Our Sensory Family Summer 2025
7 July 2025
Welcome to the Summer issue of Our Sensory Family!
In this issue, we've put together useful information and resources that will help you to keep your sensory child or teen on track throughout the summer break including our new Sensory Help Now Coffee Mornings (which launch this week) and our Summer Sensory Survival Kit. In this issue we also feature a book review: Just See Me: Seeing Beyond Difference. Read about the inspiring story behind Sarah’s book in the article below.
Wishing you all a sensory-friendly summer!
NEW Sensory Help Now Online Coffee Mornings for Parents Navigating Sensory Summers
This summer, Sensory Help Now is running a series of online coffee mornings – 30 minute Zoom sessions - to help parents and carers navigate the sensory challenges of the school holidays.
Led by Dr Lelanie Brewer - an Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration and experienced children’s Occupational Therapist – each 30-minute chat will cover a key summer challenge:
- Lack of Routine and Summer Meltdowns
- Travelling Tips
- Movement and Motor Skills through Play and Sports
- Balancing Family Sensory Needs
- Back to School Preparation
These online chats will be limited to 10 people per session and will be a safe space to connect, share or just listen to others. No slides, no judgement, no pressure.
The first coffee morning takes place on Wednesday 9th July: Preparing for the Summer Break: Strategies to Manage Lack of Routine and Summer Meltdowns.
Each session costs £10 or book all 5 sessions for £45!
Download Your Free Copy of Our Summer Sensory Survival Kit
Summer can be difficult for those with sensory processing differences. So if you’re wondering how to best prepare for the summer sensory challenges posed by the change in weather, daylight hours, breaks from school routines and staying in holiday accommodation, we’ve got you covered!
In our Summer Sensory Survival Kit, you’ll find lots of useful tips on surviving the summer school holidays as well as helping to keep your children calm and regulated during those hotter days.
‘Just See Me: Seeing Beyond Difference’ - How OT Sarah Gannon’s Book Is Opening Eyes and Hearts
When Occupational Therapist Sarah Gannon (nee Governey) set out to write her recently published book, 'Just See Me: Seeing Beyond Difference', she wasn’t simply creating a storybook—she was starting a conversation. Inspired by her daughter Ciara, who lives with CHARGE syndrome, Sarah’s book invites readers of all ages to look beyond disability and see the child, their personality, their strengths and abilities and the playfulness and joy.
In this inspiring interview, Sarah shares her professional journey, the experiences that led to the book’s creation and the impact it’s having in homes, classrooms, and communities across Ireland and the UK. Her story is one of hope, honesty and an unshakable belief in inclusion.
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 this Sensory Snapshot blog , Dr Lelanie Brewer looks at the benefits free play offers and what kind of activities it can involve.
Also see:
Dobbies Garden Centres launch free Little Seedlings Summer Holiday Club: Summer Scents
“I just remember crying”: JWoww shares the airport moment with her son that changed everything
Autism friendly summer attractions 2025
Keeping Your SEN Child Cool in the Hot Weather: Practical and Comforting Ideas
BBC Actress Leads Inclusive Summer Drama Workshops for children with Autism and SEND Youth in Surrey
Inclusive summer activities hub launches in Crawley for young adults with complex needs
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.
