07 Dec 2018 
Twinkling lights, giant singing displays, evergreen scents permeating the house, and candy canes hanging from a tree that is suddenly sprouting from your living room. It’s natural for sensory overload to come into play. Even if a child with autism doesn’t have sensory issues, the sudden change in environment could spark caution or a meltdown. To ease the transition into a winter wonderland, consider allowing your kiddo to choose the decorations for your home. Have him or her help trim the tree or decide where to place the holiday items if that makes sense for your family. Avoid flashing lights, sparkling ornaments, and décor with sounds, if that’s what bothers your child.
For those touched by ASD, shopping outings can be tough any time of year. The holidays escalate the stimuli. Good thing we live in an age of online shopping where Amazon Prime can be your best friend if you need something in a hurry. But what if you want that one-of-a-kind gift from the neighborhood boutique or there’s a great in-store discount available at the mall? Or maybe you just want to experience the fun of shopping? In those cases, let your child know ahead of time where you’re going and what to expect. Prepare a schedule and consider sharing photos of the place you’re going. Also, decide who to shop for in advance…it may not be realistic to buy for everyone your kiddo wants, so it’s important to set expectations before you leave the house. Avoid peak times in an effort to limit the mall’s chaos. When you’re leaving the house, anticipate the environment and bring noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses or a comfort item as a backup.
Opening presents around other family members can be overstimulating, especially if there are a lot of gifts or other kids involved. What’s under the wrapping paper can pose also challenges for individuals with ASD, and you may not know how your child will react. If possible, talk to family and friends in advance to share his or her interests and anything that might unknowingly cause distress. This is a happy time, so set up the unwrapping experience in a way that is comfortable for your child. Maybe that means opening one at a time and spacing them out a little. Or take some home to open privately… don’t feel pressured to do this in front of the gift-giver. You can always explain the situation and follow up with a thank-you card to show appreciation.
Here’s a tough one that isn’t confined to the holiday season. Your child may not like the way cold weather clothing feels as much as summer styles, have temperature regulation challenges, or maybe loves snow so much that he darts outside without proper preparation. To combat this, explain why winter clothes are important in chilly weather (if appropriate). Have him or her pick out the accessories to make it more enjoyable. Consider finding a way to motivate and practice wearing the coat, hat, and boots before heading outside. It could be the reward of a cookie or a special activity. Laying clothes out the night before or using a visual guide can also help prepare for the weather.
In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our children’s lives. While it offers numerous opportunities for learning, connecting, and creativity, it also brings with it the unfortunate reality of online bullying. As parents, we must recognize the signs of online bullying and take proactive steps to address it. Personally, having […]
Introduction Does your child ever have difficulty listening to you and following instructions? You may find this especially difficult around the holidays, right after they get home from school, or during times that your child is out of their typical routine. As a parent or caregiver, you may find yourself often repeating instructions or raising […]
Does your child repeat scripts from a movie or a TV show? Does your child repeat long phrases frequently but have trouble communicating using single words? Your child might be a gestalt language processor. This means your child learns language differently than others learn. While learning and developing language, every child is different with respect […]
When it comes to giving a toy we have a lot of questions: Will it be beneficial to my kids? Will it promote positive values? Will it improve their learning and developmental ability? Depending on their age some toys are more adapted to their growth. The skills that a toy can teach are infinite and […]
When shopping for toys for your little one, it’s important to keep gross motor skill development in mind. Gross motor skills require whole-body movement and involve the large, core-stabilizing muscles of the body to perform everyday functions, such as walking, running, and sitting upright. Gross motor skills include hand-eye coordination skills such as ball skills […]
The 2023 holiday season is already upon us! As an Occupational Therapist (OT) working in both clinical and community settings, a big part of my job is meeting with parents to help them learn how to play with their children in a way that furthers their development by building foundational learning and motor skills. Parents […]
Halloween is a fun-filled time of year universally loved by kids across America. The costumes, candy, and late-night shenanigans allow kids to create happy and fun-filled memories – but it’s not necessarily like that for everyone. The eerie lights of Jack-o-Lanterns, spooky sounds of haunted houses, itchy costumes, and hard-to-breathe-in plastic masks can be hard […]
Celebrating NICU Awareness Month September is NICU Awareness Month. It’s a time to honor families and health professionals who are part of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or sick newborns are cared for. Many of the babies we see for services had a NICU stay. […]
When it comes to summer vacation, many parents need help keeping their kids occupied, entertained, and structured. Finding a balance between letting them enjoy their 3-month break while ensuring they don’t completely spend it on the couch is sometimes easier said than done. If your child has sensory processing differences, such as autism, finding activities […]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety symptoms can look very similar and are difficult for even the most seasoned professionals to differentiate. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that if you are diagnosed with ADHD, you may be at a higher risk of also exhibiting anxiety symptoms. Both can have a profound impact on […]
When you think about children with motor disabilities, what comes to mind? Do you imagine a child in a wheelchair who is unable to walk or move around on their own? You are not alone if this is your image of a child with motor disabilities. However, the development of DMI therapy is disrupting this […]
Hypotonia, also known as floppy infant syndrome or floppy baby syndrome, is a condition characterized by low muscle tone and muscle strength. Although it’s the most commonly occurring condition that impacts an infant’s motor skills, it’s not completely understood. Seeing your baby struggle to sit upright on their own can be distressing for any parent. […]
