting skills is up to par. A new year at school means new teachers, a new grade and possibly even a new school. To help you help your special needs child transition into a new school year, here are five back to school […]
Guidelines for Creating a DIY Sensory Box
A DIY sensory box can be an effective resource to help develop your child’s sensory processing skills. Essentially, a sensory box contains items in it that can help your child manage their sensory processing problems like being over-stimulated, sensory seeking or under-responsive and lethargic. You can help your child with their sensory processing skills by creating a […]
The Power of Pointing
Pointing is far more than simply a cute thing a baby does. It marks a significant milestone in your child’s development and visual perception skills. Why Learning to Point is Important Between the ages of nine and 12 months, your baby should finally be able to let you know about their feelings, thoughts and ideas. They do […]
How to Help Your Child Get More from Blowing Bubbles
Not only will your child love playing with bubbles, but they’re also an inexpensive and wonderful way of encouraging various areas of learning and development. Playing with bubbles not only provides the perfect opportunity to develop hearing, speech and language, but it can also help with a number of other important skills. Skills Bubble Blowing […]
Visual Perception Skill Activities You Can Do With Your Child This Summer
Your child uses visual perception skills to make sense of what they see. This is essential for school skills like writing, reading and math. It’s also good for life skills like reading maps and signs, taking part in crafts or hobbies and finding items in a busy space. Whether your child has a visual processing disorder or […]
What is Bilateral Coordination and Why Is It Important for My Child
Bilateral coordination is the ability to coordinate each side of your body together in an organized and controlled manner. For instance, you stabilize paper with one hand as you’re cutting or writing with the other. Good bilateral coordination/integration indicates both sides of your brain are effectively communicating and sharing information. Why is Bilateral Coordination Important? […]
Benefits of Kaleidograph
Kaleidograph is a game, toy and a puzzle. Esentially, it’s a geometry toy that is also a creative design tool for quilters, artists and just about anyone who enjoys creating colorful patterns. It’s also great for children with special needs and helps build their visual perception skills. You can display the cards as artwork, use them as […]
Techniques to Help with Proper Word Spacing
Does your child’s school work come home with all of their letters smashed together forming one big run on word? Or, are their words and letters stretched out so far it’s difficult to read? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions, it’s likely your child is having difficulty with proper spacing and needs […]
Everyday Objects for Hand and Grip Strengthening
Hand and grip strength is important and many individuals take it for granted. But, when your child’s hands are too weak where their handwriting is affected or they can’t perform simple everyday activities, hand strengthening exercises can help. There are therapeutic tools available specifically for hand strengthening like gel balls and therapy putty, but you can also […]
Play-Doh Activities and Their Benefits
Play-Doh activities are the perfect way to assist in the development of your child’s fine motor skills. It also helps with bilateral coordination skills too. There are numerous benefits of having your child play with Play-Doh. Benefits of Play-Doh Activities 1. Provides a Good Sensory Experience Play-Doh offers a great sensory medium, helping kids struggling with sensory […]
What is a Visual Processing Disorder and What are the Signs?
Visual processing disorder (VPD) is a condition that can cause problems with how your child’s brain processes visual information. Your child might pass their vision test since their eyes are fine. But, the issue is actually the way their brain handles the visual information. Your child won’t “outgrow” VPD, but there are things you can do to […]
Sleep Tips with Kids with Sensory Processing Needs
Sleep is an important activity that helps promote self-regulation. When you don’t get a good night’s sleep, it can leave you feeling disorganized, irritable, inattentive and a little more dysregulated the following day. Add on a sensory processing disorder, which is quite common in many kids and often affects sleep, and this can lead to sleep […]