- Essential Speech and ABA Therapy
Working with their will instead of opposing it is your responsibility.
Here are the 6 ways to support your strong-willed child.
1. Let your kid figure out the answer:
You can prevent disagreements by letting your child explain what they must do rather than giving instructions.
“What's the last thing we need to do before we head off to school after we've eaten breakfast, packed your bag, and brushed your teeth?”
2. Give your child options:
Offer them a sense of organized power rather than trying to overwhelm them with your own power.
“What do you prefer: pajamas with stars or cars?”
“You want to put on your shoes or your coat first?”
“Would you prefer a muffin or cereal?”
3. Keep a clear expectations:
Do not leave it to your children to determine the rules. The clearer, the better!
“When we go to the grocery store, you can pick one snack, and I'll only buy that one. I can't wait to see what you pick!”
4. Make sure your kid feels heard:
Make sure they know you understand how they feel.
“I understand; you really didn't want to leave the park and go home today; you wanted to stay and play all day.”
5. Don't go to any debates that your child has invited you to:
Based on the values of your family, make a list of what is negotiable and what is not for your house. Which will you permit?
Describe a strong limit.
“Always keep in mind that flexibility is acceptable. Not everything has to be a power battle.”
6. Maintain your personal boundaries:
Strong-willed children test your limits; this is something to expect during development!
They must be aware of your trustworthiness and commitment to maintaining your boundaries.
Kids will only trust your boundaries if you trust them first.
- Essential Speech and ABA Therapy
Are you the parent of a child who struggles with sensory processing? It's wonderful to have a list of sensory gift suggestions you can go to whenever a significant event, like the upcoming holiday season, is coming.
Getting Active/ Exercise / Stimulating Vestibular and Proprioceptive Systems
How would you feel if you made their bikes the neighborhood's hottest item?
Active Life LED Tires can transform their bikes into something really cool!
https://www.amazon.com/Lighting-Wheelchair-Unicycle-Accessories-Children/dp/B01GJ1NEGK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2O24N6CJE821V&keywords=Active+Life+LED+Tires&qid=1671653125&sprefix=active+life+led+tires+%2Caps%2C708&sr=8-1
We can also keep them fit & entertained in the backyard with these:
2. Stepping Buckets Balance Builders
https://www.amazon.com/Special-Supplies-Stepping-Non-Slip-Resistant/dp/B07YCTQWJ4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2L0LRJDO7MP2F&keywords=Stepping+Buckets+Balance+Builders&qid=1671653153&sprefix=stepping+buckets+balance+builders%2Caps%2C362&sr=8-5
3. Or with a bit of hopping with the Space Hopper Ball
https://www.amazon.com/AppleRound-Space-Hopper-Ball-Pump/dp/B014BS337I/ref=sr_1_6?crid=380X6PO7MRH1O&keywords=Space+Hopper+Ball&qid=1671653177&sprefix=space+hopper+ball%2Caps%2C327&sr=8-6
4. Or jumping on this cool trampoline
https://www.amazon.com/Jump2It-Portable-Trampoline-Adjustable-Protective/dp/B01KCRRA76/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3WTORFQBYU13&keywords=trampoline%2Bfor%2Bkids&qid=1671653217&sprefix=trampoline%2Caps%2C338&sr=8-4&th=1
5. Unless they are too big for that one! In which case you may need to consider a real grownup trampoline!
https://www.amazon.com/ALTLER-Trampoline-Enclosure-Outdoor-Exercise/dp/B09ZYBMD9F/ref=sr_1_15?crid=2ZKUAZD5JRQLB&keywords=trampoline&qid=1671653235&sprefix=trampoline%2Caps%2C322&sr=8-15
6. Or even better, do you have a corner where you can create an indoors playground:
https://www.amazon.com/Gym1-Indoor-Swing-Package-Blue/dp/B08H7VTB21/ref=sr_1_18?crid=ATMVILB828D5&keywords=indoor+swing&qid=1671653309&sprefix=indoor+swin%2Caps%2C390&sr=8-18&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0
7. Stand, sit, and rock on a Teeter Popper!
https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Brain-Toys-Teeter-Popper/dp/B00KY5HE9Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6DZF3VYPS3E7&keywords=Stand%2C+sit%2C+and+rock+on+a+Teeter+Popper&qid=1671653336&sprefix=stand%2C+sit%2C+and+rock+on+a+teeter+popper%2Caps%2C471&sr=8-1
8. A Swing!
The swinging motion has great benefits for kids:
it strengthens the vestibular and proprioceptive systems
it improves kids’ coordination, balance, body awareness, and concentration. This one (Spinner Swing) is great for the outdoors.
https://www.amazon.com/Sorbus-Spinner-Swing-Playground-Accessories/dp/B074BCMTHZ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1N66B81HP77HC&keywords=Spinner+Swing&qid=1671653361&sprefix=spinner+swing%2Caps%2C337&sr=8-5&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
And this excellent therapy swing works both indoors & outdoors
https://www.amazon.com/OUTREE-Processing-Disorder-Autistic-Children/dp/B095HMZVC2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=ATMVILB828D5&keywords=indoor+swing&qid=1671653274&sprefix=indoor+swin%2Caps%2C390&sr=8-6
9. A Sandbox
Can you imagine your kids’ faces if they wake up to a sandbox in the backyard? This eco-friendly sandbox is a great choice.
https://www.amazon.com/My-Little-Sandbox-Big-Builder/dp/B0000A9XZ2/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3CIQ73OK2O0RH&keywords=A+Sandbox&qid=1671653388&sprefix=a+sandbox%2Caps%2C419&sr=8-9
You may not have space for such a big present, but you don´t need to give up on sand or similar textures:
10. Kinetic Play Sand
https://www.amazon.com/Kinetic-Sand-KNS-Super-Sandbox/dp/B08S7LDZ84/ref=sr_1_58?crid=1QBYI4TCHUL38&keywords=Kinetic+Play+Sand&qid=1671653564&sprefix=kinetic+play+sand%2Caps%2C381&sr=8-58
11. And since we are still talking about textures. How about a Slime Kit?!
https://www.amazon.com/126-Slime-Making-Girls-Boys/dp/B07VV1YXW1/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1CGWV5D13V5D7&keywords=Slime+Kit&qid=1671653603&sprefix=slime+kit%2Caps%2C354&sr=8-7
12. Unless you really want the job done for you! Then you can go for this cool colorful slime
https://www.amazon.com/LANUMIONG-Scented-Include-Accessories-Birthday/dp/B09NLMHDPN/ref=sr_1_28?crid=34NEN82B333W8&keywords=4+pcs+colorful+bottle+slime&qid=1671653662&sprefix=4+pcs+colorfulbottle+slime%2Caps%2C359&sr=8-28
13. Playfoam is another nice present for those who like to feel different textures
https://www.amazon.com/Educational-Insights-EI-1930-Playfoam-Go/dp/B01N8QG8A4/ref=sr_1_24?crid=3RYBULKEM51E4&keywords=Playfoam&qid=1671653756&sprefix=playfoam%2Caps%2C337&sr=8-24
Sensory Gifts for Toddlers
14. A Waterwheel Table
https://www.amazon.com/Step2-Showers-Unicorns-Unicorn-Accessory/dp/B07MK5H9N2/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3PWT804R9ID29&keywords=A+Waterwheel+Table&qid=1671653782&sprefix=a+waterwheel+table%2Caps%2C373&sr=8-14&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
15. A Wooden Xylophone. Educational and entertaining!
great for learning musical harmony
and improves hand-eye coordination
https://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Xylophone-Kids-Glockenspiel-Music-Making/dp/B01JLQBNLS/ref=sr_1_55?crid=13UP9DFBDV09T&keywords=Wooden+Xylophone&qid=1671653820&sprefix=a+waterwheel+table%2Caps%2C408&sr=8-55
16. Kids’ Ball Pit, Tents, and Tunnels:
https://www.amazon.com/Playz-Rocket-Astronaut-Basketball-Toddlers/dp/B073PTTDX5/ref=sr_1_38?crid=19MIAGTGEZN7M&keywords=Kids%E2%80%99+Ball+Pit%2C+Tents%2C+and+Tunnels&qid=1671653847&sprefix=wooden+xylophone%2Caps%2C339&sr=8-38
And don´t forget to add the pack of 400 plastic balls to the mix (they are not included in the tent & tunnels above)
- Essential Speech and ABA Therapy
Not everyone can feel nearly as good during the happiest season of the year because of the dazzling lights, crowded stores, parties, and holiday feasts. To ensure that everyone can participate in the celebrations, there are various ways you can make Holidays autism friendly for your child.
Why might Holidays be challenging for kids with autism?
Even though every child will have a unique experience, Holidays can be very stressful for children with autism. . Holidays can be a difficult time for children with autism because of sudden changes in their routine, sensory overload, and pressure to socialize.
To make Holidays joyful for your family, reconsider tradition and don't be scared to create your own rules.
In light of this, we have put together some advice that will help your kids enjoy this season more.
Communicate with your child:
It will help you plan for the entire season if you communicate to your child about changes before they happen and try to find out what concerns them.
Figuring out how your child may receive gifts is important. It's important to pay attention to their preferences, whether they enjoy unwrapped gifts or one present at a time.
Prepare in advance:
It may be simpler for you and your child if you prepare ahead of time for the Holiday season. It's important to plan ahead for the whole holiday season, not just one holiday. This might comprise:
Planning Holidays will be made easier by using visual aids like visual timetables.
planning for discrepancies in perception (For example, preparing for when ear defenders may be needed)
Ensure everyone is at ease by talking to family and friends about your child's needs.
Make sure your kids are aware of any visitors entering the home, especially if they are strangers.
Make a schedule:
For many children with autism, routines are essential because they give them structure and might help them feel less anxious. It might be useful to:
Try to keep your child's schedule as normal as you can.
Introduce Holidays festivities gradually, such as decorating the tree one day and turning on the lights the next.
Use visual timers to signify an activity's completion. Visual assistance Liquid Timers are included in our Get Sensory Packs.
Make a visual schedule that your child can see and go over it with them.
Adapt the decorations:
Decorating can be an important part of making it "feel like a Holiday," but a change in surroundings can set off sensory difficulties.
You might:
Plan appropriate decorations and where they will go to prevent upsetting your child.
Avoid hanging all of the decorations in one day because it might be daunting; instead, consider doing it gradually.
Make places without any Holidays decorations.
Pick the optimum lighting - flashing lights can irritate sensitive eyes, but you can also use lights with adjustable brightness levels.
Create a quiet space:
Your kids will benefit from having a peaceful area all year long, not just during the holidays. This area should be unadorned and a secure spot for your kids to retreat to if they are feeling overstimulated.
Consider your child’s food aversions:
Holiday meals don't put an end to autism. When preparing your Holidays meals, it's crucial to take your child's food allergies into account. Make a special meal for your kids instead of skipping Holiday meals altogether. It's acceptable to have pizza and chicken nuggets for the Holidays!
