Alma is an energetic and happy three year old who has just started preschool. Her teachers have noticed that she gets agitated when the classroom is noisy or another child touches her unexpectedly, which is impacting her participation in many group activities. Alma seems to be over-responsive to some types of sensory input. So what...
As a pediatric Occupational Therapist in Mountain View, CA and the Bay area, I have been working with autistic children with sensory sensitivices and their parents for over 25 years. I love Halloween! It is “just right” for for my nervous system. A little scary, a little loud, a bunch of yummy treats and a...
Billy is a 7 year old boy who loves outer space. He knows a lot about outer space. Billy is very active but he gets irritable very easily. He doesn’t like loud sounds, but he makes them all of the time. Billy likes things to be “his way” and he often gets argumentative about getting...
Head inversion: The Sensory Tool known for Centuries First of all, I really never thought about inverting your head as being a therapeutic tool, until I started doing yoga. I realized that when I did downward dog pose; I felt extremely calm. Later, I completed a 400 hour yoga teacher certification. Looking further into inversions,...
What is deep pressure touch (DPT)? Deep pressure is the deep, touch pressure that results from stimulation of our touch receptors deep under our skin. When you touch the skin, the receptors send the information to the brain and or areas of the brain that process touch of a related or given body part. Deep...
Proprioception is the body sense that allows you to know about what your body is doing at any one moment. It helps you to know where your body is in space, how to move your body, and the amount of force to use when moving your body. Where are the proprioceptors located? Proprioceptors are found...
A sensory lifestyle is a concept that we all have sensory needs. The idea is important for all people. It is doubly important for a child with a Sensory Processing Disorder. So what can you do to create good “Sensory Health?” Here are my top 10 tips to keep in mind when implementing a sensory...
The vestibular system is a powerful system! The vestibular system is found in your inner ear. You have two, one on either side of your head. The cool thing about the vestibular system is it is activated by movement of the head through space. This can be movement back and forth, up and down, or...
The holidays are upon us with full force. Are you wondering what you should get that kiddo in your home that they will actually play with? What about if your child has special needs? Engaging toys are the key! Having been a pediatric Occupational Therapist for over 25 years, I like to think of myself...
