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Resources with information on sensory integration and sensory processing disorder
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Classroom sensory toolkit
Six pieces of equipment for your classroom to help with regulation
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Tactile System
What is the tactile system and why is this sense so important in relation to sensory processing?
Video
Pablo
"Pablo" series features a 5-year-old-boy on the autism spectrum who creates incredible imaginary friends who come to life through…
A child’s view of sensory processing
A short video giving a very clear explanation of sensory processing differences.
Does my child have a sensory issue?
A helpful introductory video to sensory processing by Pathways.org
Vestibular System
What is the vestibular sense and why is this sense so important in relation to sensory processing?
Unpacking the vestibular system
A video from STAR institute explaining the vestibular system in more depth
Proprioception
What is proprioception and why is this sense so important in relation to sensory processing?
What is proprioception? This video from STAR institute delves a bit deeper into proprioception
Interoception
What is interoception? A great short video from the STAR institute explaining interoception
Sensory regulation in the classroom
A mini training session
Stress, trauma and the brain
Dr Bruce Perry explains why regulation is so important to understand for teachers
Regulation and Self Control
What is the difference between regulation and self-control?
Arousal, regulation and sensory processing
What do terms such as arousal, alertness, regulation, self regulation , or self-control mean?
Regulating yourself and your classroom
Dr Bruce Perry shares effective classroom strategies that help keep students and adults calm and regulated
Sensory strategies in school
A case study from New Bridge School, Oldham, putting sensory integration theory into practice
Anxiety and sensory processing disorder
Anxiety and sensory processing disorder - which comes first?
Book
The Brain Book
A great easy to read neuroscience book with amazing illustrations and photographs
Website
The Daily Mile
A very simple and effective scheme to get 15 minutes of proprioceptive and vestibular input into each child’s day.
The Brain with David Eagleman
Dr David Eagleman looks at the senses and how we interpret sensory information.
The Baby Sense Secret Megan Faure
This is an excellent, really sensible book for parents of newborn babies. It is also very helpful for professionals…
Why Love Matters Sue Gerhardt
Why Love Matters ‘explains why loving relationships are essential to brain development in the early years, and how these…
Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Signals Angie Voss
A very useful handbook containing over 210 common sensory problems. The sensory explanation and then ideas to help are…
Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight Sharon Heller
This book is especially useful for teenagers and adults. It is subtitled ‘What to do if you are sensory…
Toilet Training For Individuals With Autism Or Other Developmental Issues Maria Wheeler
An excellent, straight forward book on toilet training for individuals with autism and those with sensory processing problems. Practical…
Therapy Ball Activities Fun Deck
This is a great resource to have in a school, therapy department or at home. It contains 60 fun…
The Sensory-Sensitive Child Karen Smith and Karen Gouze
This book explains the central role of the senses and provides ‘sense-able parenting’ strategies for home and school.
The Sensory Team Handbook Nancy Mucklow
This book is an excellent resource explaining sensory processing problems to older children and teenagers. The handbook compares the…
The Sensory Processing Resource Disorder Centre
Extensive website written by an American occupational therapist who is also a parent of a child with SPD. Full…
The Reason I Jump Naoki Higashida
Written by a 13 year old boy with autism spectrum disorder, this book provides excellent insight into the world…
The Out-Of-Sync Child Has Fun Carol Stock Kranowitz
This book features more than one hundred fun, sensory motor activities that help develop sensory processing skills and motor…
The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up Carol Stock Kranowitz
This book is written for adolescents and provides strategies for coping with the daily challenges of life. Plenty of…
The Out-Of-Sync Child Carol Stock Kranowitz
Informative and clearly written book which is ideal for parents and teachers. This book is probably one of the…
The Kid’s Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control Lauren Brunker
This book is full of sensory ideas to help children aged 7 – 14 years to regulate their emotions.…
Temple Grandin
An excellent film on the life of Temple Grandin. It provides really helpful insight into the difficulties Temple encountered…
Star Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder
Website explaining sensory processing disorder for parents, professionals, teachers. Useful articles, resources and links.
Social Stories Creator
A free app available through iTunes store for creating your own social stories.
Sleep: A guide for parents
Cerebra have produced a very informative guide to help parents understand sleep problems in children with intellectual disability and…
Sensory Seekers
This list has loads of ideas of toys for sensory seekers. It is divided into different sensory systems and…
Sensory Lifestyle
This blog written by an occupational therapist is primarily aimed at parents of babies and young children. It contains…
Sensory Integration and the Child 25th Anniversary Edition Jean Ayres
Revised and updated edition of the classic book written for teachers and parents by the founder of sensory integration…
Sensory Diet Cards
A very useful resource from Super Duper Publications to help children to regulate themselves. It contains 55 activity cards…
Sensory Deprivation
Sensory deprivation has effects not only on our behaviours but also on our cognitive functioning. Watch these clips from…
Sensory Balance Erna Blanche
This book is a quick reference guide for parents and professionals (only 32 pages).
Sensational Kids Lucy Jane Miller
Very useful up-to-date book for teachers and health care professionals written by an expert in the field.
Scooter Board Activities Fun Deck
This is a great resource to have in a school, therapy department or at home. It contains 54 fun…
Raising a Sensory Smart Child Lindsay Biel and Nancy Peske
Informative book with plenty of practical strategies for parents.
Raising a Sensory Smart Child
Website by the authors of the book ‘Raising a Sensory Smart Child’ has some useful checklists, tips and activity…
Pathways
American website raising awareness about early detection and early intervention for children with physical movement problems.
No Time For Flashcards
This website has lots of great ideas for sensory and creative play. Loads of ideas of things to do…
No Longer A Secret Doriet Bialer and Lucy Miller
This book is a sequel to Sensational Kids and uses the same language in terms of describing sensory processing…
National Autistic Society
Very useful website of the UK National Autistic Society. Resources, advice and support, local support groups. Membership to the…
My Sensory Book (2008) Lauren Kerstein
A ‘fun, interactive workbook to help children identify their own sensory profiles and develop a personal toolbox of strategies’.
My Child’s Different Elaine Halligan
This book explores the enabling role that parents can play in getting the best out of children who are…
Movement Break Ideas
This website has some good ideas of activities to put in your movement break jar.
MindEd
A free e-learning resource on children’s and young people’s mental health for professionals, volunteers and families.
Living Sensationally Winnie Dunn
A book written for adults to help understand how your individual sensory patterns and how this affect you in…
Kids Workout
You Tube exercise video designed for older children who want a more serious fitness type workout.
Kids Dance and Fitness Workout
You Tube exercise video for slightly older children with more dance moves.
Kids Activities Blog
This blog is packed full of ideas for art, crafts and games for all ages.
Just Take A Bite Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson
This book is an excellent resource for parents with children with eating challenges.
Inside I’m Hurting Louise Bomber
An excellent practical book to help support children in schools with attachment difficulties.
House Rules Jodie Picoult
Fiction book from best selling author Jodie Picoult looking at what it means to be different in our society…
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child Dr Marc Weissbluth
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child is a very comprehensive book on sleep written by an American paediatrician.
GoNoodle
Amazing website with loads of free videos for different ages designed for the classroom.
Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8 Naoki Higashida
This book challenges commonly held beliefs and attitudes about individuals with autism and especially those who are non-verbal communicators.
Animal Actions
Younger children will enjoy these animal action cards,
Sensory strategies
Often there is a misconception that specialist equipment is needed for sensory strategies, but equipment need not be expensive
Sleep
Many people with sensory processing differences experience sleep disturbances
Sensory seekers
Sensory seeking or craving behaviour - why and what are some strategies to help?
Self-injurious behaviour
Self injurious behaviour, one of the most common sensory processing difficulties that parents reported in specialist school survey
Cheap sensory equipment
8 activities using a duvet ball bag
Scooter board activities
The scooter board is a key piece of equipment and can be used for endless different activities
Sensory strategies in the classroom
Resources to use within the classroom
Sensory retreat
It is important to think about retreat time, when thinking about building sensory input into every day life
Behaviour
"Is it sensory or behaviour?' is the most frequent question I am asked when I am assessing an individual…
Vestibular system
The vestibular system is located inside the inner ear and it is the sensory system responsible for detecting movement…
Virtual world
I realise that my last newsletter was written in February 2020 before the world changed so dramatically. For me…
Sensory processing knowledge
Vestibular Input in lockdown
Last month I looked at ways to get proprioceptive input in lockdown. I thought it might be helpful to…
Autism and sensory processing
A couple of weeks ago it was World Autism Awareness Week, so I thought I would highlight Autism in…
Vestibular and proprioceptive ideas post lockdown
Finally we can start to access more facilities in the community, so while this opportunity is available, I thought…
As a new academic year start it is an ideal opportunity to think about your classroom environment and how…
101 Things For Kids To Do Outside Dawn Isaac
This book is packed full of great ideas to get children outside and active and would be great for…
A Boy Made of Blocks Keith Stuart
A great read and also insight into family life with a child with autism. Written from the author’s own…
And Next Comes L
A blog containing loads of sensory resources, educational activities and crafts for kids, and autism resources.
Proprioception in Lockdown
How do we get proprioceptive input in our day when many of us are working from home, as well…
Animal Exercises for Kids
You Tube exercise video particularly suitable and fun for younger children.
Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration
Very useful practical guide for parents and professional focusing on children diagnosed with autism or other pervasive developmental disorders.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Yoga adventures for children aged 3 +
Dyspraxia:The Hidden Handicap Amanda Kirby
One of the most comprehensive and useful books on Dyspraxia. Written by a doctor and parent of a child…
Early Intervention Games Barbara Sher
A book of fun games that can be played at home or school to develop social and motor skills.