Sensory Resources

Sensory processing challenges can be difficult to manage and sometimes hard to identify. With two kids diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), we’ve had to learn all about the 8 sensory systems (taste, touch, sight, smell, sound, vestibular, proprioception & interoception) to better support our kids’ needs.

I have to say, it can be tricky to balance their sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviours, especially as they can display them at the same time! But, understanding their behaviours and linking them to their sensory needs has helped us to better support them and teach them about self-regulation.

I’ve come across a lot of information over the years and I’m linking to some of the better sites below. If you are struggling with sensory challenges, it’s recommended to see an Occupational Therapist (OT) as they are best equipped to identify sensory processing issues and suggest a program of activities to address them.

Managing Difficult Conversations With Your Child’s School

Hands up if you dread initiating and managing difficult conversations. While we may dread them, they are a necessary part of parenting life, especially when parenting children with a disability and additional needs. The thing is, being able to negotiate difficult...

How to Rise Above Judgement as a Special Needs Parent

The minute I saw this post in my facebook feed, I knew I had to share it. One of the biggest issues I've experienced over the years (an issue shared by most fellow parents) is the judgement we face as special needs parents. How we can rise above judgement? How can we...

The Importance of Building Emotional Regulation

Over the last 15 years, we've attended way too many therapy sessions to even begin to count! While I don't know exactly how many sessions we've attended, I do know that building emotional regulation has been a big part of the majority of those sessions. It hasn't...

APAC 2019 – Lessons & Sessions

As I shared in my last post, I was privileged to be invited to APAC 2019 in Singapore to give a plenary presentation on our positive education journey. I also delivered a workshop to professionals, participated in a parent panel and even ended up on Singapore radio!...

Asia Pacific Autism Conference 2019

I'm in the midst of frantically preparing to fly to Singapore to attend the 2019 Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC). Two years ago, I delivered two sessions during APAC 2017 in Sydney. I presented a session on managing school transitions and another on how to...

Making the Most of Your NDIS Plan

I recently attended a session presented by my LAC (Local Area Coordinator), focused on how to make the most of NDIS plans. Now, while I thought I had a good grasp on all things NDIS, I actually learned quite a few things from this session, which I naturally wanted to...

5 Myths About Using Online Platforms to Find Support Workers

For this weeks' "5 Things" post, I welcome Lauren from Careseekers, an online digital platform that links individuals and families to care and support workers. Careseekers is built on the idea that technology should be an enabler, not a roadblock, to connecting...

The Emotional Labour of Special Needs Parenting

I've been quiet around these parts as I'm developing training for teachers and professionals, to help them improve relationships with parents. As I've been working on course material and delivering presentations, it's hit me just how much emotional labour we use...

5 Resources for Parents of Kids with Intellectual Disabilities

For this week’s ‘5 Things’ post, I welcome Sunnyfield, a member-based, not-for-profit charity committed to enriching the lives of people with intellectual disability. Sunnyfield provides accommodation services, assistance with daily life, social and community...

How Schools Can Work With Parents to Improve the IEP Process

Last week, I addressed teachers and parents at two joint professional development sessions. It was an unique opportunity for parents and teachers to come together, improve their understanding and start working together effectively from day 1.After talking...