Our Sensory Family March 2024: Mental Health and Sensory Needs
Mental Health and Sensory Needs
Welcome to the March issue of Our Sensory Family where we're focusing on Mental Health and Sensory Needs.
Everyday activities can often be challenging and/or unpleasant for individuals with sensory processing differences and this can impact their mental health. Many studies show clear links between mental health and sensory processing sensitivities.
In this month’s newsletter, we've put together useful information, articles, books and product ideas that look at supporting family members' mental health and sensory needs.
We also have some exciting news to kick off our parent company SIE's 30th birthday celebrations this year. Read our news article below to find out about the BIG change we're making to our Sensory Help Now service for parents and carers!
News & Features
A Gift to Families - Sensory Help Now free to access!
We have some amazing news! Our parent company, Sensory Integration Education (SIE), has taken the decision to make the Sensory Help Now service completely free for parents and carers. This is in celebration of SIE’s 30th birthday this year.
What does this mean for you? Well, you can now access for free Our Sensory Help Now community forum which is moderated by sensory integration-trained HCPC registered therapists. We guarantee you a response to any question you raise on the forum within three working days.
Families can also access free of charge bite-sized videos to learn more about what sensory processing differences look like and how to put into practice sensory strategies at home to help with sensory issues.
You can learn more about the service here.
Please share with other families in your community so that as many families as possible can benefit from a greater understanding of how to support their children's sensory needs.
Easter Sensory Activities
As the Easter school holidays are fast approaching, you may be in need of some creative activities for your children to enjoy! From sensory bins to egg races and craft projects, in this article, we explore 5 sensory activities that deliver a delightful blend of fun and skill development!
Find out more about these Easter-themed activities here.
Sensory Snapshot: Talking to Your Child with Sensory Processing Differences about Their Sensory Needs
“Should I tell my child that they have sensory difficulties?”, “How do I tell my child that they have sensory difficulties?” or “How do I talk to my child about their sensory processing differences?”
These are some of the questions Lelanie Brewer, Children's OT and Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration, is frequently asked. So in her latest Sensory Snapshot blog, Lelanie discusses a number of ways you can approach discussing this with your child as well as the value of sharing examples through stories. With this in mind, she also includes some useful book recommendations that can help children understand their sensory needs and how everyone experiences sensations differently!
Games and Activities to Develop Bilateral Coordination
What is Bilateral Coordination?
Bilateral coordination refers to using both sides of the body together in a coordinated way. Most daily activities require skillfully using both sides of the body together, for example, when brushing your teeth you are holding your toothbrush in one hand and squeezing and applying the toothpaste with the other hand.
Children who have difficulty with bilateral coordination might struggle with activities such as using a knife and fork at the same time, PE activities at school or even using two hands whilst doing up clothes fasteners.
If your child has difficulties coordinating their body together, this useful blog post highlights 5 daily activities that could help to build up their bilateral coordination.
Celebrating Neurodiversity: Resources for Parents and Children
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is just around the corner (18th - 24th March 2024) and we thought it would be a good idea to share some helpful resources for parents and children supporting neurodiversity.
Our curated list encompasses materials for both children and parents, aiming to enlighten and support families navigating the intricacies of neurodiversity. Regardless of the day, week or month, let us continue to educate, support, and celebrate the unique strengths and contributions of neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Also see:
Young people urge the Prime Minister to commit to long-term funding for in-school mental health services
Almost 70,000 children missing out on mental health treatment
How ADHD affects mental health, as Ben Fogle opens up about diagnosis
Sensory garden at Riding for the Disabled centre is hailed a success
Autism specialist school unveils brand-new sensory room
Unite for Access: The St Mary’s Sensory Room at Southampton FC
Resources
We've curated articles, guides and blogs focused on this month's theme of Mental Health and Sensory Needs including:
- Looking after a child's or young person's mental health
- Dyspraxia affects children’s well-being – here’s how parents and caregivers can help
- Simple tips for family communication in autism
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.
