You may have heard the term sensory overload many times in regard to sensory processing challenges. And you've probably also read that sensory overload leads to sensory meltdowns in many cases. But have you ever wondered what sensory overload feels like? We asked some children who struggle with sensory processing challenges to tell us what sensory overload feels like and their answers are very eye-opening. Before we get to that, let's have a quick overview of what sensory processing is and what sensory processing challenges may look like. What is Sensory Processing? Sensory processing is the ..read more

You've figured out your child is dealing with sensory overload. Maybe you ever know what triggers it. But your child is in the middle of sensory overload and you don't know what to do to help. Today, we're going to give you some tips on how to help a child with sensory overload. If you are unfamiliar with what sensory overload is or looks like, check out our post here: Signs of Sensory Overload. Once you have figured out your child's sensory triggers, it's important to have a plan on how to help them through the sensory overload. Even knowing all the triggers, doesn't mean you can eliminate a ..read more

Children can often feel overwhelmed by a variety of things. It can be because of school assignments, issues with friends, family issues, struggle with emotions, or sensory processing challenges. We wanted to create something specifically for children, so this short video, When I Feel Overwhelmed will give self-regulation strategies for kids. One thing that we want to make sure we provide is strategies specifically for children when it comes to sensory overload and sensory processing. A lot of the information out there is geared towards adults to help children, which is also important. But if ..read more

Do you have a child who is sensitive to different sensory inputs? ⠀ ⠀ Being a kid with sensory needs can make even the simplest things like combing your hair or getting dressed feel challenging. ⠀ ⠀ Using the strategies below, you can make life easier for your child or students and cut back on sensory meltdowns and day-to-day battles.⠀ ⠀ 10 Ways to Help a Sensory Sensitive Child 1. Use a visual schedule. This allows the child to know exactly what to do and what’s coming next. It can ease the pain of transitions and lessen the chance of meltdowns. For some kids, they need the tasks broken up i ..read more

Creating a sensory-friendly classroom environment does not need to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Today we are sharing 5 tips that can help you turn your classroom into a sensory-friendly classroom for all children. Brain Breaks  The average student can attend for 10-15 minutes at a time before needing a break. A brain break can be as simple as standing up and doing some stretches, having a 30-second dance party, or even just switching to a different location or station. Setting up sensory-motor walk in your school hallway can be used during transitions in the hallway or before retu ..read more

Sensory input is constantly coming at us. Whether we're in a quiet place by ourselves or at a busy shopping mall, sensory experiences are shaping how we perceive the world around us. Sensory overload happens to all of us, but for children with sensory processing issues, it can be overwhelming. These children may not have the tools and coping skills to handle all the sensory information their bodies are taking in.  A special note for teachers: Each of us responds to sensory input differently, so this can be especially overwhelming and challenging to accommodate in the classroom. Reco ..read more

When you were growing up, chances are, you learned about the 5 senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. It might surprise you to learn that there are actually 8 sensory systems. And that all 8 of them are integral to a child's development and daily life. Learning more about the sensory systems allows you to recognize what part they play and how to provide sensory input for each one. It also allows you to begin teaching children about this aspect of their bodies. Understanding their own sensory systems and their unique response to each one is one step towards them regulating their respon ..read more