In a world full of parenting books for "typical" kids and books about understanding specific disorders, there aren't many books that guide us on how to embrace and parent an atypical, neurodiverse child. Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World is a judgment-free breath of fresh air; it shows parents like me how to see, parent, and celebrate the kids we've been … [Read more...]
Back to School Backpack Zipper Charms (To Stay Organized)
Sometimes we all need a little help to stay organized during the busy mornings before school. Before your kids go back to school, make these helpful Backpack Shrinky Dink Zipper Charms to provide a visual reminder of daily must-haves at school. This fun idea is just one of many in The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day: Awesome Games and Crafts to Master Your Moods, Boost Focus, Hack … [Read more...]
How Anxiety, Sensory Processing, & Food Pickiness ALL Changed for My Kids
Did you know that developing the lower brain and midbrain is related to the movements of early childhood? And, that because of neuroplasticity, these movements can be done at any stage of life? So WHY you would want to develop these parts of your brain? Because if your lower brain (pons) and midbrain aren't fully developed, your prefrontal cortex gets overloaded and guess what -- life is … [Read more...]
Auditory and Visual Processing Activities with LEGOs
Today I want to share several fun LEGO activities for auditory and visual processing skills, two important brain functions that contribute to our reading and writing abilities. One important part of auditory processing is auditory memory which is the ability to listen and remember. This is important for understanding and following directions at home and in school. It's also necessary for class … [Read more...]
Learning Differences in Children’s Books
Learning differences in children's books help affirm what some kids experience and build empathy in those that don't -- so here's a GREAT list of picture books and chapter books that show us stories of how other people handle learning differences. For children who are challenged with learning differences (disabilities is a term I dislike), seeing a person like yourself in a story is SO … [Read more...]
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder? Sensory Processing 101
What is sensory processing disorder? It took months of occupational therapy with Children's Hospital Colorado and a ton of research on my own to understand my daughter's sensory processing disorder. But now days, there is SO MUCH more to help parents with SPD. In fact, there's a new book called Sensory Processing 101 about sensory processing by Dayna Abraham, Claire Heffron, Pam Braley, and … [Read more...]
Classroom Strategies for Sensory Processing Disorder
Despite the DSM 5's (poor) decision not to recognize Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) as a disorder, it exists. And it affects many of our children. (One of mine included!) Fortunately, in the classroom, more teachers are becoming aware of SPD and the unique needs of children who have it. So what are helpful classroom strategies teachers are using for students with SPD ? First, let's quickly … [Read more...]
Our Daughter’s Anxiety Connected to Sensory Processing Disorder
A few years ago we wondered if AJ had sensory processing disorder, SPD, and if it related to her anxiety. Sensory Processing Disorder At the time, her anxiety was so overwhelming, she had trouble leaving the house. She'd curl up in the fetal position and cry. A lot. (It sucked.) Anxiety, if you ever have experienced it, doesn't make sense. After a miserable mountain vacation trapped in … [Read more...]
My Daughter’s Non-Disorder Sensory Processing Disorder
Apparently, AJ has tactile Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This news is good and bad. The more I learn about SPD, I feel like finally we're getting to what's going on with AJ. But I'm mad, too -- because she's nine! How did the pediatricians and teachers miss this diagnosis for so long? (And, just to be clear, neither finally got me to Children's Hospital in Denver to get AJ assessed - someone … [Read more...]
Guess How I Feel? Social-Emotional Game
AJ is going to Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder and it's been life-changing for all of us. Today, I want to tell you about an amazing website called Fun and Function, Where Special Needs is Cool (Affordable too!) and a great social-emotional game called Guess How I Feel. Both have helped us in our journey with SPD and would be equally great for all kids and very helpful to kids … [Read more...]