Our Sensory Family June 2024: Preparing for the Summer Break

two children build sandcastles on a beach

Preparing for the Summer Break

Welcome to the June issue of Our Sensory Family where this month we're focusing on preparing for the summer break!

For children with sensory processing issues, summer and the school summer holidays can be a challenging time for them and the rest of their family. While other children may be thrilled at the thought of the school year ending and the adventures that await them over the summer break, children with sensory differences may find it challenging with the lack of routine and unstructured days. They may dread, for example, things other children enjoy such as going away on holiday, feeling the sand on the beach, wearing different clothing or eating outdoors.

In this month's Our Sensory Family newsletter, we've put together useful information, articles, books, and product ideas that will help you to keep your sensory child or children on track throughout the summer so that the summer break can be as rewarding as possible for everyone in the family!

News & Features

Inclusive Places to Visit Over the School Holidays 

The summer holidays are a time for joy, exploration, and making memories with loved ones. However, for individuals with sensory processing needs, finding inclusive and accommodating places can be a challenge. Thankfully, many attractions are now stepping up to provide sensory-friendly environments that ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities, and we've put together this guide to give you a starting point!

Discover Inclusive Places to Visit Over the Holidays.


Download Your Free Copy of our Summer Sensory Survival Kit

If you’re wondering how best to prepare for the summer sensory challenges posed by the change in weather, breaks from school routines, eating outdoors, travelling and staying in holiday accommodation, we’ve got you covered!

Our Summer Sensory Survival Kit is packed full of practical tips and suggestions to help those experiencing sensory integration or sensory processing differences better manage the sensory challenges of summer.

Download your free Summer Sensory Survival Kit here!

Sensory Snapshot: Getting Ready for the Summer Holidays

Whilst it's tempting to pack the school summer holidays with activities for our children, it’s also important to allow them time to rest, relax and enjoy free play!

For children with sensory differences in particular, free play offers them the opportunity to play in a way that supports their  sensory needs without any pressure from others.

In her latest Sensory Snapshot blog, Lelanie Brewer looks at the benefits free play offers and what kind of activities it can involve.

Read the full blog here.

Join Us for a Live Webinar on 10 July: Planning Parties or Events for Individuals with Sensory Differences

Parties and social events can be exciting for many children and families, but for those with additional needs and sensory processing differences, it can be stressful and anxiety-inducing.

If you are planning or hosting a party for your child or teenager who has sensory processing differences, we invite to join us for a live webinar on 10th July where we’ll be discussing and considering sensory aspects and activities for birthday parties for different age groups and other social events.

You will also receive a free copy of our Party and Events Sensory Survival Kit.

There is a nominal charge of £5 to attend the webinar and further details – including how to register your place – can be found here.

5 Items to Manage Your Hair When You Have Sensory Differences

Managing your hair when you have sensory differences can literally be a pain!

From detangling brushes to claw clips and silk scrunchies, we’ve highlighted some products that have proven useful for individuals with sensory differences when it comes to managing their hair.


Find out more by reading the full blog here.

Also see:

Rock legend lends his voice to new book for children with sensory differences

National Trust launches 180 free attractions and activities for kids this summer across the UK

Funding guarantees holiday meals for children

Sussex Cricket unveils new sensory room

Children’s inclusive swim school ‘buddies’ up with therapy dogs to make a splash

Resources

We've curated articles, guides and blogs focused on this month's theme of preparing for the summer break including:

  • Summer and Sensory Processing Issues 
  • Sensory Meltdowns: Helping Children Cope with Overstimulation 
  • Sensory Snapshot: Neurodivergent Teens and School Holidays 

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.