A new twin study published in Translational Psychiatry offers fresh insight into a longstanding question: why do some individuals with autism experience intense sensory sensitivities while others do not? The findings suggest that a trait called alexithymia, which is a difficulty identifying and describing one’s own emotions, may share genetic links with sensory traits often […]
Environmental changes like air pressure and temperature shifts are a part of everyday life. But for individuals with sensory processing differences, including many children, these shifts can influence how their body feels, how they behave, and how they function in school and at home. Understanding temperature, air pressure and sensory processing can help caregivers, educators, […]
Vestibular Groove: Pause and Feel, is a movement-based song created to help children explore how different types of motion affect how their bodies feel. This vestibular song encourages children to spin, march, bend, and freeze, all while reflecting on their internal sensations. The printable includes the full lyrics along with a link to the video, […]
The vestibular system, our sense of balance and movement, is so much more than just helping kids stay upright. It’s one of the earliest systems to develop and one of the most essential for a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Understanding and supporting this system through movement and play can make a huge difference […]
The Energy Song is a fun and engaging way to help children learn how their bodies move and recognize how different speeds feel. This printable and video combo encourages kids to move fast, slow, and at a just right pace while checking in with their bodies. It’s a valuable tool for promoting body awareness and […]
Creating a sensory friendly classroom helps all students succeed by supporting self-regulation, focus, and emotional well-being. Whether students have sensory processing challenges or simply benefit from structured movement and environmental supports, small changes in the classroom can lead to big improvements in engagement and learning. To help educators, therapists, and school staff, we’re offering a […]
Supporting students’ ability to learn, engage, and participate in school is essential for educators, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and parents. Sensory integration at school plays a crucial role in a child’s success in the classroom, influencing attention, motor coordination, emotional regulation, and participation in daily activities. Despite its significance, the use of Ayres Sensory Integration® […]
Have you ever felt your heart race before speaking in front of a crowd? Or noticed a tightness in your stomach when something feels overwhelming? These physical sensations are part of interoception, our body’s ability to sense internal signals like hunger, thirst, heartbeat, and emotional shifts. For children, developing interoception awareness is key to emotional […]
Sensory processing differences, including sensory seeking behaviors, are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder. Many autistic individuals actively seek out sensory input such as movement, textures, sounds, or visual patterns to regulate their experience of the world. While these behaviors can provide self-regulation and comfort, recent research suggests they may also impact cognitive functions, […]
Understanding sensory processing in children with autism is essential for parents, educators, and occupational therapy providers. Sensory processing differences affect daily life, school participation, and family dynamics. Recent research explored sensory processing in children with autism from multiple perspectives. SENSORY PROCESSING AND AUTISM Sensory processing is how the nervous system receives and interprets sensory input […]