Our Sensory Family November 2023: Sensory Awareness

Young child playing with playdough

Sensory Awareness

Welcome to the November issue of Our Sensory Family and our first edition on Sensory Help Now – our new service aimed at parents and carers!

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This month's focus is on Sensory Awareness and the role sensory processing plays in our daily lives. We all experience sensory processing differences but some people's differences can make participating in activities more challenging. Your child may experience sensory processing challenges when sensory processing differences make it hard for them to handle sensory information in order to participate in everyday activities. These sensory processing challenges can affect how your child or teen prefers to spend their time and what they feel able to do on a day-to-day basis.

So in this month's issue, we've included lots of useful information, articles and resources to help raise our awareness and understanding of sensory processing. 


News & Features

This year's Sensory Gift Guide has landed!

With the festive season looming, our Christmas elves at Sensory Help Now have been hard at work compiling this year’s Sensory Gift Guide! Packed full of sensory gift ideas offering differing sensory inputs for all ages – from babies, toddlers and children right through to teenagers, adults and older adults – it’s the ideal place to start if you’re in need of some shopping inspiration! Check out the full guide here


Sensory Snapshot: Dressing for Winter if You Have Sensory Differences

The arrival of colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere can bring with it frustrations and challenges for children with sensory processing differences who struggle with the tactile sensory aspect of winter clothing and accessories.

In her latest Sensory Snapshot blog, Children’s OT and Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration, Lelanie Brewer, takes a look at some of the challenges your child may face if they find winter clothes uncomfortable and offers up some useful tips and suggestions on sensory-friendly alternatives. You can read the full blog here.

Autumn Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year to be out in nature! Whilst walking in nature can be enjoyable, some toddlers may prefer to be playing with nature instead. So our resident OT has put together four creative play ideas suitable for toddlers (and they don't need to cost a thing!).

Read the full blog here to discover what these fun autumn activities are!

Learn More About How Sensory Processing Impacts Your Child

Sensory processing is important in everything we need to do daily, such as getting dressed, eating, moving around, socialising, learning and working. Last month Sensory Awareness Month reminded us of the significance of sensory processing in our children's lives. This blog post aims to shed light on the practical aspects of sensory processing—what it entails, how it impacts daily functioning and its implications for our children's health and well-being. Find out more here.

Also see:

Occupational therapist sets up inclusive hair salon for people with sensory needs

Scottish autism charity celebrates launch of Binky the Sensory Bus

Princess of Wales joins sensory play session to raise awareness of the importance of support for children with SEND

Garden centre to host a Sensory Santa event next month

How autistic parents feel about breastfeeding and the support they receive – new research

Resources

We've curated articles, guides and tutorials focused on this month's theme of Sensory Awareness including:

  • Is Your Child Overstimulated? Here's What to Do
  • Autumn Activities for Children with SEND
  • Christmas Tips for Autistic People and Their Families
  • 8 Sensory Christmas Crafts for Kids

See our latest resources ideas here.

Books and Product Ideas

Every month we bring you a selection of books and sensory products covering all ages. If there’s a particular book or product you’d like us to feature, let us know! Find out what we have lined up for you this month...

Upcoming Courses & Events

We’ve a great selection of upcoming live events and instant access courses specifically for parents and carers. Click here to find out more about the instant access courses available or select one of the highlighted courses below:

Discounts & Special Offers

We've negotiated these exciting discounts for our Sensory Help Now family!

Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE20 for 10% discount on Southpaw orders up to £100. Orders must be placed by phone on +44 (0) 115 718 0020.

Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE15 for 15% discount on sensooli.com (Excludes membership and advent boxes).

FREE delivery and set-up (worth up to £250, England and Wales only) on purchases of the omiVista+ and a FREE interactive ball games package worth up to £500. To access this special offer, mention you are an SIE Member when placing your order with OMI.

5% DISCOUNT on purchases of 3 items or more. Orders must be placed by phone and mention you are an SIE member to access this special offer when you are placing your order.

Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE2210 for 10% discount when ordering from the online Sensory Smart Store.

Best wishes,

Sensory Help Now


NB: Sensory Help Now is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Help Now.