Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how your brain processes sensory stimuli. Children with SPD will either overreact or under-react to sensory stimuli. There are 3 major patterns of SPD including Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD), Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD), and Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD).
What is Ayres Sensory Integration®?
Sensory integration is essential for everyday function. It refers to the ability to receive, process, organize, and respond adaptively to information received through our senses. The integration of the various sensory systems contributes to higher-level functions (Ayres, 1979). In addition, efficient sensory integration contributes to the development of motor functions, such as praxis, bilateral integration, and postural and ocular control (Schaaf & Mailloux, 2015). Thus, when a child experiences challenges with sensory integration, it may impact participation in a variety of daily activities.
Benefits of Yoga for Children
Practicing yoga has countless benefits for your child. Yoga can help develop the
physical body by increasing strength, balance, and coordination, while also benefiting
your child’s mental well being by supporting emotional regulation and boosting their
self-esteem. One of the best things about yoga is how accessible it can be! There are
tons of free classes and resources online, and with just five minutes of yoga per day you
could start to see some benefits.
Living a “Sensory Rich” Lifestyle
What are some of the things that you do daily, in order to keep yourself engaged and focused during the day? Do you need to have a mid-day snack, coffee, or walk? Do you journal everyday or participate in yoga or breathwork? What about participating in a weight lifting or cycling routine? Are you a baker or cook? The above mentioned activities are actually all common methods that people use to self-regulate!
Importance of Sleep
Restful and adequate sleep provides the foundation for optimal occupational performance, participation, and engagement in daily life, a concept that is historically consistent with the development of occupational therapy. The impact of sleep on function and participation is incorporated into the repertoire of occupational therapy practitioners and addressed across the lifespan (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014).
Benefits of Writing on a Vertical Surface
Did you know that having your child write on a vertical surface can target many underlying skills needed for handwriting?
What is Developmental Optometry and why do we so often refer children for an evaluation?
Read on for more information on developmental optometry and why occupational therapists so often refer out.
Stress- Free Holidays
No one can argue – the holidays bring such beautiful, special, enlightening, warm times. However, we also can’t argue that they are busy! From socializing, planning, shopping, decorating, hosting, writing cards, and more, the holidays can definitely be a source of, however much worth it, STRESS! If we are feeling the pressure, there is no […]
OT Month 2020
Reflections of OT Month
Back to School Tips
Photo by RomoloTavani/iStock / Getty Images It’s hard to believe that Summer is already coming to an end! The transition from summer back to school can be challenging for any child and even parents! Transitions in general can be anxiety provoking, especially a child who has difficulty processing sensory information. Let’s make sure your child […]