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SensoryEdge Kids Furniture and Educational Toys Blog
Saturday, April 12, 2008
April is Autism Awareness Month
As a parent of a child with special needs I understand the desire to have as much information as possible on my son’s disability. This educational process never ends. Research changes and as he gets older he changes too. As new issues arise with him I find new questions to ask and I start the research process all over again. If you have a child that has been diagnosed with Autism you know how this need for information can lead you to spend hours online looking for answers. We hope that Autism World Awareness Day will make people unaffected by Autism take the time to understand that the child flapping his arms, repeating phrases over and over, or a number of the other actions that children with Autism have is not weird, but the way their body helps regulate and cope with the surrounding world. As more people learn about Autism we hope that it will lead to a greater understanding in the community. If you are not touched by this disability directly it is hard to understand. We hope that Autism World Awareness Day will lead you to take a closer look at Autism and what it means to the people afflicted with this disorder and their families. If you want to learn more about Autism here are some links to organizations that can give you the information you need. If you have a child struggling with Autism, or you susect that a child in your family might be Autistic, you should contact your local school district. They will be able to direct you to the agencies in charge of intervention in your area. This intervention is often available at no charge. Autism Society of America Autism research Institute Autism Speaks / Cure Autism Now Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Wrightslaw Labels: autism, autistic-children
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, November 03, 2007
Sensory Integration is the Edge for Kids
 Autism is one of the most often misunderstood diagnosis given to children today. Many people think it means the child is locked only in their own head or is in some way mentally challenged and unable to learn - those assumptions couldn't be further from the truth. There isn't just one type of autism and depending on the type the child has been diagnosed with, the therapy to help the child will be a little different. However, many caregivers agree, nearly all children with autism thrive on sensory integration. Sensory integration is simply learning to combine our given basic senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste) to coordinate and interpret the world around ourselves. This is something most people do effortlessly as they grow up, however autism can rob a child of the ability to do this automatically and it must be learned. One way it can be learned is through play. There are a large number of sensory developed toys that can enrich the lives of autistic children and help them learn to coordinate what they are feeling, seeing, etc; and interpret it to the world around themselves. Toys that encourage movement, touching, or change as they are played with are all good choices to use. Tactile bars are a great example of sensory play. These bars have several different textures on them and the children can feel of them and learn the different ways that various items "feel". The sooner the child starts sensory integration, the sooner you can start seeing results. Make sure that your child has tactile toys outside the therapist's room and keep his mind working and growing through sensory stimulating play. Labels: autistic-children, boys, children, girls, hand eye coordination, learning-toys, pretend-play, special-needs, tactile play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, September 14, 2007
To The Moon!
 If you have children or you work with them on a regular basis, you are fully aware of the kinds of projects that they like to get involved in and anything they get to touch and have a "hands on" experience is a big plus. No matter where you go, they are constantly looking for things that they can get their hands into. Whether you are going to the park to play on the playground or even the beach so they can build sandcastles. However, what do you do when they ask about sandcastles and you have absolutely no way of getting them to the beach? Luckily for parents and teachers today, there is Moon Sand! One of the coolest hands-on kits that you can get your children, you will swear that the sand that comes in this set came straight from the beach. If you have never heard of Moon Sand, it is a great way for your kids to play with what feels like dampened beach sand, only it never dries out. There will be hours upon hours of time that your children will be able to spend while working and molding this terrific sand product. Non-toxic and full of fun, Moon Sand is completely re-usable as well as allergen free! If you think that this handful of sand cannot get any better, you even get a great inflatable tray in the package along with two pounds of sand and fun molds to shape the sand in castle form and more.. No matter what time of year it may be wherever you live, kids can get right into the thick of things with Moon Sand and it will almost feel like they were able to enjoy a great beach adventure. Labels: autistic-children, boys, children, crafts, girls, kids, make believe, pretend-play, special-needs, tactile play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, August 17, 2007
Ready to Learn
 Summer is almost over and another school year is right around the corner. Are you ready? Or at least as ready as you can be? Children's educators are just about the most important people around and are most certainly high on the list of exceptional role models. If you are a teacher, and that includes the people that home school their children, you already know how important you are to those growing young minds. Long considered a most noble profession, teaching children is a very rewarding career. You get the chance to see the look of excitement and pride when something new is learned, or a skill is mastered. As you are probably already aware, the environment for learning can be just as important as the lessons themselves. This holds particularly true for younger children. Once you have their attention, keeping it can be a difficult task. There are different tools and methods that may be used to encourage learning in a fun and enjoyable manner. As a teacher, it is important to make the teaching area as inviting and comfortable as possible, which in turn lends itself to a learning environment. Bright colors and bold shapes tend to be very popular with young children. It catches their eye and makes them want to investigate it further. Colorful posters on the walls and bright carpeting are great for getting their attention. You may also want to consider a reading corner, complete with several beanbag chairs in bright colors and shapes. They will love sitting in these great chairs, which just may result in a new appreciation for books and learning. Labels: autistic-children, bedroom, boys, children, girls, kids, kids furniture, seating, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, April 26, 2007
A touching video from parents with special needs children
We were moved to tears and then smiles watching this video. The message is clear; if you think your child is not progressing, get them tested. Early intervention in children with special needs and learning disabilities can save you heartache and help your child. Many parents are in denial and cannot admit that their children have a problem. We listened to our pediatrician who said, "don't worry, boys develop slower than girls." We should of listened to his daycare teacher who finally had to almost beg us to get another opinion. Please don't wait, the earlier the better! Watch this video about a special family and you'll be moved, I promise. Labels: autistic-children, special-needs
posted by SensoryEdge
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Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Toys Autistic Children Love
If you have an autistic child, you know it can be a real challenge to reach your child and also keep him entertained. Toys that stimulate are always good choices for autistic children. There are many types of autism and depending on the type your child has, there can be a lot of different toys that will both stimulate him to learn as well as have fun playing. Some children enjoy bright colors and toys that make noise and other kids simply have hearing that is too sensitive for bright and loud toys. Physical activity is always welcome. All children build up energy and good physical activity is a great way to work it off. A toy such as a stone walking maze that features soft, foam "stones" on a mat is a great way to let your child practice his coordination as well have fun crossing the stones both fast and slow. You can even make it a challenge and let him time himself or just let him enjoy leisurely jumping across on one leg and then the other. Stair stepping toys are also good coordination builders and children can create all sorts of games with them. Magneatos are a fun activity for many children. They are blocks but they don't need to fit together in only one manner such as Legos. They are magnetic and can be stacked and built up in a myriad of different ways. This will encourage your child to play his own way and the bright colors and ability to arrange the blocks will appeal to him. Many autistic children enjoy putting objects in order and these magnetic blocks make it easy and fun to play with. Autistic children love to play and run just like any other child does. You can further their development by making their toy choices functional and fun for them. Labels: autistic-children, fine motor skills, occupational therapy, special-needs, therapy balls
posted by SensoryEdge
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