- ABC and 123: Learning Toys Teach the Basics
The things a child learns in his first few years of life form the building blocks that make up many of the complicated things he'll learn later on.
- Family Dinner: More Than Just the Food
A child with special needs can share in
family mealtimes and perhaps meal preparation
and cleanup activities too. With
some small helpful changes, he can participate
to his fullest potential—wherever
meals take place
- Under Pressure - Proprioception Tools that Work
Any activity that you do in a day
requires you to process sensory
information. Sensory processing is
the way in which our brains interpret the
things you see, feel, smell, hear, and taste;
and then instructs your body to behave.
- Riding Bikes - A Pastime for Every Child
We've all heard the expression "It's as easy as riding a bike." But the idea
of a child with special needs balancing,
steering, and pedaling a bike can seem
out of reach for some; especially when
he may be unable to walk unaided or
hold his head up without support.
- 10 Things to Consider Before Your Next Family Vacation
Following these tips to help enhance your vacation and make your planning a little easier,
especially when traveling with children
who have special needs.
- Ability Switches: The Nuts and Bolts
An ability switch, in simple terms, is
an alternative to a button that
requires fine dexterity to push. Many
toys and appliances operate because of
fine motor stimulation, prohibiting
many people with fine motor challenges
from finding independence with daily
tasks.
- You Say "Tomato"...and I Use a Communicator
Communicators have the power to translate a person's thoughts
into vocal messages; and there's a wide range of communicators
available to suit his or her needs.
- Versatile Sensory Experiences for All Ages: What is Snozelen?
This article focuses on the multi-sensory benefits of
Snoezelen®. What is it? Where does it come from? How can it help your child?
- Look, Listen, and Feel: Multi-Sensory Toys Help the Mind Grow Strong
Experts agree that children learn and
develop their minds during their early
years, especially when they are encouraged
to play with toys that attract their
senses of sight, sound and touch.
- Playground Play: Educational and Inclusive
"Indoor learning can be taken outdoors,"
explains Learning Spaces/
Playground consulting expert, Lisa Moore.
"Playground products and designs should
promote rich opportunities for children
with physical, cognitive, social-emotional,
communicative and sensory disabilities to
play alongside their peers so that the playground is fun for everyone."
- Gifting with Purpose: Choose Learning Toys This Holiday Season
Kids aged five and under learn
best through play. Instead of
buying just any toy, look for toys or activities
with things to teach: like the alphabet
or names of different animals, and
more. Children will play with their
new toy and not even realize they're learning while they play.
- Bathroom Safety for All
It might be an uncomfortable topic for
some, but bathroom safety affects
everyone: "A lot of people think that the
bathroom is only risky for seniors, but
safety modifications are necessary in
many cases," explains our Expert,
Kathleen Hanek.
- Modifying Games and Activities
Every child is unique, possessing strengths and weaknesses
that make them individuals. Some children may be challenged
physically, emotionally or cognitively. Some may have sensory
issues, and others may have multiple challenges, but they are all
abled in their own way.
- Play Well With Others...Be Active Against Bullying
October is National Anti-Bullying Month. During this
month, anti-bullying awareness groups from around the
world will join together to promote and support the crusade
against bullying.
- 12 for 2012: A Selection of Holiday Toys for Children with Special Needs
These engaging and valuable toys help stimulate auditory awareness, develop motor and
social skills, and so much more. All in all, these wonderful toy picks will provide multiple
benefits for your child, as well as hours of fun for them along with their playmates!
- Part 1: Inside a Snoezelen® Room
The Snoezelen environment is
non-threatening, allowing users to overcome inhibitions, enhance
self-esteem, and reduce tension. Research has shown that multisensory
environments offer a wealth of benefits, often giving the
participant and caregiver "an opportunity to improve communications,
enhance their understanding of each other, and build trust
in their relationship."
- Part 2: Inside a Snoezelen® Room - A Snozelen MSE Approach to Challenging Behaviors
Meet "Virginia". Linda Messbauer describes an experience with one of the individuals she serves and how "Virginia" responded in the Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Environment.
- Pediatric Hip Dysplasia and Positioning
Hip dysplasia is a delicate condition. Parents must be fluid in their expectations and remember
that the earlier developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is treated the better.
- Creating a Sensory Integration Gym in Your Home
By allowing them to be actively involved and explore activities that provide sensory experiences most
beneficial to them, children become more mature and efficient at organizing sensory information.
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