Mallory Knee, Author at Talbert Zoo

4 Ways To Teach Social Skills to a Child With Autism

April 25, 2022 Mallory Knee

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social skills, communication, and behavior. Many children with ASD have trouble with social interactions and may not understand social cues. Many children also have difficulty making eye contact, interpreting facial expressions, and understanding body language. There are many ways to teach social skills to a child with autism. Some children may benefit from social skills groups, while others may do better with one-on-one therapy. It all depends on how your child learns best. Try out some of the following tips to…

Best Toys for Developing the Pincer Grasp

April 14, 2022 Mallory Knee

One of the most critical skills humans must learn is handwriting. Developing the pincer grasp is a vital foundation for the handwriting process. But these skills start when a child is only a few months old. Fostering an environment where your baby can learn and develop these intricate skills is essential. Let’s explore the best toys for developing the pincer grasp and how you can encourage your children! What Is the Pincer Grasp? Understanding the pincer grasp can be useful in supporting your child’s development. The thumb and the index…

Ways To Decorate To Help Your Children Relax

April 13, 2022 Mallory Knee

The world is full of challenging noises, senses, smells, and textures. It can be a challenging world to live in, especially if you are a child experiencing everything for the first time. Here are just a few ways to decorate to help your children relax in your home and not feel too overwhelmed by everything. Use Calming Colors Psychologists understand that colors can affect mood. Some colors, like bright reds and yellows, are very active and can easily make children feel uneasy. Alternatively, toned-down blues and greens evoke more calm…

Benefits of Special Needs Children Solving Puzzles

March 8, 2022 Mallory Knee

Finding an activity that everyone universally loves is a difficult feat, especially for entertaining children with autism and other special needs. Fortunately, there are some things you can do that improve their well-being while having fun. These are the benefits of special needs children solving puzzles. Develop Cognitive Skills You can assist in improving a child’s cognitive ability with puzzles. They enable a youngster to perceive connections as a whole rather than as parts of a complete. This includes the alphabet, numbers, color recognition, and shape awareness. And putting together…

Stitching Students: The Benefits of Teaching Kids How To Sew

January 19, 2022 Mallory Knee

Most hobbies introduce individuals to new ideas while fostering passion and creativity. Young children can benefit from establishing positive pursuits early that impact character development and mental growth. Sewing is a valuable skill with eternal purpose. Apart from knowing how to fix toys and making a thoughtful gift for someone, there are many benefits of teaching kids how to sew. To learn more, continue reading below! Fine Motor Skill Development Some young children can have trouble doing precise work, which is normal when smaller. Unfortunately, struggling with hand coordination can…

The Importance of Teaching Children To Wash Their Hands

January 3, 2022 Mallory Knee

In general, humans encounter germs and foreign contaminants every day. From touching doorknobs to toilet seat handles, you’ll feel surprised to learn how often people physically interact with bacteria. So, incorporating a proper hygienic routine will not only make you smell delightful, but will also keep pesky germs out of your life. So, what about your children? As we grow older, handwashing becomes second nature, but children often don’t understand why they stick their hands in hot water. Proper handwashing reduces the chances of illnesses and viruses, making it an…

Fun Attractions To Take Your Kids to in New York City

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021 Mallory Knee

Visiting one of the most iconic cities in the world can feel intimidating. From the Big Apple to Chinatown, New York City offers so much to do, and you only have so much time to do it. It can feel stressful to make your children excited for a trip to the big city, especially your children with special needs. So what can you do that is friendly for everyone? Luckily, there are loads of fun attractions to take your kids to in New York City, and you don’t have to…

Creative Play: DIY Sensory Ideas for Children

December 9, 2021December 9, 2021 Mallory Knee

Human lives center around using your five senses: auditory, sight, touch, smell, and taste. Fortunately, you get the chance to witness your child develop these senses as they grow and interact with toys, foods, and the adventurous world around them. Children then move on to experience emotional, physical, and creative growth through sensory exploration that fosters linguistic and cognitive development. To further stimulate their creative needs, go ahead and explore some DIY sensory ideas for children to get started. Rainbow Soap Foam Even as an adult, soap foam is exciting!…

How To Catch the Early Signs of Autism in a Baby

December 7, 2021 Mallory Knee

As the primary caregiver for your baby, you have a front-row seat to their growth and development. Every day brings new leaps and discoveries. These day-to-day changes show positive signs of skill-building and unique abilities. Because of how rapid a baby will progress, it’s also important to watch for any areas of opportunity—where your baby may be struggling or slower to evolve. An absence or inability of a particular skill set is not a cause for concern but could indicate developmental differences. Let’s look at how to catch the early…

How To Avoid Meltdowns During Holiday Travel

December 1, 2021 Mallory Knee

As the holidays come crawling around the corner, making the proper family plans is inevitable. You must take gift-giving, travel time, and overall mood into consideration. When you make travel plans with your family, it can become stressful. However, it can become particularly challenging with having to travel with a child that has special needs. So you must take the necessary precautions and make them feel safe and content. How do you go about this? Thankfully, here are some tips for how to avoid meltdowns during holiday travel. You’ll become…