Sensory Help Now

As the festive season is almost upon us, we've put together an assortment of books and sensory product ideas in readiness for the Christmas period. This selection is focused on books and products to help our children and teens navigate the sensory challenges of the season.

We hope you enjoy this issue's selection and let us know if there are any books or products you'd like us to feature in future issues!

Books

Surviving the Seasons: An Autism Guide

Part of the collection "The Making of the Mask", Sophie McLelland's new book* explores what Christmas can look like for many autistic people and the challenges they may face. The book is packed full of personal experiences as well as ways to host an autism-friendly Christmas.

Oliver’s Journey to Christmas Calm: A Sensory-Friendly Adventure in Lapland

Written by Tiina Hoddy, this book* is specially crafted for children who experience sensory sensitivities and their families. Join Oliver, a thoughtful and courageous young boy, as he sets out on an enchanting journey to Lapland, where he will meet Santa Claus, playful reindeer, and cheerful elves—all while navigating the excitement and challenges of new experiences.
 
Through snowy adventures and magical moments, Oliver learns to manage overwhelming feelings and sensory overload, guided by gentle adults, comforting routines, and special tools that help him stay calm and confident. 

My Wonderful Christmas: A Practical Guide to Help Autistic Children Through the Festive Season

Authored by Paul Wilkinson, an experienced autism professional, this is a thoughtful and engaging guidebook* designed to help autistic children navigate the often overwhelming experiences of the festive season. 

With its fun activities, colouring-in pages, and easy-to-follow advice, this book is packed with practical strategies to reduce the anxiety that can arise from sensory overload, unexpected changes, and new routines during Christmas time.

 We are the Dyspraxia Champions!

If your child is dyspraxic, they may struggle with things like balance, being messy or breaking things, or even spatial awareness. However, dyspraxic kids also have many talents and strengths. In this book you will meet different dyspraxic children who can do amazing things. Some dyspraxic children have excellent memories, some are super flexible, some love making their friends laugh, or have brilliant imaginations, some are great at focusing really hard, and some have loads of energy, and bounce off the walls!

This book provides guidance for parents with advice on how they can support their child with suspected or diagnosed dyspraxia at home and provides further resources and bonus content.

Products

Fidget Advent Calendar

Packed with fidget toys, sensory surprises, and fun activities, this Fidget Advent Calendar* will keep your child engaged in the run-up to Christmas with a delightful mix of toys, fidget items, and educational goodies that will spark their creativity and imagination.

Fidget Spinner Robot

This Fidget Spinner Toy* is a robot that can transform into various forms. Children can use their creativity to create shapes they want to exercise their imagination, creativity and hands-on ability. The Fidget Spinner Robot can strengthen concentration and relieve stress or anxiety through the rotation of fingertips and can be used in different combinations and flips.

Textured Sensory Stones Fidget Set

Quiet and easy to roll in one hand, these textured, durable, bright, stretchy, calming sensory toys* offer a unique tactile experience with 6 different textures and tensions to help relieve stress and anxiety. They’re a great fidget sensory set for children to avoid finger picking, control nervous habits and meet your child’s sensory needs through play and touch.

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NB: Sensory Help Now is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Help Now.