6 Great Resources for Sensory Kids

It can be surprising to some parents and teachers that kids need to move in order to focus. Also, when the five senses are incorporated into a lesson plan or learning session, more learning results and retention is greater. If this is new to you, then take heart. We are about to provide you with some great resources to help the kids you know improve focus, reading and learning.

Often, in mid-year, teachers need to brush off their usual go-to learning strategies and create new ones to once again grab student attention and increase their engagement. One of the ways to do this is to appeal to at least one of the five senses while teaching a particular lesson. The more senses involved in the learning session, the more successful the lesson will be for the children. Retention of content learned will also be significantly increased.

Finally, there are a significant number of children and teens who are challenged with sensory issues or what is called sensory processing disorder (SPD). Loud sounds, rough or itchy clothing and/or other negative sensory experiences can cause real roadblocks to learning for these children. Sometimes, these students respond much more positively when soft, tactile manipulatives and tools, kinesthetic movement or soothing music are used when teaching. Shortening a learning session or providing breaks at appropriate times during a lesson can also be of benefit to many. There are a variety of strategies teachers and parents can use to help children with these sensory needs.

So with the above points established, we have a list for you that should help you enrich your teaching methods in the classroom AND provide help to parents at home when homework needs to be completed. We hope you will find that teaching, learning and parenting with these sensory resources will be more productive and enjoyable for ALL!

6 GREAT Resources for Sensory Kids

Resources for Parents & Professionals - STAR Institute for SPD
https://www.spdstar.org/basic/resources-for-parents-and-professionals

Helpful Websites for Sensory Kids from SensorySmarts.com
https://www.sensorysmarts.com/helpful_websites.html

Classroom Accommodations for Sensory Processing Issues from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/at-a-glance-classroom-accommodations-for-sensory-processing-issues

GREAT Collection of Resources for SPD---via Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/278026976968934770/?lp=true

The OT Toolbox Resource Center from The OT Toolbox
(Enter "Sensory" in "All Categories" drop-down menu.)
http://community.theottoolbox.com/customresources
Website: https://www.theottoolbox.com/

SENSORY ACTIVITY IDEAS from Cara Koscinski, MOT, OTR/L of The Pocket OT
Printable PDF document: https://bit.ly/2QOI2im
Website: https://www.pocketot.com/

For information about customizable sensory tools for readers of all ages, please visit: FocusandRead.com ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC

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

Helpful Learning Activities for Children with Down Syndrome

If you have a son or daughter with Down Syndrome, you know that your experience with parenthood is quite different from that of other parents. You also know that with each day that passes, you experience the sweet love of a child who is so special and most precious. You have found that this child has enriched your life in ways that you could never have imagined.

At the same time, did you also know that early intervention programs that integrate special education with speech and physical therapy have been shown to boost the developmental potential of children with Down syndrome? Even though the skills and abilities of children with Down syndrome may vary greatly, many grow up to live independently or in supportive, group environments. It is also very possible for them to successfully hold jobs, especially when they are provided with the appropriate training and assistance.

For many children with Down Syndrome, education begins in mainstream schools. However, some parents choose special schools or schools that have programs tailored for their children. As the parent of a child with Down syndrome, you can be proactive to ensure that your child gets the support and education he needs---AND to which he is legally entitled.

The Need for Gross Motor & Sensory Activities

For all children, the development of gross motor activities is very important. However, these activities are even more critical for children with Down Syndrome. Children with this diagnosis are usually born with very low muscle tone, which means they will need to work considerably harder to develop their muscles. Because of this, children with Down Syndrome may often experience sensory issues as well. As a parent, you can help promote the development of better muscle tone through the use of specific gross motor activities. You can also positively impact the sensory processing issues with appropriate activities as well.

Help for Visual & Auditory Challenges

Children with Down Syndrome often lag behind their peers at every age regarding visual acuity. In addition, focus is usually quite poor, as they tend to under-accommodate by quite a large amount, whatever the distance of the target. This means that close work, especially in school, must be more difficult for these children because much of what they attempt to read or work is out-of-focus. Once again, parents can help with some of these struggles with the right activities, tools and guidance.

Orofacial development as well as craniofacial development associated with Down's syndrome can often contribute to inner, middle and outer ear problems. These issues might manifest themselves in the following ways: the adenoids may be large and/or the nasopharynx may be small; swallowing may be impaired and/or the Eustachian tube itself is very narrow and more horizontal than usual.

Children and adults with Down Syndrome may often have difficulty processing speech (especially with peripheral noise) and in locating the source of a sound. A mild hearing loss will make these tasks even more difficult. Persons with Down Syndrome do not usually complain of a hearing difficulty. Therefore, it is very important for hearing loss and middle ear disease to be detected with proper testing and evaluation so that remedial action is not delayed. At the same time, it is possible to help promote better auditory development by introducing some appropriate activities here, particularly with children.

This week's article is dedicated to the children (and their committed parents!) who are challenged daily with the learning struggles of Down Syndrome. We have gathered here many resources and activities to help with the unique needs of children with Down Syndrome. We hope they will benefit a special child you love---AND you!

Helpful Learning Activities for Children with Down Syndrome

12 of Our Best Gross Motor Activities from the We Can Do All Things blog
A good list of gross motor activities for Down Syndrome with links.
http://wecandoallthings.blogspot.com/2012/09/12-of-our-best-gross-motor-activities.html

Let's Talk Learning. by Megan Landmeier, My Stubborn Miss blog
Article (and blog) written by the mother of child with Down Syndrome. She presents gross and fine motor activities together with matching, counting and even foreign language!
http://www.mystubbornmiss.com/2013/02/lets-talk-learning.html

12 Booster Activities for Kids With Down Syndrome by Vicki Vila & Parents Magazine
Learning activities to help your child with cognitive and educational development.
http://www.parents.com/health/down-syndrome/booster-activities-for-kids-with-down-syndrome/

PT & OT for Children with Down Syndrome by Stephanie Seguin, Chasing Hazel blog
Physical and occupational activities to do with children who have Down Syndrome. )
http://chasinghazel.com/2013/04/pt-ot-fun.html

Your Child Has Down Syndrome by Els Rengenhart & SensoryProcessing.info
Children with Down Syndrome often suffer from sensory processing disorder as well. The activities here may be helpful for poor muscle tone and sensory issues.
http://www.sensoryprocessing.info/games/choose-8-down.html

Internet: Working With Children With Down Syndrome by Judith Maginnis Kuster & The ASHA Leader
Language and phonology activities as well as feeding and swallowing resources and information for parents of children with Down Syndrome.
http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2011/111122/Internet--Working-With-Children-With-Down-Syndrome.htm

Playing to Their Strengths: Teaching Children with Down Syndrome by Vicki Vila & the Thoroughly Modern Messy blog
Article (and blog) written by the mother of a child with Down Syndrome.
http://modernmessy.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/playing-to-their-strengths-teaching-children-with-down-syndrome/

Other Resources and Sources for Information about Down Syndrome

Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome from WebMD
Reliable information about the signs and symptoms of a child with Down Syndrome.
http://www.webmd.com/children/parenting-child-downs-syndrome

Activities for Down Syndrome (Pinterest Board) via Pinterest.com
A large collection of activities and resources for families of children with Down Syndrome.
http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=activities%20for%20down%20syndrome&rs=ac&len=28

Eye and Vision Problems in Children with Down's Syndrome by J. Margaret Woodhouse & IntellectualDisability.info
General information about vision issues of children with Down Syndrome (from the UK).
http://www.intellectualdisability.info/physical-health/eye-and-vision-problems-in-children-with-downs-syndrome

Hearing Impairment & Down's Syndrome by Susan Snashall & IntellectualDisability.info
General information about hearing issues of children with Down Syndrome (from the UK).
http://www.intellectualdisability.info/physical-health/hearing-impairment-downs-syndrome

For more information on customizable reading tools for better focus & improved attention, 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:
Our Journey at http://www.cdadc.com/ds/down-syndrome-children-down-syndrome-pictures.html and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com