1. Your special needs journey won't be the same as anyone else's, so don't let anyone in the world tell you what it should look like. ~ Unknown

2. A child with disabilities often spends hours being taught how to interact with others... but why don't we spend time teaching those without disabilities how to interact with them? ~ Calleen Petersen

3. Having children with special needs can be challenging. Getting people to understand can be the hardest part. ~ Unknown 

4. It shouldn’t matter how slowly a child learns. What matters is that we encourage them to never stop trying. ~ Robert John Meehan

5. There is no such thing as a “bad kid” - just angry, hurt, tired, scared, confused, impulsive ones expressing their feelings & needs the only way they know how. We owe it to every single one of them to always remember that. ~ Jessica Stephens

6. When your child is having a meltdown... don't talk. Don't try to reason. Don't get angry. Your child can't hear you. Just be silent and loving until the storm passes. Words can come later. ~ Unknown 

7. I think having a child with disabilities teaches you a level of love, patience, protection, compassion and understanding you didn't even know existed. ~ Unknown

8. Don't let others who don't understand your child's struggles, make you doubt your parenting. ~ Unknown 

9. A child is like a butterfly in the wind. Some can fly higher than others, but each one flies the best it can. Why compare one against the other? Each one is different, each one is special, each one is beautiful. ~ Unknown 

10. Embrace the unique way your child is blooming - even if it's not in the garden you imagined. ~ Jenn Soehnlin 

11. They said he wouldn't, but he did. They said he couldn't, but he can. They said he won't, but he will. ~ Unknown 

12. The best gift you can give a child with special needs is your friendship. To include them, play with them and believe in them. ~ Unknown 

13. Nine times out of 10, the story behind the misbehavior won't make you angry, it will break your heart. ~ Annette Breaux 

14. I am a parent. I am a caregiver. I am a family member. It is my job to see the world through this child's eyes. Explain this child to teachers. Explain this child to our community. It is my privilege to fight for this child's needs. ~ Unknown 

15. My child isn't giving me a hard time, they are having a hard time. ~ Unknown 

16. Special needs parenting can be really tough. Most could never do what you do each day. Don't be so hard on yourself. Be strong. Be brave. You can do this. You are doing a great job. I see you. ~ Unknown 

17. Before you judge me as a special needs parent... Please know that I am already my biggest critic. ~ Unknown 

18. The hardest part of being a parent is watching a child go through something really tough and not being able to fix it for them. ~ Unknown 

19. I think having a child with disabilities teaches you a level of love, patience, protection, compassion and understanding you didn't even know existed. ~ Unknown 

20. Sensory Processing Disorder does exist. It's real. Our kids are not bad kids. Our kids do not lack discipline. We are not making excuses for behaviors. A meltdown is not a tantrum. Sensory Processing Disorder can cause extreme reactions and anxiety. Children with SPD are not spoiled and they do not do it for attention. SPD does not affect everyone the same way. Please be understanding and supportive. ~ Jeanette Baker-Loftus 

21. There are no bad children. There are bad choices. There are bad moments. There are bad days. There are bad situations. But there are no bad children. Period. L.R Knost 

22. We are not special parents because we have special needs children. We are regular people who have become better human beings because of our special needs children. ~ Unknown 

23. When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos. ~ L.R Knost 

24. Don't let others who don't understand your child's struggles, make you doubt your parenting. ~ Unknown 

25. I think the hardest part of having a child with a delay of any kind is the fight. The fight for services, the fight for people to understand who your child is and what they need. The fight for knowledge, because knowledge is power and the quiet fight you have within yourself wondering if you have left no stone unturned. ~ Jessie Doyle 

26. People with special needs are not as different from you and me as you might think. They want the same things we want: to love and be loved, and to be accepted, appreciated, and included. ~ Sylvia Phillips 

27. I will speak for you, I will fight for you, I will advocate for you, So that one day, You can do it for yourself. ~ Unknown 

28. Judging a child who has special needs does not define who they are... it defines who you are. ~ Unknown 

29. Crying and feeling sad when you have a child who has special needs does not mean that you are weak. It means that you're a parent who is in search of getting your child all that he/she needs and at times feels frustrated, overwhelmed and isolated. ~ Unknown 

30. I don’t think the worst thing that could happen to me is raising a child with special needs. I think the worst thing is to raise a child who is cruel to those with special needs. ~ unknown 

31. Do not let a broken system convince you that you have a broken child. ~ Uknown 

32. When you are frustrated with me because of the things I cannot do … Just imagine how frustrated I must be because I am not able. ~ Unknown 

33. Children with special needs come into our lives, leaving footprints on our hearts and we are never the same. ~ Unknown

34. The kids who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving ways. ~ Russell Barkley 

35. Remember, popcorn is prepared in the same pot, in the same heat, in the same oil, but the kernels don't pop at the same time. Don't compare your child to other children, their turn to pop is coming. ~ Unknown 

1. Try keeping to your routine as much as possible. Using a visual schedule can be helpful.
2. Remember, it's ok to have only close family over for Christmas.
3. If you decide to go out, explain your child’s sensory challenges to family and friends ahead of time.
4. Have a designated quiet space set aside for your child to be alone if they get overwhelmed.
5. While you are out, remember that it's ok to leave early. Your child will let you know when it's time to leave.
6. Try to make Christmas Day last for days or a week - Not everything has to happen in one day.
7. If you are going out for a special dinner, bring your child's favorite foods along.
8. When you notice your child is coping well, praise their great behavior.
9. It's important to fill your child's sensory diet during the holidays to keep them regulated. Stock up on Munchables fidgets and chews to help.
10. Allow time during the holidays for scheduled sensory breaks.
11. Lower your expectations as most children with Sensory Processing Disorder will have meltdowns during Christmas activities because they get overwhelmed.
12. If your child has several gifts, open them gradually over days or weeks so they don't get overwhelmed.
13. Gradually add Christmas decorations to your home.
14. Before attending events, make a secret signal that your child can use to let you know when it's too much for them.
15. Don't be afraid to say no to visitors. If you do have guests, it's ok to have a time limit.
16. Let your child run, jump, spin and swing as much as they need to during the holidays.
17. Search your area for sensory Santa events. You can schedule a time to visit to Santa privately.
18. Be aware of your surroundings. Smells can be too strong, sounds can be too loud and lights can be too bright.
19. Less can be best. Too much of anything will likely be overwhelming and cause a meltdown.
20. Enjoy yourself! Celebrate Christmas in a way that works for you and your family.

Introducing Two New Lanyard Options!

The first new style is a thick, smooth satin ribbon Lanyard with a durable breakaway clasp, while the second is a belt-clip style Retractable Lanyard. Either of these options can be used with Munchables chews or fidgets to prevent dropped, lost or thrown items.

1. Preparing your child for Halloween and what to expect is so important. This will reduce anxiety. Visual calendars are a great tool to prepare them.

2. Their costumes should be comfortable and not scary. Let them choose the costume they will be wearing. Less is best. Most children with SPD don't like masks or bulky costumes. Never force your child to wear the costume.

3. Most children with SPD don't like face painting. Try experimenting weeks before Halloween for the best experience. Creating costumes from familiar clothing may work best.

4. Search for local children's Halloween events if your child doesn't want to go out. If they do want to go out, if possible, avoid crowded areas, houses and crowds in general. Trick or Treating earlier in the evening is best, before it gets dark.

5. Bring a friend along to keep your child company for extra support and encouragement. When your child is tired or doesn't want to do it anymore, end the evening.

6. Tell your child the basic rules of Halloween, such as no treats until you have searched the Halloween bag (allergies & diet restrictions). Let others know of any allergies when receiving treats for your child.

7. Most children with Sensory Processing Disorder don't like carving pumpkins or the way it feels. Don't pressure them. Many children may enjoy painting or drawing on them instead. There's also children who do like carving pumpkins and squishing the guts... This can be a great sensory activity!

8. Remember a regular day can be overwhelming for a child with Sensory Processing Disorder. Halloween can easily cause sensory overload which could result in a meltdown. Take sensory breaks. If you are at a Halloween party, take  breaks. (sensory space)

9. Complete your child's sensory diet before trick-or-treating and before they go to bed. (brushing, joint compressions, heavy work, swinging and trampoline)

10. If your child doesn't want to go out for Halloween, that's okay too! Halloween is not just about trick or treating. Kids might love to be the one who hands out treats at the door. 

Have fun! 

Want to know more about the ongoing research into Sensory Processing Disorders? Juliana Bunim wrote a fantastic article for the University of California San Francisco back in 2013. I have shared it in its entirety below:

Breakthrough Study Reveals Biological Basis for Sensory Processing Disorders in Kids

Sensory processing disorders (SPD) are more prevalent in children than autism and as common as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, yet the condition receives far less attention partly because it’s never been recognized as a distinct disease.

In a groundbreaking new study from UC San Francisco, researchers have found that children affected with SPD have quantifiable differences in brain structure, for the first time showing a biological basis for the disease that sets it apart from other neurodevelopmental disorders.

One of the reasons SPD has been overlooked until now is that it often occurs in children who also have ADHD or autism, and the disorders have not been listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used by psychiatrists and psychologists.

“Until now, SPD hasn’t had a known biological underpinning,” said senior author Pratik Mukherjee, MD, PhD, a professor of radiology and biomedical imaging and bioengineering at UCSF. “Our findings point the way to establishing a biological basis for the disease that can be easily measured and used as a diagnostic tool,” Mukherjee said.

The work is published in the open access online journal NeuroImage:Clinical.

 

 

‘Out of Sync’ Kids

Sensory processing disorders affect 5 to 16 percent of school-aged children.

Children with SPD struggle with how to process stimulation, which can cause a wide range of symptoms including hypersensitivity to sound, sight and touch, poor fine motor skills and easy distractibility. Some SPD children cannot tolerate the sound of a vacuum, while others can’t hold a pencil or struggle with social interaction. Furthermore, a sound that one day is an irritant can the next day be sought out.  The disease can be baffling for parents and has been a source of much controversy for clinicians, according to the researchers.

“Most people don’t know how to support these kids because they don’t fall into a traditional clinical group,” said Elysa Marco, MD, who led the study along with postdoctoral fellow Julia Owen, PhD. Marco is a cognitive and behavioral child neurologist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, ranked among the nation's best and one of California's top-ranked centers for neurology and other specialties, according to the 2013-2014 U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals survey.

“Sometimes they are called the ‘out of sync’ kids. Their language is good, but they seem to have trouble with just about everything else, especially emotional regulation and distraction. In the real world, they’re just less able to process information efficiently, and they get left out and bullied,” said Marco, who treats affected children in her cognitive and behavioral neurology clinic.

“If we can better understand these kids who are falling through the cracks, we will not only help a whole lot of families, but we will better understand sensory processing in general. This work is laying the foundation for expanding our research and clinical evaluation of children with a wide range of neurodevelopmental challenges – stretching beyond autism and ADHD,” she said.

Imaging the Brain’s White Matter

In the study, researchers used an advanced form of MRI called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which measures the microscopic movement of water molecules within the brain in order to give information about the brain’s white matter tracts. DTI shows the direction of the white matter fibers and the integrity of the white matter. The brain’s white matter is essential for perceiving, thinking and learning.

The study examined 16 boys, between the ages of eight and 11, with SPD but without a diagnosis of autism or prematurity, and compared the results with 24 typically developing boys who were matched for age, gender, right- or left-handedness and IQ. The patients’ and control subjects’ behaviors were first characterized using a parent report measure of sensory behavior called the Sensory Profile. 

The imaging detected abnormal white matter tracts in the SPD subjects, primarily involving areas in the back of the brain, that serve as connections for the auditory, visual and somatosensory (tactile) systems involved in sensory processing, including their connections between the left and right halves of the brain. 

“These are tracts that are emblematic of someone with problems with sensory processing,” said Mukherjee. “More frontal anterior white matter tracts are typically involved in children with only ADHD or autistic spectrum disorders. The abnormalities we found are focused in a different region of the brain, indicating SPD may be neuroanatomically distinct.” 

The researchers found a strong correlation between the micro-structural abnormalities in the white matter of the posterior cerebral tracts focused on sensory processing and the auditory, multisensory and inattention scores reported by parents in the Sensory Profile. The strongest correlation was for auditory processing, with other correlations observed for multi-sensory integration, vision, tactile and inattention.

The abnormal microstructure of sensory white matter tracts shown by DTI in kids with SPD likely alters the timing of sensory transmission so that processing of sensory stimuli and integrating information across multiple senses becomes difficult or impossible.

Future studies need to be done, she said, to research the many children affected by sensory processing differences who have a known genetic disorder or brain injury related to prematurity.

The study’s co-authors are Shivani Desai, BS, Emily Fourie, BS, Julia Harris, BS, and Susanna Hill, BS, all of UCSF, and Anne Arnett, MA, of the University of Denver.

The research was supported by the Wallace Research Foundation. The authors have reported that they have no conflicts of interest relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital creates an environment where children and their families find compassionate care at the forefront of scientific discovery, with more than 150 experts in 50 medical specialties serving patients throughout Northern California and beyond. The hospital admits about 5,000 children each year, including 2,000 babies born in the hospital. For more information, visit www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org.

UCSF is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care.

Looking for books to explain Sensory Processing Disorder to children? Here are our top 5 picks:

1. Listening to My Body: A guide to helping kids understand the connection between their sensations (what the heck are those?) and feelings so that they can get better at figuring out what they need by Gabi Garcia

Big emotions can be overwhelming!

Help your child build on their capacity to engage more mindfully, self-regulate, and develop emotional resilience.

This engaging and interactive book guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and the physical sensations that accompany them.

From wiggly and squirmy to rested and still, Listening to My Body helps children develop a sensations vocabulary so that they can express what they are experiencing.

Includes kid-friendly mindfulness activities woven throughout the book to reinforce the teachings.

2. My Socks by Julie Igel

Do you know a kid who HATES to wear socks?Then you’ll LOVE this book! Parents and kids with sensory challenges will enjoy reading this fun book together. You’ll recognize the struggle and appreciate the surprisingly simple solution.

3. Anger Management Skills Workbook for Kids: 40 Awesome Activities to Help Children Calm Down, Cope, and Regain Control By Amanda Robinson

This is a personal favorite. My 7-year old son and I spent many hours going through the activities in this book and learning skills for reducing frustration and regulating emotions. I highly recommend it!

While some children instinctively know how to regulate their emotions, plenty of others lack the skills they need to express their anger in healthy and effective ways. This warm, engaging workbook helps children ages 5-10 develop strong skills for managing their anger through 40 fun activities.

From identifying their feelings and challenging negative thinking patterns to practicing healthy coping skills when angry feelings arise, kids will learn to feel calmer and more in control--and to form better relationships with family and friends and ease problems at school. 

4. I'm Not Weird, I Have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) by Chynna T. Laird

This book was inspired by the author's daughter, Jaimie, who struggles with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) every day. It was written to validate Jaimie's feelings and to show her other children feel things the way she does. This book can help children with SPD learn how to explain their disorder to others; help peers understand what children with SPD go through; and also help therapists, teachers and/or counselors learn how to talk about it. Helping others learn about children with special needs brings understanding to them and help to make them seem less... different.

5. This is Gabriel: Making Sense of School by Hartley Steiner

This is Gabriel Making Sense of School provides a look into the challenges children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) face in the classroom. This easy-to-read and beautifully illustrated picture book gives teachers, parents, and students a better understanding of all seven senses, how they are each affected at school, and what kinds of accommodations are necessary to help children with SPD become learning sensations!

Top 5 Books for Parents and Caregivers of Children with SPD

1. The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.

Does your child exhibit... Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to touch or movement? A child with SPD may be a "sensory avoider," withdrawing from touch, refusing to wear certain clothing, avoiding active games--or he may be a "sensory disregarder," needing a jump start to get moving.

Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to sounds, sights taste, or smell? She may cover her ears or eyes, be a picky eater, or seem oblivious to sensory cues.

The Out-of-Sync Child offers comprehensive, clear information for parents and professionals--and a drug-free treatment approach for children.

2. Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller

Sensory Processing Disorder is an increasingly common diagnosis, with a wide range of symptoms that can be difficult for parents and pediatricians to identify. In Sensational Kids, internationally renowned expert Dr. Miller shares her more than forty years of experience and research findings on SPD. Now in its fourteenth printing, with more than 50,000 copies sold in all formats, it is an authoritative and practical guide to understanding and treating this little-understood condition.

 3. Sensory Parenting - The Elementary Years: School Years Are Easier when Your Child's Senses Are Happy! by Britt Collins

 All of us have had a sensory issue at one time or another. Maybe it's your neighbor's dog barking that bothers you or you can't stand the texture of cottage cheese. Does it make you crazy to have a hat on your head? Do you avoid the mall at peak shopping times so you don't have to be around crowds of people? These are common things that as adults we adapt to or avoid without giving them a second thought. What about your children's sensory sensitivities? What if you could make parenting easier and more fun by taking your child's senses into consideration? Imagine the possibilities because you can! A child's sensory system affects their ability to learn, play, socialize and function.

 4. The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (The Out-of-Sync Child Series) by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.

Each activity in this inspiring and practical book is SAFE—Sensory-motor, Appropriate, Fun and Easy—to help develop and organize a child’s brain and body. Whether your child faces challenges with touch, balance, movement, body position, vision, hearing, smell, and taste, motor planning, or other sensory problems, this book presents lively and engaging ways to bring fun and play to everyday situations.

This revised edition includes new activities, along with updated information on which activities are most appropriate for children with coexisting conditions including Asperger’s and autism, and more.

5. The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up: Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder in the Adolescent and Young Adult Years by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.

The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up will be the new bible for the vast audience of parents whose children, already diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, are entering the adolescent, tween, and teen years, as well as those who do not yet have a diagnosis and are struggling to meet the challenges of daily life. This book picks up where The Out-of-Sync Child left off, offering practical advice on living with SPD, covering everyday challenges as well as the social and emotional issues that many young people with SPD face.

Sensory Calming Activities provide sensory input and they help your child self regulate and able to concentrate more easily. These sensory calming activities will also reduce your child's stress and anxiety. 

All children, whether or not they are sensory seekers or sensory avoiders, should have sensory breaks throughout the day to fill their sensory diet. Sensory calming activities will also help settle your child when they are feeling restless, angry and frustrated.

1. Chew on Munchables Chewelry

2. Use Munchables Fidgets

3. Listen to music

4. Do Yoga

5. Sing ABC's

6. Play with kaleidoscopes

7. Go for a walk

8. Ask for a hug

9. Chew gum

10. Hum or sing a song

11. Do breathing exercises

12. Deep pressure massage

13. Write in a journal

14. Color a picture

15. Cuddle a pet

16. String fine motor beads

17. Play with pudding

18. Do heavy work activities

19. Play in a ball tent

20. Have a bubble bath

21. Play an instrument and make music

22. Use a sensory calm down bottle or Munchables Liquid Motion Timer

23. Play in a sensory bin

24. Use bath time crayons and paints

25. Play with jello

26. Make and play with slime

27. Play with water beads

28. Squish between couch cushions

29. Use a mini massager

30. Blow Bubbles

31. Play in a sand box

32. Go swimming

33. Swing in a sensory swing

34. Play with water toys in a water table

35. Paint with finger paints

36. Roll up in a blanket burrito

37. Use glow sticks in the bath

38. Blow on a pinwheel

39. Rock in a rocking chair

40. Meditate or Mindful Activities

Looking for some sensory oral motor activities to try? Here are 25 of our favorites. If you’d like more ideas or information, an Occupational Therapist will be able to help. They can specifically tailor an age appropriate sensory diet plan and oral motor activities for your child. Here are 25 ideas to get you started:

1. Use a Munchables sensory oral chew toy for your child.
2. Blow bubbles with your child.
3. Encourage your child toblow into music instruments, such as horns or harmonicas.
4. Chewing gum and blowing bubbles with gum.
5. Have your child try clicking their tongue. Make clucking noises.
6. Ask your child to make "oooo" and then "eeeee" noises with their mouth. Then combine the two movements.
7. Try getting your child to drink different consistencies of liquids and food through a straw. Examples: water, smoothies, apple sauce, pudding or milk shakes.
8. Put yogurt or pudding in the corner of your child's mouth and have them lick it off.
9. Ask your child to lick their teeth while counting them.
10. Encourage your child to try licking lollipops and popsicles.
11. Practice eating different textures of foods such as crunchy, soft and chewy.
12. Blow bubbles with a straw in a glass of milk or water.
13. Use a vibrating toothbrush or vibrating therapy toys for their mouths and move it around their entire mouth. (These stimulate the muscles, and promote more musculature awareness)
14. Ask your child to hold a carrot stick or another small piece of food in their front teeth.
15. Try using some Oral Motor Tools For Sensory Processing Disorder.
16. Encourage your child to blow kisses.
17. Have your child smile, don't smile, then a frown and repeat.
18. Blow up balloons.
19. Play a funny face making game with a mirror with your child. (Make silly faces in the mirror while you are brushing your child’s teeth and try to get your child to imitate)
20. Put feathers or confetti in your child's hands, ask them to blow them.
21. Encourage your child to hisssss like a snake, buzz like a bee or roar like a lion.
22. Show your child how to move their tongue from side to side and ask them to show you how they can do it.
23. Sing with your child. Ask them to sing la-la-la-la.
24. Ask your child to try touching their nose with their tongue.
25. Try getting your child to blow at a pinwheel or try blowing dandelions.

Disclaimer: Contact your healthcare provider for more information.