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Category: Autism

Holiday Overload: 7 Therapist-Backed Tips to Keep Your Child Regulated This Season

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The holiday season is full of joy, celebration, and family time — but for many kids, it can also be a season of overwhelm. Bigger crowds, louder settings, disrupted routines, travel, new foods, and lots of excitement can quickly lead to dysregulation, meltdowns, and stress.

And let’s be honest… It’s not just kids who feel it. The whole family feels it.

Our therapy team at Carolina Therapy Connection put together this helpful guide to support children (and parents!) in staying calm, connected, and regulated this holiday season.

These strategies come straight from our OT, PT, Speech, and Mental Wellness clinicians who help families navigate sensory overload, transitions, and big emotions every day.

1. Prep Your Child Before Events (Predictability = Peace)

Kids regulate best when they know what to expect.
 Before you leave the house, try sharing:

  • Where are you going
  • Who will be there
  • How long you will stay
  • What activities will happen
  • What food will be served
  • What the expectations are

Consider showing pictures or using simple visuals for younger children. Social stories also come in handy! A few minutes of preparation can prevent an hour of overwhelm later.

2. Build in Sensory Breaks — Before They’re Needed

Holiday gatherings are full of bright lights, noises, smells, and excitement.
 Plan “regulation moments” throughout the day:

  • A walk outside
  • Quiet room breaks
  • Heavy work activities (push/pull/lift)
  • Deep pressure squeezes
  • Vibration plate time before you leave (Galileo!)
  • Chewy snacks or crunchy foods
  • Noise-reducing headphones

Think of these as “prevention breaks” instead of “meltdown rescue missions.” Engaging in deep pressure and heavy work activities before you leave is a great way to prepare! 

3. Create a Safe Space at Home and When Traveling

Whether you’re visiting family or hosting, identify a calm corner or sensory safe space where your child can reset.

You can include:

  • A soft blanket
  • Books
  • Fidgets
  • A calming visual timer
  • Headphones
  • A small weighted item

Let your child know they can go there anytime they need a break — no shame, no punishment. 

4. Keep Nourishment & Sleep on Track (As Much as Possible)

Hunger and tiredness are the hidden triggers behind many holiday meltdowns.

Try to maintain:

  • Regular mealtimes
  • Snacks on hand
  • Earlier wind-down routines
  • Familiar sleep cues
  • Comfort objects

Even slight consistency can help the brain stay regulated.

5. Support Picky Eaters Without Pressure

Holiday meals can be overwhelming for kids with sensory or feeding challenges.
 Try this:

  • Offer one safe food you know they’ll eat
  • Let them explore or smell new foods without expectations
  • Serve food “family style” so they can control what’s on their plate
  • Avoid “just try one bite” pressure
  • Model enjoying the food yourself

Positive exposure now leads to expanded eating later.

6. Give Choices to Reduce Anxiety & Build Independence

When kids feel overwhelmed, they often feel out of control.
 Offer choices like:

  • “Do you want to sit at the kids’ table or the couch?”
  • “Do you want to stay 30 more minutes or 15?”
  • “Do you want to bring your backpack or your fidget bag?”

This promotes buy-in and lowers power struggles.

7. Remember: Connection Regulates More Than Anything

Your presence is your child’s anchor.
 When things feel “too big,” your calm becomes their calm.

Try:

  • Getting to eye level
  • Using a soft voice
  • Offering a hug
  • Naming their feelings
  • Taking deep breaths together

Kids don’t need a perfect holiday — they need a connected one!

Our therapists created a FREE resource to help your family stay calm and regulated during the holiday season. Download it below!

Download the Holiday Checklist

Final Thoughts

At CTC, we believe every child deserves to enjoy the magic of the holidays. With the right tools, support, and strategies, families can create joyful moments that feel peaceful, regulated, and full of connection.

If your child struggles with sensory overload, emotional regulation, feeding challenges, motor delays, or communication needs, our team is here to help!

All CTC clinics currently have NO WAITLIST — Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Language Therapy, Feeding, Mental Wellness Counseling, Tutoring.

You can request an appointment anytime!

Animal Walks for Kids

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From Leaps to Roars: How Animal Walks Boost Kids’ Development 

Looking for a creative and engaging way to get your child moving while enhancing their overall development? Animal walks could be the perfect activity for your child! From waddling like a duck to crawling like a bear, these simple movements bring a sense of adventure to playtime and promote increased muscle strengthening, sensory regulation, play skills, and much more.. Let’s dive into how these movements can make a big difference! 

What Are Animal Walks? 

Animal walks are fun and imaginative movements where children mimic the actions of different animals. These activities involve crawling, hopping, waddling, or stretching like various creatures, such as bears, frogs, crabs, or kangaroos. This activity can easily be incorporated into your child’s daily routine and tailored to their needs.

How Can Animal Walks Help My Child? 

  1. Sensory Regulation 

Animal walks are designed to activate large muscle groups and promote body awareness. These movements engage the body in different ways, offering proprioceptive input (the feedback received from muscles and joints, which provides information about our body’s position and where our body is in space) and vestibular input (the information received regarding changes in head position, movement, and balance). These types of sensory input can be calming and organize the nervous systems of children with sensory processing difficulties. By engaging your child in animal walks, you may notice improvements with emotional regulation, transitioning between activities/tasks, and their overall focus. Animal walks can easily be incorporated before bedtime, while getting ready for school, or even while doing homework to support your child’s overall sensory regulation before or during these tasks! 

  1. Weightbearing 

Animal walks are an excellent way to incorporate weight-bearing activities into your child’s daily routine, providing significant benefits for upper and lower extremity strengthening and stability. These movements require children to support their body weight in various positions, helping to develop and strengthen muscles, joints, and bones. Animal walks can also significantly aid in decreasing muscle spasticity (or muscle tightness) and are especially beneficial for children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other conditions that cause high/low muscle tone. Try this activity with your child while moving around your home or community, watching TV, or even before bath time to promote strengthening and overall functional performance during daily living tasks.

  1. Play Skills 

Play skills are essential for a child’s development, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. Play is perhaps the first way children learn to navigate relationships and express themselves. Animal walks are a great way for children to boost their imaginative, reciprocal (i.e., turn-taking), and cooperative (i.e., working together) play skills. Children diagnosed with autism often struggle with these play skills; animal walks can be a great way to incorporate creativity with functional play while promoting other social interaction skills! Try modeling the different movements while making the corresponding animal sound to increase your child’s engagement in the activity. 

  1. Bilateral Coordination 

Animal walks are great for developing bilateral coordination skills in children because they require both sides of the body to work together in a coordinated way. For example, when a child mimics a bear’s movement, they must use opposite limbs simultaneously, helping to improve and strengthen the connection between the right and left sides of the brain. Bilateral coordination skills are essential for developing a child’s skills, including using scissors, balancing during movement, manipulating clothing fasteners, tying shoes, brushing teeth, and much more! To target your child’s bilateral coordination skills more successfully during this activity, try giving your child visual cues (i.e., colored construction paper “spots”) to guide where to place their left/right hand or foot next. 

  1. Motor Planning 

Motor planning is thinking about and organizing the movements needed to complete a task. It involves figuring out what actions to take, how to do them, and in what order. Motor planning helps children move their bodies in a coordinated way to complete everyday tasks, such as brushing their teeth, getting dressed, following directions, etc. When children imitate the movements of animals, such as hopping like a frog or walking like a crab, they must plan how to move their bodies to replicate these actions accurately. Planning and executing different animal movements help children develop motor control, sequencing, and timing, key components of motor planning. By practicing these movements, children learn to predict the results of their actions, improving their ability to coordinate complex motions. As your child repeats these movements, they also build confidence in their ability to plan and complete tasks independently.

Who Can Benefit from Animal Walks? 

– Muscle Tone Conditions: Decreased muscle tone conditions (i.e., Down Syndrome) or increased muscle tone conditions (i.e., Cerebral Palsy) can benefit from animal walks to address muscle strengthening and decrease muscle tightness, respectively. 

– Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Children with ASD often present with challenges related to sensory processing, play skills, etc. Animal walks can provide various sensory input while also developing different areas of play skills. 

– Sensory Processing Disorder: Children with sensory processing difficulties often have trouble organizing their sensory systems, making it difficult to regulate their emotions. Animal walks can help provide sensory input, improving emotional regulation and activity engagement. 

– Developmental Delays: Developmental delays can often make it difficult for children to engage in age-appropriate tasks. Animal walks can target strengthening, coordination, motor planning, etc., skills to promote a child’s overall development. 

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help? 

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we understand children’s unique needs and provide tailored care that helps them thrive. Our therapists are trained in using animal walks to provide skilled intervention and can work with your child to promote sensory regulation and weight-bearing and develop motor planning, bilateral coordination, and play skills. 

No matter your child’s diagnosis or abilities, we can help them on their journey toward improved overall development. If you want to learn more about how animal walks are incorporated into skilled therapy, including intensives, please contact us to schedule an evaluation. You can also use this link to explore our pediatric intensive therapy services.

 

 

Tuning Into Focus: How Music Therapy Supports Children with Autism

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How Music Stimulates the Brain in Children with Autism

When music is played, the brain is stimulated by recognizing pitch, tone, and rhythm. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often excel at pitch processing and respond emotionally to sound. This makes music a powerful tool to support behavioral regulation and improve focus during therapeutic sessions. Autism Speaks recognizes music therapy as a key intervention to enhance communication and emotional awareness in children with autism.

The Power of Music Therapy for Sensory Regulation

Children with ASD frequently struggle with sensory processing, which can result in increased anxiety and difficulty concentrating. New research, including findings from the National Institutes of Health, supports that music therapy can reduce anxiety, improve social-emotional engagement, and increase communication skills. Additionally, music is a valuable aid in learning and maintaining daily routines.

What is 8D Audio, and Why is it Effective for Autism?

8D music, also known as three-dimensional audio, uses binaural beats and sound wave manipulation to create a surround-sound effect. This type of music helps stimulate the senses and create a calming experience for individuals with ASD. The repetitive rhythms and tranquil tones help reduce stress and improve focus.

Emerging studies, such as those published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggest that 8D music may also help reduce sensory overload and improve mood regulation, making it a useful tool in autism therapy.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Integrates Music Into Autism Treatment

At Carolina Therapy Connection (CTC), we incorporate music—including 8D audio—into comprehensive treatment plans. Whether paired with occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, or mental wellness services, music serves as a supportive modality to improve attention, regulate behavior, and build daily living skills.

Our therapists are trained to adapt therapeutic sessions to each child’s sensory needs, and we offer personalized strategies—including music therapy techniques—to help your child thrive.

Understanding Autism Awareness Month 

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April is a time of vibrant colors and fresh beginnings, but it holds a deeper significance for many families. It’s Autism Awareness Month, a month dedicated to shedding light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), celebrating neurodiversity, and fostering understanding and acceptance.

What is Autism Awareness Month?

Autism Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism and their families. It aims to educate the public, dispel misconceptions, and encourage inclusive practices across communities.

Understanding Autism: A Spectrum of Strengths & Challenges

Autism is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It manifests in various ways, reinforcing the saying, “When you have met one child with autism, you’ve only met one child with autism.” The autism spectrum is broad, encompassing individuals with profound challenges as well as those with exceptional abilities. Each person with autism is unique, possessing their own strengths, interests, and challenges.

Dispelling Myths: The Importance of Awareness & Acceptance

One of the central goals of Autism Awareness Month is to break down myths and misconceptions about autism. Awareness fosters understanding, empathy, and inclusion. It’s about recognizing that different ways of thinking and experiencing the world are not deficiencies but rather valuable contributions to society.

The Role of Education in Autism Inclusion

Education plays a pivotal role in promoting acceptance and inclusion. By learning about autism’s characteristics and how it manifests, we can create environments that support individuals on the spectrum. From classrooms to workplaces, inclusivity starts with knowledge and compassion from all of us.

Celebrating the Strengths & Talents of Individuals with Autism

Autism Awareness Month is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and talents of individuals with autism. Many excel in areas such as art, music, mathematics, and technology. By highlighting these talents, we challenge stereotypes and showcase the diverse strengths within the autism community.

Advocacy & Action: Moving Beyond Awareness

Awareness alone isn’t enough—it must translate into meaningful action. Advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the needs of individuals with autism is crucial. This includes access to healthcare, therapy resources, educational support, employment opportunities, and accommodations that help individuals with autism and their families thrive.

How You Can Support Autism Awareness Month

There are many ways to get involved and make a difference:

  1. Educate yourself: Learn about autism from reputable sources to understand the diversity within the spectrum and the challenges individuals may face.
  2. Spread awareness: Share information about autism with your friends, family, and community.
  3. Support autism organizations: Donate to or volunteer with reputable organizations that provide advocacy and support.
  4. Foster inclusion: Advocate for accommodations in workplaces, schools, and communities that promote accessibility for individuals with autism.
  5. Practice empathy and acceptance: Treat individuals with autism with kindness, respect, and understanding. Embrace neurodiversity and celebrate each person’s unique strengths.

Carolina Therapy Connection’s Commitment to Autism Support

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families. As an Autism Certified Clinic, our therapists hold specialized certifications and training to provide high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of children with autism. We continually update our treatment strategies in occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech therapy (ST) to ensure we are utilizing the latest research-based approaches.

By fostering awareness, acceptance, and advocacy, we can work together to create a world where individuals with autism are valued, respected, and allowed to thrive.

By:

Shelby Godwin, COTA/L, AC 

Sweet Dreams: Sleep Strategies for a Well-Rested Child

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Why Sleep Matters: Sleep Strategies Key to a Well-Rested Child

Parenting can be a rollercoaster ride filled with joy, challenges, and sleepless nights. Nights without sleep might seem normal in the newborn phase, but they don’t have to be a permanent part of parenting! Do you know some simple sleep strategies that can help the family sleep better? This blog post will explore tips to make bedtime a breeze for you and your kids!

The Power of Routine: Sticking to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to sleep! Using a regular sleep schedule helps create a clock inside your child’s body. It also helps to create a predictable routine for your child. Try to get to bed and wake up simultaneously every day. That includes weekends! This will help the body create a regular sleep pattern and make falling asleep easier. 

Create a Nightly Routine

Ensuring a good night’s sleep starts before your child’s head hits the pillow. Create a consistent bedtime routine. Before bed, try taking a warm, calming bath. Read a book in bed or try relaxation strategies like listening to calming music or stretching. Limit snacks, drinks, and screen time before bed. 

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment for Your Child

Turn your child’s bedroom into a space that encourages sleep. Keep the space quiet and dark. You can use blackout curtains to block light and a white noise machine to drown out any noise. Temperature is also critical. Make sure your child is not too hot or too cold. The actual place of sleep can make or break a good night of sleep. Ensure your child’s mattress and pillows provide good support for a restful sleep. You can also try stretchy lycra sheets to provide compression during sleep, making your child feel as if they are getting a comfy hug all night long. If your child displays fear of the dark, use a night light to provide a comforting light while sleeping. 

The Role of Screen Time in Your Child’s Sleep Quality

The light from screens like phones, tablets, or TVs can interfere with sleep. Try to avoid using screens for at least an hour before bedtime. It may also be helpful to remove screens from the bedroom. Instead, read a book, draw, or play a quiet game to help when winding down before bed.

Daytime Activities That Promote Better Sleep at Night

Did you know that being active during the day can help you sleep better at night? Please encourage your child to get outside to play or do some fun movement activities to help their body feel tired when it’s time to lay their heads down.

Nutrition and Sleep: What to Eat and Avoid Before Bedtime

Some foods and drinks make it harder for your child to fall asleep. Avoid eating large meals or spicy foods before bed, as they can cause discomfort during sleep. Try not to have snacks or drinks with caffeine or sugar before bedtime. Instead, stick to a light, healthy snack that won’t disrupt their sleep. 

Follow these simple tips to become a sleep superstar and have sweet dreams every night! Remember, getting enough sleep is essential for staying healthy, so prioritize a good night’s sleep.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Support Better Sleep? 

In addition to utilizing the tips above at home, we know that sometimes families may need extra support. At ***@***********************on.com","type":"person"}”>Carolina Therapy Connection, our Occupational Therapists work to address any barriers that affect someone’s physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Occupational therapists at CTC can help determine if your child’s sleep difficulties are related to underlying sensory or environmental issues. They can help establish a sensory diet (a personalized, organized plan that provides sensory input activities that a person needs to regulate their body throughout the day) to address potential underlying sensory issues that may impact sleep. They can also provide additional strategies for your child’s specific sleep needs. Our goals are to improve your child’s sleep quality to increase participation in meaningful activities throughout the day. Additionally, check out our Amazon storefront for items that can help achieve a good night’s sleep! 

 

By: Caroline Zissette, MS, OTR/L

 

 

Sensory Integration Therapy and Sensory Diet Toolkit

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Enhancing Sensory Processing with Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration therapy is designed to help children who experience sensory processing challenges respond to sensory input more regulated and effectively. It can play a vital role in improving a child’s sensory awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. At the core of this therapeutic approach is the Sensory Diet Toolkit, a collection of activities and interventions that support sensory processing and help children navigate their sensory needs throughout the day.

What is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory integration therapy is a treatment approach that focuses on how the brain processes and responds to sensory information. It helps children become more aware of their sensory experiences, such as touch, sound, sight, and movement. The therapy aims to balance how a child responds to different sensory stimuli, helping them function better in everyday environments like home, school, and playgrounds.

For children with sensory processing disorders, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or other developmental conditions, sensory integration therapy can make a significant difference. It can improve how children respond to sensory experiences, whether feeling overwhelmed by loud noises or seeking out constant motion.

What is a Sensory Diet?

A sensory diet is a personalized set of sensory activities strategically scheduled throughout the day to help the child meet their sensory needs. It is called a “diet” because it involves a routine of activities providing specific sensory input to regulate the sensory system. Think of it as a balanced approach to sensory stimulation—just like a balanced meal plan supports your physical health, a sensory diet supports emotional and sensory well-being.

The Sensory Diet Toolkit: Key Components

The Sensory Diet Toolkit consists of various activities and strategies to help children with sensory processing challenges. These activities are designed to either stimulate, calm, or organize the sensory system, depending on the child’s specific needs. Here are some examples:

 

  1. Therapeutic Brushing: This involves using a special brush to apply gentle pressure to the skin, providing calming tactile input. It can help children who are sensitive to touch or who have difficulty calming down.
  2. Therapeutic Drumming: Using drums or rhythmic activities helps children who need proprioceptive input (sensory input related to body movement) to organize their movements and improve focus.
  3. Deep Pressure Techniques: Activities like squeezing a stress ball or using weighted blankets can help children who need calming sensory input to feel more grounded and relaxed.
  4. Movement Breaks: Short bursts of physical activity like jumping on a trampoline or spinning can help children who seek sensory input and may need extra stimulation to feel regulated.
  5. Fidget Tools: Fidget spinners, chewable jewelry, or putty provide sensory input that helps children stay calm and focused, especially in situations that may be overstimulating.

 

How the Sensory Diet Helps Children

By integrating sensory activities into daily routines, children can improve their ability to process sensory information, which can help them:

 

  • Stay calm and focused: Sensory activities help children regulate their emotional and physical responses, promoting a more balanced state of being.
  • Develop better social skills: By managing sensory needs, children may have fewer meltdowns or emotional outbursts, allowing them to interact more comfortably with others.
  • Improve motor skills and coordination: Sensory activities also support the development of fine and gross motor skills, which can lead to improved physical coordination.
  • Enhance emotional well-being: Children who can self-regulate their sensory input are better equipped to handle stress, frustration, and other emotional challenges.

 

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we offer sensory integration therapy as part of our comprehensive therapy services for children. Our team of skilled occupational therapists is trained to assess your child’s unique sensory processing needs and create a personalized sensory diet that will work for them. Whether your child struggles with sensory overload, seeks constant movement, or finds it difficult to focus, we can help with strategies tailored to their needs. If you want to learn more about sensory integration and how we incorporate this approach into therapy, including intensives, please schedule an evaluation. You can also use this link to explore more about our pediatric intensive therapy services.

 

Understanding Therapeutic Listening for Kids

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Helping Children Manage Sensory Processing Challenges with Therapeutic Listening

Does your child ever feel overwhelmed by sounds, textures, or certain situations? It can be tough to see kids struggle with sensory processing challenges. Therapeutic Listening is a powerful tool designed to help kids manage sensory difficulties and regulate their emotions.

 

What is Therapeutic Listening?

Therapeutic Listening is a treatment that uses specially designed music and sound frequencies to help children’s brains process sensory information more effectively. By listening to certain types of music, children can improve their brains’ ability to process various sensory experiences. This can help with a range of challenges, including sensory processing difficulties, anxiety, ADHD, and autism.

The music used in this intervention is not ordinary—it’s carefully selected to stimulate the brain and promote better sensory integration. This can help your child feel more comfortable and balanced in everyday life.

 

How Does It Work?

When your child listens to specially designed music, the brain is encouraged to respond to the sounds to improve focus, attention, and emotional regulation. The frequencies and rhythms in the music are designed to calm the nervous system, which can be especially helpful for children who have trouble managing stress or staying focused.

Therapeutic listening helps kids develop better emotional control, reducing feeling overwhelmed. It also assists them in staying calm in situations where they might otherwise feel anxious or overstimulated. This method is non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t require medications or complex procedures.

 

How Can Therapeutic Listening Help My Child?

  1. Improves Sensory Processing
    Kids with sensory processing difficulties often struggle to filter out distractions, making it difficult to focus or stay calm in everyday situations. Therapeutic Listening can train their brain to process sensory information more efficiently, improving their ability to respond appropriately to sensory stimuli. It can also assist with tolerating a variety of auditory inputs. 
  2. Enhances Emotional Regulation
    Children with anxiety or emotional dysregulation can benefit from this intervention because it helps them stay calm and grounded. By listening to music, they can learn to control their emotions and reactions, making it easier to handle stressful situations.
  3. Boosts Focus and Attention
    Therapeutic Listening has been shown to improve focus and attention, which is particularly beneficial for kids with ADHD or other focus-related challenges. The music stimulates the brain, helping kids stay more engaged and better concentrate.
  4. Supports Overall Well-being
    Therapeutic Listening is not just about improving focus or reducing stress—it’s about supporting emotional and mental well-being. Kids who feel emotionally balanced are likelier to interact positively with others and experience tremendous success at school and home.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we offer Therapeutic Listening as part of our sensory integration therapy services. Whether your child struggles with sensory processing, emotional regulation, or focus, we are here to help them develop the skills they need to thrive. If you’re interested in learning more about Therapeutic Listening and how we incorporate this approach into therapy, including intensives, please feel free to contact us to schedule an evaluation. You can also use this link to explore our pediatric intensive therapy services.


Astronaut Training

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Astronaut Training: Boost Sensory Processing, Balance, and Coordination Through Fun Activities

Have you ever wondered how astronauts train to thrive in space? Well, it turns out that some of the movements they experience in space, like spinning, swinging, and flipping, can actually help children improve their sensory processing, balance, and body awareness!

 

What is Astronaut Training?

Astronaut Training is a specialized therapy designed to help children, especially those with sensory processing issues, balance challenges, or developmental delays, enhance their sensory integration. The program uses fun and exciting activities that simulate the sensations astronauts feel in space, such as swinging and rotating.

These activities focus on strengthening the vestibular system, which controls balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. As children engage in these exercises, their brain learns to process and respond to sensory input more effectively, leading to improved focus, body awareness, and overall coordination.

How Does Astronaut Training Help Kids?

 

  1. Sensory Processing: Many children, especially those with sensory processing disorder (SPD), find it challenging to understand and react to sensory input from their environment. Astronaut Training helps them process sensory information better by integrating sensory experiences through movements like spinning and rotational activities. This leads to smoother, more efficient responses to sensory stimuli in everyday life.
  2. Balance and Coordination: Balance and coordination are essential skills for physical development. The rotational movements and balance activities in Astronaut Training help children strengthen their muscles and improve their balance, which leads to better coordination in other areas of life, such as sports or simple tasks like walking or running.
  3. Body Awareness: Astronaut Training activities also focus on improving body awareness, or the ability to know where one’s body is in space. Through exercises that involve flipping, spinning, and swinging, children gain a better understanding of how their bodies move and function, enhancing their ability to control their movements and interact confidently with their environment.
  4. Focus and Emotional Regulation: This type of therapy is great for the body and the mind. Astronaut training’s structured yet playful nature helps children improve their focus and emotional regulation. They learn to control their impulses and better manage their emotions, especially in response to sensory challenges.

 

Who Can Benefit from Astronaut Training?

Astronaut Training is particularly helpful for children with conditions like ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder (SPD), or motor coordination difficulties. It provides an effective, fun, and engaging way to work on skills that are often areas of concern for these children. By integrating sensory activities in a structured and enjoyable way, children can experience growth in their physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we understand how important it is for children to receive the support they need in a fun and effective way. Our team of skilled therapists uses innovative approaches like Astronaut Training to help children improve sensory processing, balance, and coordination. We create a supportive environment through personalized therapy sessions where children can thrive and gain confidence in their physical and sensory abilities. If you’re interested in learning more about Astronaut Training and how we incorporate this approach into therapy, including intensives, please feel free to contact us to schedule an evaluation. You can also use this link to explore our pediatric intensive therapy services.

 

Zones of Regulation

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What are the Zones of Regulation?

The Zones of Regulation is a curriculum that your child’s therapist may use to help your child develop self-regulation skills. Self-regulation is “the ability to achieve the preferred state of alertness for the given situation.” Other terms often interchanged for self-regulation include self-control, impulse control, and self-management. The curriculum focuses on lessons and activities to help the child identify their different “Zones” and strategies to increase self-regulation. Additionally, your child will be able to increase their understanding of emotions and coping skills. 

The Zones: Self-Regulation

“The Zones of Regulation creates a system to categorize how the body feels and emotions into four colored Zones with which the students can easily identify.” 

There are four zones within the Zones of Regulation

  • Blue Zone
  • Green Zone
  • Yellow Zone
  • Red Zone

The Blue Zone is a state of low alertness. Feelings can include sad, tired, sick, or bored. 

 

The Green Zone is a state of ideal alertness. This includes feeling calm, happy, or focused.

 

The Yellow Zone is a state of heightened alertness. Feelings can include frustration, worry, excitement, silliness, or fear. 

 

The Red Zone is a state of extremely heightened alertness. This includes anger, rage, extreme fear, and explosive behavior. 

 

How are the Zones used?

Your child’s therapist will work with them to identify which Zone they are in and strategies to help them self-regulate within each Zone. They will work together to develop a “toolbox” with strategies and techniques for obtaining optimal alertness in everyday situations. It is important to understand that no zone is “bad,” and all are expected from time to time. Instead, the intention is to help your child identify tools and coping strategies to self-regulate within each Zone. 

 

What can Carolina Therapy Connection help?

For the Zones of Regulation to work as intended, home carryover is super important. Strategies include using the same language and talking about the Zones within the home and community environments. Applying strategies to yourself can also increase carryover. For example, you may say, “This is super frustrating, and I am starting to go into the Yellow Zone. Maybe I will take some deep breaths.” Additionally, validate the zone that the child is in and help them implement the strategies and tools to self-regulate. Your child’s therapist can share the language and strategies used with the Zones of Regulation to increase carryover at home. 

 

By: Carolina Zissette, OT

 

Best Toys for Kids with Autism as Recommended by Therapists

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Sensory Friendly Toys that Don’t Involve Electronics

Welcome to our exploration of the beautiful world of toys uniquely crafted for children with autism. Selecting toys for kids with autism involves a delicate dance between understanding sensory needs, promoting skill development, and, most importantly, ensuring hours of joy and engagement. In this blog, we’ll delve into a curated list of favorite toys that cater to the diverse interests and preferences of children with autism.

 

Sensory Toys: A Symphony of Textures and Colors:

 

 

Cause-and-Effect Wonders:

 

 

Educational Gems:

  • Puzzles: Offering a mix of challenge and satisfaction, puzzles contribute to cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
  • Building Blocks: The timeless joy of building and creating, these blocks encourage imaginative play and enhance fine motor skills.

 

Calming Oasis:

  • Weighted Blankets: Not exactly a toy, but a soothing addition to any space, providing comfort and a sense of security.

 

 

Communication and Social Play:

 

  • Board Games: Structured play with clear rules, board games provide a fun way to learn social interaction and turn-taking.

 

Outdoor Adventures:

 

 

Artistic Expression:

  • Playdough Fun: The joy of squishing, molding, and creating with playdough offers a satisfying tactile experience.
  • Markers and Crayons: Encouraging creativity, drawing, and coloring provide an expressive outlet for children with autism.

 

Choosing toys for kids with autism is a personalized journey that requires attention to individual preferences and needs. The toys mentioned above are just a glimpse into the vast array of options available, each offering a unique way to engage, inspire, and bring joy to children on the autism spectrum. As you embark on this exploration, remember to observe, communicate, and, most importantly, have fun discovering the perfect toys for your child’s unique world.  Check out our specially curated Amazon Storefront for more toy suggestions!