Research was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders to determine if sensory overresponsivity (SOR) impacts the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis in children with ADHD. Twenty four children with ADHD were divided into two groups (SOR and nonSOR) based on the Sensory Overresponsivity Inventory. The control group was 24 children without ADHD. Salivary cortisol samples […]
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities has published a research article on the effects of weighted vests on the engagement of children with developmental delays and autism. Three participants (who had previously worn weighted vests) were observed in three different conditions – no vest, vest with no weight and vest with 5% of body […]
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on the sensory processing of children (3-10 years old) who experienced a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sensory Profiles were completed on a random sample of 20 children with TBI. The results showed “behaviors outside the typical range in all sections of the Sensory Profile […]
This will be the first post of a series on simple multisensory lessons. Traditionally, a classroom lesson is delivered as verbal or written material. The student relies on auditory and/ or visual input to understand the concepts. The student is expected to sit for extended periods of time and remain on task. For many of […]
Here is a sample activity idea from our electronic book, Motor Magic: Turn Fine Motor Skills into Gross Motor Skills. This is a fun, outdoor activity that encourages fine motor skills, eye hand coordination, motor planning, gross motor skills and balance. The electronic book has 25 activity ideas incorporating fine and gross motor skills and […]
Here is a four year old boy working on bilateral coordination, eye foot coordination and motor planning skills. He has velcro attached to his feet. We are using a velcro ball from velcro catch game. Try this is standing for older children to really challenge their balance (SUPERVISE CLOSELY).
New research published in the Journal of Pediatrics reports that 16 children (ages 6-11 years old) with developmental disabilities had decreased anxiety during dental visits when a sensory adapted environment was used. The study compared developmentally disabled children to typical peers. During the first dental visit, no environmental adaptations were used. During the second dental […]
BMC Pediatriccs has published an interesting study on hyperbaric treatment for children with autism. According to the authors of this study, this is the first randomized, double blind controlled trial using hyperbaric oxygen in children with autism. The study had 62 children with autism ages 2-7 years old. The treatment group consisted of 33 children […]
Here is a fun activity that encourages upper extremity muscle strengthening, proprioceptive input and tactile input. What more sensory motor activities? Check out 50 Sensory Motor Activities for Kids!.
Here is a new way to use a sensory toy. This is a spiky ball that can go on a child’s head so there is a hole in it. Stuff the inside with a cloth napkin or dish towel. Mark one counting stick (or coffee stirrer) with a piece of masking tape on it. The […]