Hein’s Helping Hand

What a first two weeks!!!!  I plan on beginning therapy on Monday, but be patient….my schedule may be a flop!!!

It has been a tough start to the 2011 part of the school year!!!  If there has been requested evaluations that have been given to me verbally…..I highly suggest you do it again because I have forgotten.  I am trying to get caught up on things like this as well as meetings that have been missed. 

Please e-mail, text, or drop a note if you have questions or would like me to check a kiddo out… 

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!!!  Now it is back to the books!!!

What a wonderful opening day!!!  I can't wait to start seeing my kids, but please remember to be patient….scheduling is the hardest part of my job.

Remember:  Physical activity stimulates the brain and encourages clearer thinking.  Try starting out the day with a stroll around the school or dance to some music…maybe even a little yoga.  These activities could make the difference between a proficient and a novice!!  Think about it!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Spring Break.  Remember that nature is the best Sensory Gym you can find!!!!!  Play outside with your kids and have a sensory experience yourself.

Now that it is warming up and the sun is shining, outside time needs to become a priority in our daily schedules.  Outside time is an automatic avenue for sensory exploration, socialization, and natural light therapy.  The positive effects from being outside can range from behavior to enhanced memory skills.  It is easy and it is free!!!!

The question is ….does the child need weight or pressure input?  The answer is …it depends.  We all respond differently to touch and pressure.  Some of us like strong hugs, others don't.  Sleeping under layers of blankets is appealing to one child, while another nay want no covers at all.  Children along the autism spectrum disorder, those with ADHD, sensory processing disorders or other neurological challenges often respond well to either weight or pressure.  These 'heavy work' or deep pressure inputs help regulate the proprioceptive sensory system which in turn helps children develop improved body awareness.  When additional weight or pressure is applied to the body, it may help the sensory system calm down and organize so that the child can then attend better to tasks and/or maintain more appropriate behaviors and avoid meltdowns.  Some children may need the pressure applied for longer steady intervals (a pressure vest) while others resond to interval deep pressure input (weighted vest) with on and off wearing period.

Every child's sensory system is unique!!!!

adapted from Abilitations Cecilia Cruse, MS, OTR/L

Yoga anyone?

Everyone can experience the benefits of yoga–the practice of combining postures and movement with controlled breath–including children with special needs.  By practicing poses with balance that incorporate breathing exercises, kids with ADHD can work on building concentration, while children with Down's Syndrome can work on poses that utilize core stability to help improve muscle tone and strength.  In addition, regular yoga practice may decrease stress levels, anxiety and promote an improved sense of well-being. 

REMEMBER:  What we take to be a toy may actually be a valuable teaching tool!!!