BEST Apps for Sensory Processing Issues

SPD Apps for ALL Platforms

We often hear the words Sensory Processing Disorder or the acronym SPD used to describe a child's or adult's challenges that involve the 5 senses. Yet, what does that really mean? What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Sensory processing or integration is the ability to perceive (by using our senses) and respond to our environment – both internal and external in an appropriate manner. It is consistent and grounded with awareness and attention. It is neither overly responsive nor dulled. As human beings, we all have our issues, both our sensory preferences and things that we avoid. That is what makes us who we are. It becomes problematic if it interferes with our ability to function and interact appropriately within our environment.

Sensory Processing Disorder is the newest term for, and is used synonymously with, Sensory Integration Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SI Dysfunction) and Dysfunction in Sensory Integration (DSI).

Currently, sensory integration is still being used to describe the theory and treatment, based on the original work of A. Jean Ayres. (Please see resource to follow below for more information on Dr. Ayres' work.)

Sensory Processing Disorder is used to define and describe the disorder and its dysfunctional symptoms - in hopes of making this a universally accepted "medical diagnosis" - thus enabling insurance reimbursement for evaluation and treatment.

We receive and perceive sensory input through sights, sounds, touch, tastes, smells, movement and balance, body position and muscle control. Difficulty taking in or interpreting this input can lead to devastating consequences with:

1. Interactions with others
2. Daily functioning
3. Social and family relationships
4. Behavioral challenges
5. Regulating emotions
6. Self-esteem
7. Learning

Over the past several of years, there have been more than a few technological developments and contributions made to assist parents and teachers in helping children and adults with SPD. This week, we wanted to provide our readers with a list of apps and other resources to further help them in their efforts. Here is such a list that includes Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Android apps for Sensory Processing Disorder. We hope our parents and teachers will find them beneficial for their children and students who struggle with these SPD issues.

BEST Apps for Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory Integration Therapy (FREE---for Android)
by SensoryTreat
This app is specifically designed to help parents and OTs manage sensory diet. OTs can easily build daily routines that families can adhere to and receive reports on therapy progress. Helping parents turn sensory diet from chores to fun activities, which blend easily into family daily routine. This SensoryTreat app makes a sensory diet fun & easy!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sensorytreat.sensorytreat

Best Apps for Sensory Processing by Jo Booth (FREE & various prices---for iPad, iPod, iPod Touch and iPhone)
by Angie & Technology in (SPL) Education, Part of @AppyMall Network
Sensory processing or integration is the ability to perceive (by using our senses) and respond to our environment – both internal and external in an appropriate manner. It is consistent and grounded with awareness and attention. It is neither overly responsive nor dulled. As human beings, we all have our issues, both our sensory preferences and things that we avoid, and that is what makes us who we are. It is really only problematic, if it interferes with our ability to function and interact. Here are some of Angie's favorite apps for working with sensory processing.
http://www.techinspecialed.com/2014/01/22/best-apps-sensory-processingself-regulation-jo-booth/

Apps for Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism and Video Task Cueing, QR Codes & iBeacons
by Lon & No Limits to Learning
The apps by Brian Eno and Peter Chilvers Bloom $3.99, Air $1.99 and Trope $3.99 work for iPhones and iPads. The Scapes app $11.99 is for iPads only. Scapes looks more like a construction and creative workstation with more working parts. These apps are currently used for self-regulation and calming.
http://nolimitstolearning.blogspot.com/2015/03/apps-for-sensory-processing-disorder.html
For more information on these apps, please visit http://www.generativemusic.com/trope.html

Sensory Apps (Set #1---published in April 2011)
by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP
Sensory apps used with students having attentional, behavioral or mental health challenges help calm, refocus or motivate students. Here are some favorites of many occupational therapists.
http://otswithapps.com/2011/04/23/sensory-apps/

Sensory Apps (Set #2---published in May 2012)
by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP
Are you familiar with the Autism Apps App – a comprehensive list of apps used with and by people diagnosed with autism or other special needs?
Autism Apps is a FREE app with over 30 categories of curated apps providing information and links to reviews, videos and purchase of them. One of the categories listed in the Autism App is “Sensory”, providing suggestions of apps with visuals and auditory effects.
http://otswithapps.com/2012/05/23/sensory-apps-2/

Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
This article describes an innovative, overlay-type app that can open new doors and eliminate many hurdles for a number of challenged readers when to attempting to read web pages, e-books, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and more on a Mac or Windows PC. This app can help decrease or often eliminate the OVERWHELM of TOO MUCH TEXT on a digital screen. The customization of this application for desktops is virtually infinite (user can adjust color, transparency, size of the digital tool components and more to meet needs). The application can be especially helpful for challenged readers of any age with ADHD, sensory issues, dyslexia, autism, stroke/brain injury issues and other conditions affecting reading ability. (App download links included in the article.)
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

Other Helpful Resources for Sensory Processing Disorder

The Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center
A thorough explanation of the behaviors and developmental concerns that exist for some children, which may have seemed almost impossible to understand or manage. You can take the information and resources provided here to positively influence, understand, validate, "treat", support, and help your child or others who are behaviorally and emotionally "imprisoned" by their ineffective perception and interpretation of sensory input.
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/

Health & Parenting---Sensory Processing Disorder
by WebMD
General information about sensory processing disorder from one of the most trusted websites for medical information. Includes information about treatment options, too.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/sensory-processing-disorder

A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR
from SPD University---Sensory Processing Disorder Education
Information and bio about the work conducted by Dr. Anna Jean Ayres ((1920–1989), an occupational therapist and developmental psychologist known for her work in the area of sensory integration dysfunction, a term she coined in the 1960s to describe a theory used in occupational therapy.
http://spduniversity.org/jean-ayres-biography/

For information on customizable sensory-appealing, low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
HubSpot.com at www.hubspot.com and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST ADHD Apps for Better Focus

Overwhelmed by too many tasks or projects you need to complete in the weeks ahead? Struggling to pay attention at work? Has your child's teacher mentioned that he often daydreams during class time? Attention issues and focusing challenges are often two of the key symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that can make it harder for you or your child to stay focused in order to complete tasks or assignments.

Today, ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental problems in childhood and adolescence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports in its latest statistics that more than 1 in 10 children in the United States live with ADHD. Many of these children will also continue to deal with ADHD and its symptoms as they get older.

At the same time, there are tools, strategies and apps that can help with the management of ADHD and its related issues. If your child is struggling to get through his homework or you yourself are having a difficult time focusing at work or at home, you can find help with the following apps that include setting up reminders, creating to-do lists and improving focus and concentration for better reading comprehension. We hope you will find them helpful!

BEST ADHD Apps for Better Focus

StayFocusd (a Chrome extension)
This FREE productivity extension for Google Chrome restricts the amount of time one you spend on time-wasting websites.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stayfocusd/laankejkbhbdhmipfmgcngdelahlfoji

The Pomodoro Technique involves breaking up work into timed, 25-minute chunks (known as pomodoros), separated by short breaks to help improve concentration. Here are several apps based on this technique:

a. Focus Booster (FREE trial without credit card)
This app helps eliminate the anxiety of time and enhances your focus using the Pomodoro Techinique. Boost your productivity using the Focus Booster digital Pomodoro timer. Simple time management removes the stress of timesheets from your day, while you achieve more.
https://www.focusboosterapp.com//

b. Pomodoro Desktop 0.31 (for Macs)
Developed by Ugo Landini
Pomodoro Desktop is a FREE desktop application for time management on your Mac OSX. This desktop app is a simple but effective way to manage your (coding) time, and it's based on the Pomodoro Technique. Pomodoro stays silently on your status bar. You can only start/stop it or make interruptions. Pomodoro discretely notifies you of important time events, using Growl or spoken notifications.
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Business/Pomodoro-Desktop.shtml

c. Pomodoro Desktop Version 1.0.0.12 (for Windows)
From Mill Square Software
FREE time-management application. Another Pomodoro supporter, this app helps you avoid procrastination and finish tasks.
http://download.cnet.com/Pomodoro/3000-2124_4-75024062.html

The Best ADHD iPhone & Android Apps of the Year (FREE & paid options)
Written by The Healthline Editorial Team (Medically Reviewed, February 27, 2015)
These 14 smartphone apps for children, teens and adults can do everything from setting up reminders to creating to-do lists to improve concentration.
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/top-adhd-android-iphone-apps

7 Awesome Apps for ADHD Children (FREE & paid options)
By Nick Politelli, Learning Works for Kids (October 5, 2013)
These recommended apps offer ways to improve or support key cognitive skills such as focus, organization and working memory (executive functions) — common problem areas for kids with ADHD. The apps range in purpose and functionality, providing a variety of ways for kids to be more organized, attentive and productive in academic and everyday tasks.
http://learningworksforkids.com/2013/10/7-awesome-apps-for-adhd-children/

The 30 Best Apps for ADHD Minds
By Eric Tivers, ADDitude Magazine
Use the power of these smartphone apps to manage ADHD symptoms ranging from distractibility and disorganization to poor sleep and overflowing creativity.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/11135.html

Best Apps For Kids With Adhd On iPad
By RMS Mobile Games Admin (March 17, 2015)
A list of app links for parents, teachers and other adults to help children with ADHD. Also includes apps for special needs, autism and other learning differences.
http://www.rmsmobilegames.com/best-apps-for-kids-with-adhd-on-ipad/

Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779) (for Macs & Windows PCs)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This DESKTOP app for Windows PCs and Macs provides practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It improves FOCUS, FLUENCY and VISUAL COMFORT for better CONCENTRATION and RETENTION when reading digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) The app's innovative technology allows it to float on top AND stay on top of nearly any underlying application. It can be moved over text on a computer screen by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed. In addition, the Reading Focus Card app supports touch-screen technology (where applicable). (This desktop app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers.)
1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12 or search for the app called Reading Focus Cards.
2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

Sources:

The Best ADHD iPhone & Android Apps of the Year from HealthLine.com
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/top-adhd-android-iphone-apps

The Reading Focus Cards App (Patent 8,360,779) from Brennan Innovators, LLC
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

The RIGHT Sensory Resources Can Improve Focus for ADHD Readers

During the past week here at Brennan Innovators, we have been getting back to normal here in the office after concluding our annual spring conference season. Each March, we attend various educational conferences to present, exhibit and demonstrate our customizable reading tools for challenged readers across the Midwest. As in years past (since 2008), we again met with many enthusiastic parents, teachers and others who wanted to learn more ways to help their children, students and other adults with various reading difficulties.

From suspected to diagnosed ADHD, dyslexia, convergence insufficiency, autism and more, we offered strategies and techniques to assist them in helping readers of all ages. Again and again, we heard about the sensory needs of many of these readers. The sibling of a young reader mentioned that her sister "likes anything that has to do with soft animals." One adult care-giver told us that her mother reads better and more easily when the materials and resources used are soft or textured. Still another individual talked about how her 'tween son on the autism spectrum "loves the feel of a basketball when he reads." You can be sure that we had a set of Reading Focus Cards on hand to address each of these needs--- colorful, soft or textured!

Repeatedly at the conferences, we also heard about how the right sensory materials can significantly and positively enhance the focus of reading and learning for a number of individuals, regardless of age. A few visitors mentioned a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder (SPD) had been received. For this reason, we thought that in this week's blog article, it would be a good idea to include a collection of sensory resources that might provide some much-needed help for unfocused readers with ADHD. If focus is an issue for someone you know or even for yourself, we hope you will consider taking a look at these resources that might enhance and improve one's overall reading success.

Sensory Resources for Unfocused Readers with ADHD

Sensory Strategies for Kids with ADHD
from North Shore Pediatric Therapy
Sensory strategies are one of the most common and least invasive suggestions made to assist children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) function more successfully in their day to day lives. A nmber of these sensory strategies are offered in this article.
http://nspt4kids.com/parenting/sensory-strategies-for-kids-with-adhd/

ADHD Study Tricks for Serious Wigglers
by Karen Sunderhaft, ADDitude Magazine
Parent-tested strategies are provided here to help your ADHD child sit still... and learn through all her senses.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/846.html

Study Finds ADHD Improves With Sensory Intervention
from Temple University Health Sciences Center
Though published in 2005, the information in this article continues to hold true today---that sensory intervention (for example, deep pressure and strenuous exercise) can significantly improve problem behaviors such as restlessness, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050513103548.htm

Fidgety, Forgetful, and Unfocused---How to Help Your Child Focus and Finish
by Ann Dolin, M.Ed., Educational Connections
Resources to help a child read and learn with more success.
http://www.fcps.edu/dss/conference/2015/materials/Session%201/02_FidgetyForgetfulandUnfocused_Dolin/FidgetyForgetfulandUnfocused_Donlin.pdf

APP---Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
This article describes an innovative, overlay-type app can open new doors and eliminate many hurdles for a great number of challenged readers and struggling learners when they attempt to read web pages, downloaded e-books, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and more. Visual customization (which includes color, transparency, size and more) of this application for desktops is virtually infinite. The application can be especially helpful for challenged readers of any age with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, stroke/brain injury issues and other conditions affecting reading ability. (App download links included in the article.)
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

Reading Focus Cards, Low-tech Reading Tools for Challenged Readers
These reading tools can be especially helpful for unfocused, sensory readers. Colorful, soft or textured materials are used to create focusing tools that actually FEEL GOOD to use. The sensory attributes of these tools can actually promote more focus and concentration for easily-distracted readers with ADHD or other reading difficulties. As a result, comprehension can also improve as well as retention when the Reading Focus Cards are used according to directions included.
http://www.focusandread.com/product/RFC-001-002-CC

5 Senses Games for Kids
FREE games & activities to help increase awareness in young children of the individual differences of each of the five senses.
http://www.wartgames.com/themes/humanbody/5senses.html

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
K-3 Teacher Resources at
http://www.k-3teacherresources.com/5-senses.html#.VSBFr_nF9j8 and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com