Our Sensory Family Resources: Mental Health and Sensory Needs
In this month's Our Sensory Family Resources blog, 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 the blog, we've included lots of useful information and articles to help support family members whose mental health may be impacted by their sensory needs and differences.
Looking after a child or young person's mental health - encouraging and guiding a child to think about their own mental health and wellbeing are vital skills you can teach them from a young age. This article from the NHS Every Mind Matters looks at ways as parents and carers we can support our children and family to give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy.
My Voice Matters: young people on the internet, social media and mental health - social media and the online world can be a crucial source of information and connection with others, but are also increasingly referenced as a key cause of stress or worry for young people. But what do young people think about social media and mental health, and how would they make the online world a safer space for others? Published last month on Safer Internet Day (6th February), this guest blog shares the thoughts of members of Childnet’s Youth Advisory Board and some of their Digital Champions.
Dyspraxia affects children’s well-being – here’s how parents and caregivers can help – it’s likely at least one child in every classroom has movement difficulties in the form of developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as developmental dyspraxia. This article from The Conversation is an informative read on how dyspraxia can impact children's well-being and participation in daily life and what parents can do to help.
‘When I got diagnosed, I was happy that I finally had a reason why I had been struggling’ – in this insightful article, teen author and student, Elsie Starr, explains why getting a dyspraxia diagnosis was helpful for her in order to help her understand her difficulties, how it affects her constantly and the subjects she struggles with at school as a result.
Simple tips for family communication in autism - at times, family communication in autism can be challenging. This article sets out practical and simple tips to help you learn step-by-step, creative methods to communicate with your family. In time, this approach can open communication and help your child share their thoughts and feelings with you.
What is sensory play and why is it great for your child’s development? - this article from the BBC’s Tiny Happy People looks at what sensory play is, what the benefits are and how it can help language learning. It also includes some tips from Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Alys Mathers on how to make the most of sensory play.
29 games to play for sensory movement exploration at home - With the Easter holidays looming for many UK schools, this blogpost by Gympanzees provides some tips and ideas on physical activities to support motor skill development if you are looking for ideas to get children moving and exercising during the school holidays.
How to explain autism to a child who’s diagnosed - explaining autism is not an easy task but a parent runs a greater risk if the autistic child learns about their diagnosis from someone other than their parents. This article from Autism Parenting Magazine looks at why you should tell your child they have autism, when you should talk to them about it and offers some ways to help ease the transition into telling them.
Does your child cry all the time? This might be why... - this article from Your Kids Table looks at possible different reasons behind a child’s constant crying including sensory processing issues and suggests ways you can help comfort your crying child.
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