SPD

Best Children’s Books With Characters Who Have Learning Differences

Want to know another very underrepresented group in children’s books? People with 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 quite affirming. In fact, Rick Riordan said that’s why he wrote Percy Jackson for his son who, like Percy, has ADHD and […]

Ideas to Help Your Wiggly Reader Who Can’t Sit Still

Do you have a wiggly reader who just needs to move? I do. My oldest daughter. Which means that sitting still while reading (or playing games or eating dinner) can be almost impossible. Normally sitting is part of reading. Right? But I wonder if it has to be sitting still. Hear me out. If our […]

If You Have a Neurodiverse Child, Differently Wired Is a Must-Read

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]