This book offers a six-step approach to developing a programme to help children cope with sensory input they find overwhelming, and to identify activities they find relaxing or rewarding. Larkey gives over 30 activities using touch, sound, taste, vision and movement, and gives advice on how to use them to improve children's communication skills.

Children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) often have sensory processing difficulties. They may be very sensitive to particular sounds or materials, or unresponsive to injuries most children would find painful. This practical book offers a six-step approach to developing a successful programme to help children cope with sensory input they find overwhelming, and to identify activities they may find relaxing or rewarding. Sue Larkey draws on her experience of working with children with autism to offer more than 30 activities using touch, sound, taste, vision and movement, and gives advice on how to use these activities as opportunities to improve children's communication skills. She provides detailed photocopiable checklists to assess children's sensory reactions, sleep patterns, sense of movement and use of eye contact. Parents, occupational therapists and educational professionals will find this workbook to be a rich source of fun ideas for improving sensory processing in autism, and easily adaptable for children with other special needs.

4th edition! Larger print for easier reading and reference! A daily use handbook that includes 205 common sensory signals, with a brief explanation and practical ways to help! A sensory signal is a hint, clue, or indicator given by a child's behavior or reaction to the environment. This includes a child's reaction to social interaction or communication. When one understands a child's sensory signals, it becomes more natural and clearer as to how to enrich the environment with the right sensory tools and strategies. This reference handbook is intended to support and guide you in understanding your child's sensory differences and needs.

Sensory motor activities are crucial for children to learn from their environment. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this revised edition is a complete package of tried-and-tested sensory motor activities for children, covering basic movements, interoception, sensory and body awareness and early visual perceptual skills. Providing an overview of the sensory systems, the authors offer practical strategies for parents/carers and practitioners to link knowledge to practice when communicating and engaging with a child. The authors present both familiar and novel activity ideas, explaining how they provide sensory stimulation to the relevant sensory systems and may help to support the child’s development, sensory processing and regulation levels. New material includes: greater emphasis on understanding the sensory systems and how they link to the activities a brand new chapter on interoception revised recording methods, including Goal Attainment Scaling as an outcome tool an expanded list of activities. Sensory Motor Activities for Early Development, 2nd edition is an essential text for all parents/carers and practitioners who use sensory motor activities in a playful way to help the development of children with a range of needs. It will be valuable reading for those working with children who do not initiate movement, who require help with their movement, who need to refine their movement, who need encouragement or motivation to engage in purposeful movements, or those who need activities to provide sensory stimulation.

Unplug from technology and "plug in" to nature through the wonder of your senses. The Book of Nature Connection is packed with fun activities for using all our senses to engage with nature in a deep and nourishing way. From "extenda-ears" and acorn whistles to bird calls, camouflage games, and scent scavenger hunts, enjoy over 70 diverse, engaging, sensory activities for all ages that promote mindfulness and nature connection. With activities grouped by the main senses – hearing, sight, smell, touch, and taste – plus sensory walks and group games, The Book of Nature Connection is both a powerful learning tool kit and the cure for sensory anesthesia brought on by screen time and lives lived indoors. Whisper in birds, be dazzled by nature's kaleidoscope of colors, taste the freshness of each season, learn to savor the scented world of evergreens, hug a tree and feel the bark against your cheek. Spending time in nature with all senses tuned and primed helps us feel like we belong to the natural world – and in belonging, we come to feel more connected, nourished, and alive. Ideal for educators, camp and youth leaders, caregivers and parents, and anyone looking to reconnect and become a nature sommelier! AWARDS GOLD | 2023 Nautilus Book Awards | Special Honors: Educational Guidebooks SILVER | 2023 IPPY Awards: Nature SILVER | 35th IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Awards: Nature & Environment

A fully revised edition of the most comprehensive guide to sensory processing challenges "At last, here are the insights and answers parents have been searching for." —Dr. Temple Grandin For children with sensory difficulties—those who struggle process everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights—this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource. Sensory processing challenges affect all kinds of kind—from those with developmental delays, learning and attenion issues, or autism spectrum disorder to those without any other issues. Now in its third edition, Raising a Sensory Smart Child is even more comprehensive and helpful than ever. In this book, you'll learn: * How the 8 senses (yes, 8!) are supposed to work together and what happens when they don't * Practical solutions for daily challenges-from brushing teeth to getting dressed to handling holiday gatherings * Strategies for managing sensitivities to noise, smell textures, and more * "Sensory diet" activities that help meet sensory needs, with new ideas for kids, teens, adults, and families * Parenting tips for handling discipline, transitions, and behavioral issues * How to practically and emotionally support children and teens with autism and sensory issues * Ways to advocate for your child at school and make schools more "sensory smart" * How to help your child with sensory issues use technology effectively and responsibly * Ways to empower your child and teen in the world * Where to get the best professional help and complementary therapies ***WINNER of the NAPPA GOLD AWARD and iPARENTING MEDIA AWARD***