People of all ages and abilities experience the world through their senses. Children are new to our world and are still learning about it and their senses. If your child also has a sensory-processing disorder such as autism, then they may need extra help learning how to process their senses and use them to learn about the world. An indoor playground is a great way to help your child have safe sensory experiences. If you already have an indoor playground or play area, you can add these sensory games to…
Read MoreWarning Signs of Teen Suicide
Warning Signs of Teen Suicide Whether your teen is having trouble in school, dealing with a breakup or struggling with peer pressure, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Teens who are thinking about suicide often give their loved ones and trusted friends signs they are struggling. As a parent, teacher or friend, it’s your job to pick up on these warning signs and get help. 1. Changes in personality or behavior If your teen or young adult suddenly shows impulsive, unusual behavior, this may be indicative of…
Read MoreTrichotillomania Treatment
Trichotillomania Treatment Trichotillomania is a behavioral disorder in which someone compulsively pulls their hair out. It affects people of all ages and genders. Treatment for trichotillomania is similar to other mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Habit Reversal Training, and Medication are common treatment options. Other types of psychotherapy, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), may also be used in conjunction with these behavioral interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatment methods for…
Read MoreCan Aromatherapy Help Kids With Special Needs?
Aromatherapy is among the most popular health and wellness trends, with many people incorporating it into their daily lives. But can aromatherapy help kids with special needs? We answer that question and more below. Aromatherapy, Explained Before we get into aromatherapy and children, what does aromatherapy mean? Aromatherapy is a word that gets thrown around a lot in health and wellness, but it’s definitionally using essential oils from plants for mental and physical healing. Essential oils and aromatherapy have exploded in popularity over the past decade, as many people use…
Read MoreWays To Help a Child With Autism Cope With Grief
When a grandparent, parent, teacher, or even a beloved pet dies, children need help coping with grief. Understanding what it means when a loved one dies is tough for any child, but it’s especially confusing and difficult for children with special needs. There are ways to help a child with autism cope with grief that are similar to what you’d do for a neurotypical child. While you may find yourself explaining a child’s reactions to family and friends, the focus should be on helping the child cope with this difficult…
Read MoreWays To Redirect Harmful Stimming in an Autistic Child
Stimming (or self-stimulatory behaviors) is an essential part of life for many people with autism. It’s a physical or verbal action that helps someone regulate their emotions, relieve stress, and cope with the overwhelming amount of sensory input around them. Common stimming activities include flapping or moving hands and arms, rocking back and forth, spinning, and repetition of words and phrases. However, stimming can also involve more severe behaviors, like banging the head against a wall, hitting, or biting oneself. Stimming is important for autistic people to help them regulate…
Read MoreGodparents in the Different Branches of Christianity
Holding to religious faith in a secular world is hard. Asking someone to act as the godparent for your child or for someone else’s child in their stead can help make that religious faithfulness a little bit easier. While godparenthood originated within the Catholic faith, each of the different branches of Christianity includes godparents in children’s lives. We’ve summarized the commonalities and differences below so that you can understand this important role across Christian traditions. Catholic Godparents Godparents started in the Catholic faith and are still an important part of…
Read MoreReasons To Incorporate Sensory Play Into the Park
For a child to grow up healthy and meet the most important milestones, they need an outlet that allows them to cut loose without worrying about getting hurt or lost. The park provides an open space for physical activity and play, improving the health and well-being of communities. Parks and playgrounds are perfect for children because they provide physical and mental stimulation. Sensory play has a profound effect on childhood development. When children interact with their surroundings, they learn to engage with and perceive the world around them. Here are…
Read MoreHow To Reduce Sensory Issues for Kids During Car Rides
Many neurodivergent children struggle with sensory issues, especially those with ADHD and autism. This can make riding in the car difficult, as there’s a great deal of unfamiliar sensory input involved. However, never riding in a car isn’t a solution. Saying that your child can never ride in a car will limit them in the future. Instead, it’s important to learn how to accommodate your child. Here are some tips to reduce sensory issues for kids during car rides. Ask Them What They Need If your child is old enough,…
Read MoreWays To Help Your Special Needs Child Drink More Water
Hydration is one of the most important components of staying healthy. The human body relies on water to function properly. When you don’t drink enough water, your body experiences symptoms like nausea, dry mouth, and headaches. Children are at a greater risk for dehydration than adults. They enjoy staying active and aren’t aware of how much water they’re drinking each day. If you have a special needs child who has difficulty consuming the proper amounts of water each day, take some time to review these helpful ways to encourage them…
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