Our Sensory Family February 2024: Transitions and Self-Regulation
Transitions and Self Regulation
Welcome to the February issue of Our Sensory Family where we're focusing on Transitions and Self Regulation.
Transitions are an inevitable part of everyday life and successfully managing transitions is a crucial life skill. However managing all kinds of transitions, no matter how big or small, e.g., breaking off one task to start another, switching classes at school between lessons, moving house or adapting to changes in the seasons (often requiring different clothing) can be challenging for individuals with sensory issues. The ability to navigate these transitions successfully often relies on self-regulation.
In this month’s newsletter, we've put together useful information, articles, books and product ideas that look at how we can help family members with sensory differences to better manage transitions as well as build up their self-regulation skills.
News & Features
Self-Regulation Techniques for Sensory Teens
Teenagers typically have a lot on their plates – from hormonal changes through puberty to parental expectations and the desire to test boundaries to the constant pressure to ‘fit in’. In addition to these challenges, teenagers with sensory processing differences can struggle with self-regulation - which can impact their home and school life and family and friend relationships.
Teenagers with sensory difficulties often struggle to regulate themselves if the sensory input becomes overwhelming, for example, too much noise, too many people, too bright lights or too many things happening at once. Self-regulation techniques aim to help them get into the ‘just right’ state for the activity they are about to do so that they feel focused and ready.
This blog sets out some practical age-appropriate self-regulation techniques for sensory teens to help them find their self-regulation sweet spot. Read the full blog here.
5 Activities That Provide Vestibular Input
Incorporating vestibular activities into your child's routine, such as swinging, balance board exercises, aerial yoga, skateboarding and trapeze activities, can significantly impact their sensory development and overall well-being.
These activities provide various benefits, from calming and relaxing to stimulating responses addressing sensory needs. Whether your child requires a post-school wind-down or an energy boost, these activities offer a versatile solution.
In this blog we highlight 5 activities that provide vestibular input. You can read the full blog here.
Sensory Snapshot: Navigating Valentine's Day for Neurodivergent Young People
Whilst Valentine’s Day is done and dusted for another year, we thought it was worth including this month’s Sensory Snapshot blog which takes a look at why neurodivergent young people and those with sensory processing differences can often find Valentine's Day a stressful and overwhelming time.
Some of the tips and suggestions Lelanie makes can apply equally to other milestone events that take place throughout the year. For example, focusing on activities at home that help your neurodivergent child or teen feel safe and valued; using the day or milestone event as an opportunity to discuss and celebrate differences; or checking with your child’s school if they have planned activities to mark the day or milestone event so that your child is prepared and knows what to expect.
Have You Tried Our Sensory Chat Podcasts Yet?
If you’ve not yet discovered our Sensory Chat podcasts, they’re definitely worth a listen! Sensory Chat is aimed at helping parents and carers of children with sensory integration or sensory processing differences and is a series of informal, friendly and fun chats between Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech & Language Therapists from the UK, Australia and Germany.
Episode 4 of Series 2 takes a look at the topic of Regulation and Co-Regulation and the importance of co-regulation when helping to support your child with sensory needs who may need the support of another to regulate their nervous system.
Listen to the Sensory Chat podcast for free here.
Calming Activities and Strategies for Teens 
Today's young people seem busier than ever, and along with the positive aspects of it, the digital world and social media can sometimes add to the pressure of daily life.
Things can even feel more overwhelming for teens and young people with sensory processing differences. This blog post contains some ideas for nurturing and calming activities for teens and young people when they need a break. The activities have been selected as they are low-cost or free to access.
Also see:
Liverpool John Lennon Airport opens sensory space near departure lounge
Sensory toys boost for Ellesmere Port primary pupils
What is AuDHD? It took me 25 years to get diagnosed
Join a Spectrum Colour Walk on Saturday 6th April (National Autistic Society)
Sensory charity helps test pioneering robot guide dog
Resources
We've curated articles, guides and tutorials focused on this month's theme of Transitions and Self-Regulation including:
- Self-Regulation: A Critical Skill for Kids with Sensory ‘Issues’
- 29 Calming Sensory Activities
- What Does Sensory Overload Feel Like? When Everything Feels Too Much!
- 3 Signs It's a Sensory Meltdown, Not a Tantrum
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...
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.
