Sensory Help Now

This month's Our Sensory Family Resources blog looks at sensory integration in school. It includes lots of useful information and articles to help us understand how sensory challenges can affect our children's behaviour and learning at school and what we as parents can do to better support them and make their school experience a more enjoyable one:-

Supporting Schools to Deliver Sensory Inclusive Education - Did you know that 1 in 6 students have sensory processing differences that impact their learning and enjoyment of school? If your child is that 1 in 6, it’s important their school is educated on what sensory-friendly changes they can make to help your child overcome any barriers they face. Sensory Inclusive Schools (SIS) has been created to support schools striving to create a more inclusive learning environment. SIS not only provides valuable training but also fosters a supportive community for teaching staff looking to enhance their understanding and implementation of sensory-friendly practices. Why not share this information with your child’s school if you feel they could benefit from this service!

A Day in the Life of a Child with Sensory Processing Challenges - what does it feel like to have sensory processing challenges? How does it affect your child's day? Ben is a bright 10-year-old boy but, due to his sensory processing challenges, his behaviour is often misunderstood by his family members, teachers and friends. To see how difficulties with sensory processing and integration can affect children in everyday life, take a look at a typical day in Ben’s life.

How to Help Your Autistic Child Relax After School  - Many parents struggle with helping their autistic children relax after school. This useful article from Autism Parenting Magazine explore some tips that may ease these challenges such as not forcing them to talk, giving them space and time as well as control to choose activities they’d like to do after school.

How Does a Child Experience Autism? - Broadcasters Carrie and David Grant are well-known figures who have been open about their experiences parenting children with additional needs, including autism. In this BBC Teach article, they draw on their own experiences to discuss what it’s like for a child to experience autism and how when you meet a child with autism, it may be obvious to you that they are different somehow - but equally, there may be no obvious sign of difference.

ADHD in Teens: How Symptoms Manifest as Unique Challenges for Adolescents and Young Adults - ADHD brains develop differently from neurotypical brains and, in adolescence, ADHD is associated with a set of distinct and measurable challenges including executive dysfunction, increased risk for substance misuse and motor vehicle accidents, academic setbacks, emotional dysregulation, high-risk behaviours, and more. This insightful article from ADDItude looks at how early care and interventions can have positive effects and if the conversations and interventions begin early, and a family’s vigilance remains high, teens with ADHD will grow and develop into remarkable young adults.

A Collaborative Approach to Developing Communication: A Case Study - At Oaklands Special School in Leicester, all their pupils have speech, language and communication as their primary special educational need. Therefore Communication, Interaction & Social Skills (CISS) are at the heart of everything the school does to support their pupils’ development. This case study published by the National Autistic Society looks at how Oaklands has worked together with parents and speech and language therapists to utilise and develop communication strategies and details the impact this has had on Ethan, one of their students.

Why Climbing Is A Superpower For Your Baby's Development - This article from Motor Skills Matter looks at why climbing is such a crucial part of babies’ motor skill development and how it provides a workout for their growing bodies and brains.

Why GrowingWildflowers is Great for SEN Children – This article from the Sensory Trust looks at why creating a wildflower space, however big or small with children with SEN can be a whole adventure packed with joy, learning and fun. From sowing the different seeds to the anticipation of watching the beautiful flowers grow, this activity offers many benefits as well as being good for your local environment!

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