This month we're focusing on transitions and self-regulation.
Transitions are an inevitable part of everyday life - from moving home or starting a new school or job to getting out of the door in the morning to go to school or adjusting to a new teacher. Often, individuals with sensory challenges struggle with transitions for a number of reasons and this is where self-regulation can play a key role in helping them to navigate transitions more effectively.
In this month’s SI Resources, we’ve compiled a number of articles, books and product ideas to help individuals with sensory differences manage transitions whilst building up their self-regulation skills.
Self-Regulation: A Critical Skill for Kids with Sensory ‘Issues’ – this useful article from Yours Kids Table takes a look at what sensory self-regulation is, why it matters, and what sensory strategies can improve self-regulation skills in children that have sensory differences.
The Power of Sensory Regulation: Unleashing Well-being - this blog post from Neurodivergent Insights explores what sensory regulation is and its impact on self-regulation; the intricacies of sensory dysregulation; and understanding the importance of sensory regulation and strategies for improvement.
7-Minute Emotion Regulating Activity To Help Kids Calm Down - all feelings are valid and necessary; however, sometimes big feelings can be overwhelming and we all need a little help with coming down from strong emotions from time to time. This video from Brighten Up! Kids focuses on regulating children’s intense feelings and emotions and contains a sequence of activities to help children feel calmer and more regulated.
How to Control Your Anger When ADHD Emotional Reactivity Kicks In – this is an informative read from ADDITUDE on anger management and self-regulation in individuals with ADHD.
DESR: Why Deficient Emotional Self-Regulation is Central to ADHD (and Largely Overlooked) – another informative article from ADDITUDE on emotional regulation in individuals with ADHD.
How Does Playtime Shape a Toddler’s Brain Development? – in this article, leading child development expert, Dr Jacqueline Harding, discusses how the young child’s brain not only craves play but also thrives on it.
The Link Between Autism and Temperature Regulation – do you know a child with autism who refuses to wear a coat in the winter or insists on wearing warmer clothes when it’s cold? This insightful article from Autism Parenting Magazine looks at why autism and temperature regulation issues often go hand-in-hand.
What Does Sensory Overload Feel Like? When Everything Feels Too Much! - this blogpost explains how an individual might experience sensory overload, what the symptoms are and strategies on how to manage it.
Books and Product Ideas
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Emotional and Self-regulation for Kids
This book* by Lucya Mihall contains comprehensive information about the meaning of emotions, their management, and the emotional regulation of children. It’s a useful resource which includes exercises, educational games, strategies for self-regulation, an emotions journal, tips for managing feelings and colouring pages to help children with self-regulation.
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Roary's Magical Backpack
This book* contains guided questions for parents and carers to improve the reader’s understanding of the tools and strategies used throughout the book. Roary is a lovable T-Rex on a heartwarming journey as he discovers how to cope with sensory challenges and unexpected changes at school. With the help of his magical backpack, Roary learns to overcome challenges, cope with uncomfortable feelings, and find joy in his unique way of seeing the world.
This book is not only helpful for children with autism, ADHD or other neurodivergent needs, it also gives children an understanding of why some of their friends or classmates may need to use different tools to get through their day.
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Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies That Really Work
This book* by parenting and neuroscience expert Robyn Gobbel is a useful resource to share with parents to help them understand their children's behaviour. Robyn decodes the latest brain science into easy-to-understand principles and metaphors to help parents better understand their child’s behaviour. She also reveals simple ways to help parents regulate and connect with their child, with brain-, body- and sensory-based strategies to overcome day-to-day challenges.
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Bungee Jumper
This bungee jumper from Southpaw Enterprises, a SIE preferred supplier, is a great option for children who are not able to use a pogo stick. It can be used to develop balance and bilateral motor coordination, and for children who seek vestibular sensory input. . The high-rebound foam gives the feeling of soaring into the sky, while the stretchy tubing and soft handle keep the base securely fixed to the child’s feet.
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Texture Sensory Bean Bags
These sensory beanbags* consist of a range of textures, which can be helpful to teach children about the different textures and develop tactile discrimination. Pulling the sensory beanbags out of the bag, babies and toddlers will benefit from different sensory feedback in the process of hand touch and play. These bean bags are also ideal for children with special needs to help them deal with anxiety, relax their mood and keep their hands busy.
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Sensory Rocker Board
This multi-purpose colourful sensory rocker board* is a versatile toy that can help to support a child’s sensory needs, develop gross motor skills and build balance and core strength. Suitable for older children and adults too, it can be used to provide vestibular sensory input, as a toy tunnel and is also great for climbing on and developing balance when turned around.
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Teen Sensory Kit Bag
This teen sensory kit bag contains a number of useful products which are popular with teenagers. The soft weighted shoulder wrap is ideal for sofa time or studying and the dimple fleece is tactile and super soft. Also included in the kit bag are ear defenders; therapy putty which is ideal for improving and strengthening finger and hand function; a twin pack of Chewbuddy™ tags which can be attached to clothing or a bag; and a double muddle puzzle.
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Children’s Pod Swing Seat Chair
This children’s pod swing seat chair* is suitable for young children and teens (can take up to 150 lbs) and is useful for children who would benefit from more vestibular input to help them feel calm and regulated.
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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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