Interoception is our ability to sense internal body signals like hunger, heartbeat, or the need to use the bathroom. It’s a key part of self-regulation, emotional development, and body awareness. A recent scoping review examined how to measure interoception in young children, from infancy through childhood. The findings offer helpful insights for occupational therapists, physical […]
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often face challenges with balance, movement, coordination, and sensory processing. One system that may play a key role in these difficulties is the vestibular system. Two recent studies offer important insights into how vestibular function may differ in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental coordination disorder […]
Children develop body awareness and emotional regulation through more than just sight, sound, and touch. Two lesser-known but essential sensory systems, interoception and proprioception, play a critical role in helping children navigate the physical and emotional demands of daily life. These systems influence how children move, how they manage their energy, and how they respond […]
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® […]