This month, we're focusing on socialising and sensory differences. With Christmas around the corner, this can often bring its own set of challenges for individuals who are experiencing sensory integration or sensory processing differences.
In this month’s SI Resources, we've included lots of useful information, articles, resources, books and products to help raise our awareness and understanding of what it's like to experience sensory processing difficulties and how to support those individuals who may need it better manage the sensory challenges of the season.
Best Sensory Toys – this gift guide from The OT Toolbox highlights some of the best sensory toys to challenge sensory exploration, tactile play, or to offer sensory input to calm or alert a child, Whether you need to add a few components to a sensory diet through play, or you are looking for a gift idea that develops specific skill areas, these occupational therapy toys, sensory toys, fidget toys, and movement toys cover all the bases.
Is Your Child Overstimulated? Here's What to Do - with the festive season starting soon there are more decorations and loud sounds about too. This article from parents.com discusses what to do if a child has sensory processing differences, is over-responsive to sensory input and easily gets overstimulated.
Scientists Just Discovered a New Human Sense of Touch -an interesting article on how scientists have recently discovered that humans can also feel light touches directly through the hair follicles. Before now, it was thought that only nerve endings in the skin and around the hair follicles could transmit the sensation. The study was led by researchers from Imperial College London.
Autistic People Experience Loneliness Far More Acutely than Neurotypical People – an informative and insightful read from The Conversation UK on the prevalence of loneliness in autistic individuals and how it impacts their wellbeing. The study also looks at how sensory processing differences may play a role in preventing autistic people from engaging in social activities.
‘Look for the ability, not the disability’: Thinking outside the box to nurture neurodiverse talent - nearly one in five people are neurodiverse. As individuals living with conditions such as autism and ADHD, they may not experience the world as neurotypical people do. This blogpost shares 5 useful points on how to nurture talent from neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.
Executive Function Games – another useful article from The OT Toolbox which looks at executive function games specifically selected to improve attention, organisation, focus, working memory, and other executive functioning skills.
Books and Product Ideas
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What Makes Me Do The Things I Do
This thoughtful picture book* teaches children how to find new ways of expressing themselves. Written in child-friendly language, the book explores 12 typical behaviours that children engage in - such as temper tantrums, telling lies or cheating - and offers 12 constructive behaviours to consider instead, like staying calm, being honest or playing fairly. There are fun, colourful illustrations throughout and helpful notes for parents and carers at the back of the book, with tips for encouraging positive behaviour early on.
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Untypical: How the World Isn't Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It
This book* is a practical handbook for all of us to make the world a simpler, better place for autistic people to navigate and a call to arms for anyone who believes in an inclusive society and wants to be part of the solution. Author Pete Wharmby lays bare the experience of being 'different’, explaining with wit and warmth just how exhausting it is to fit into a world not designed for you.
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The Subtle Spectrum: An Honest Account of Autistic Discovery, Relationships and Identity
This book* offers an exploration into the post-diagnostic landscape of autism and the transformative journey of one woman, from her awareness of differences, through acceptance, to an embracing of autistic identity and beyond as she questions the cultural identity of autism. The author's narrative is enriched with insights from a range of diverse contributors, creating a reflective opportunity for people to gain a better understanding of the experience of being autistic.
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Domino Train Toy Set
This domino train set* is a great toy for children aged 3 years and upwards. The train releases the domino blocks as it travels over the floor or table, leaving a perfect row of dominoes waiting to be knocked down! This toy provides children with high concentration and exercises their eye-hand coordination, ability, patience, creativity and divergent thinking.
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Mini Foot Swing
This Mini Foot Swing is specially designed for 3–7-year-olds and is a useful resource that helps children comfortably position themselves while sitting and constructively fidget as they swing their feet around on the under-the-table swing. The foot swing provides calming proprioceptive stimulation and is perfect for helping children sit still at the dinner table, boosting concentration in classrooms or as a stimulating treat for relaxing moments.
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Learning Resources Feelings Family Hand Puppet Set
These 5 colourful puppets* help young children explore feelings and emotions through guided or free-play activities. Each of the puppets has a different facial expression (happy, sad, angry, surprise or scared) and is in a unique colour to represent that emotion. Made from soft, durable materials, they are designed with tactile elements to help children engage with their feelings.
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Thera-Band Hand Exerciser Ball Green - Medium
This Hand Exerciser is a versatile resource for use with hands, fingers or forearms and is available in four levels of resistant material to enable grading of the exercise or rehabilitation activity (yellow – extra soft; red – soft; green – medium; and blue – firm). Ideal for strengthening grip, increasing dexterity or improving fine and gross motor skills. This is an inexpensive, yet valuable tool to help individuals restore hand function and can also be heated or chilled.
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*Affiliate link: SIE may earn a commission (at zero cost to you) when you purchase by clicking on an affiliate link.
NB: Sensory Integration Education is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Integration Education.
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