Information on external assessments, approaches and information.
A sensory room is important for kids with autism or SPD. Use these tips for the best equipment to fill your room with!
How sensory processing works across the 8 sensory systems in the body - with a look at the sensory spectrum, sensory development in infancy, and SPD.
I know I am not alone when I say that I struggle to sit through staff meetings without doodling on my paper, shifting in my seat, getting up to use the bathroom and occasionally whispering with my teacher friend next to me. Now, these are every other week, and only for an hour. Every time I leave, I […]
Formally known as sensory integration dysfunction, sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information (e.g., smell, touch, taste, etc.) that an individual perceives, thus, resulting in atypical responses. Individuals with SPD can be hypersensitive (over responsive) and or hyposensitive (under responsive) to things in their environment. For example, some sounds may be painful or overwhelming to a child, b
Sensory Diet: Practical Ways to Incorporate Sensory Input for children and students. Includes Discussion of Sensory Systems, Evidence Base Research on Sensory Diets, and free printables to create a Sensory Diet.
Our school has an Outdoor Learning Committee that I am a part of. We all feel very strongly that the environment where the children play outside is just as important as the environment inside our school. We have worked hard to make our playground an area where the kids can run, exercise explore and yes...learn! Outside play plays an important role in children's development! They are working gross motor muscles and getting must needed exercise. They learn how to solve problems such as when social disagreements arise. They learn empathy as they help friends who get hurt. They learn to take risks and see where their limits are and feel empowered as they take those risks and succeed. They create games and role play. They learn science concepts as they discover things in nature and learn to look closer and ask questions about what they see as they discover new things. They learn kindness as they try to save an insect in danger or nurture a plant. They are literally learning about life and life skills as they play outside, so we knew the environment needed to support that. We had an area that we were having some problems with in the middle of our asphalt area. We wanted to turn it into something all of the kids could explore and benefit from and decided to create a Barefoot Sensory Path. We came up with a design and my husband figured out how to make it so that it would be sturdy and last. Our amazing PTO gave us funds to purchase the materials and we had fun shopping at Lowes for items that would provide the sensory experiences we were hoping for. Our team came in on a Saturday and went to work. Our maintenance team had dug the area down four inches so that it would be even with the asphalt. We put down a layer of paver sand, and then the 4x4's. We glued some materials to 2x2 pieces of plywood. The sections were all 2x2. We filled the sections with paver base and tamped it solid. My son even came and helped! Here is the finished frame. Of course, we had to test it out! Here is the finished path!! We were so excited for the kids to try it! It was a huge success!! The kids absolutely loved walking on it with bare feet, crawling on it and feeling with their hands and even laying in it enjoying the warmth radiating from it from being in the sun. Another new area we created was an area to create roads, ramps, etc. using scrap wood, cars, signs and other loose parts. This lovely lady below had the vision for this area! We also added an area to really work those gross motor muscles. Mr. Doyle created a boundary to keep it all contained to one area. We filled it with stumps, logs, and large branches. The kids have created obstacle courses and love lifting these up to show how strong they are! They jump, balance and create here. They collaborate and problem solve. They use both critical and creative thinking skills. This is a great area to develop 21st Century Learning Skills as they play! For our nature lovers, we have an area with plants for them to explore and observe. Some are edible such as peppermint and fennel. We have cone flowers, milkweed, irises, sunflowers and more. This area is a great place to explore and observe insects also! Here are some other things on our playground where they can let lose and have fun! Our playground is still a work in progress! We have many more ideas that we want to implement some day! One step at a time!
Inside: If your kid's strange behaviors leave you wondering if they are normal, sensory or behavior related, busting these 7 myths will unlock a deep understanding of their behavior. Have you ever asked yourself “Is
Toys and equipment made for kids with disabilities are RIDICULOUSLY expensive... So once again, I'm trying to recreate these toys for a fraction of the cost. A hot toy for students with disabilities are the bead chains. They're great for sensory input. Sadly, they cost well over $100 from sellers like AutismEnabled. Here is my $7 recreation: To make this you can follow the tutorial for the Sensory Stand I have posted, but make minor changes in the size of materials used including: -Use 1/2 in. PVC pipe with following length measurements: (3) 1 ft. pieces (4) 3 in. pieces -Use 1/2 in. for all the fittings -Then I drilled a hole on each leg so I can use a C-clamp to attach the stand to the table. -Last, I hot glued bead necklaces from the a dollar store to the top of the stand. Leave comments with any questions!
This sensory room poster bundle has all the visuals you need to set up your sensory room. These posters support students with autism and sensory needs and give teachers, paras, substitutes, and students access to a quick reference of what behavior is being displayed and which activities will regulate students. I also included a mini-visual schedule for your sensory room and standards to demonstrate that even when in the sensory room our students are learning, and their learning can be linked to standards.
Do you wonder if your child has more sensory related difficulties that you aren't aware of? Don't miss these sensory red flags.
Some students need more sensory input than is provided naturally by the gen ed environment. They may be referred to as sensory seekers.
Proprioceptive input activities throughout the day improves sensory integration, self-regulation, and also prevents inappropriate sensory seeking behaviors.
Any other OTs feel overwhelmed after an evaluation? Use this notes template to help organize your thoughts before, during or after evaluating a child. This pack contains eight (8) pages which include areas for notes on: -Basic information & parent interview -School information & teacher interview -Standardized assessment performance -Sensory processing -Fine motor skills -Gross motor & praxis skills -Emotional regulation -Executive functioning -Feeding -Goal ideas -Other notes Best of all? It's compatible with the free GoodNotes app! Instructions included. -- Your download and use of this product implies understanding of the Terms of Use, which can be found on the second page of this document. -- ✦ DIGITAL DOWNLOADS INSTRUCTIONS: Please note that the Etsy app does not support downloads. To download your digital files from Etsy, you will need to use a web browser instead. Follow these steps: 1. Open a web browser and go to your Etsy account 2. Click on "Purchases" 3. Select your order 4. Click on "Download Files" to get your digital files. ✦ PLEASE NOTE: >>> This listing is for a DIGITAL FILE. You will NOT receive any physical item in the mail. Your images will be available for download immediately upon purchasing. >>> Due to differences in monitor screen colors, colors may appear slightly different once printed. >>> This purchase includes two sizes of each of these three images - 8x10 and 11x14. ✦ PRINTING: >>> If printing at home, edge trimming may be needed. >>> Please keep in mind that your specific printer settings and capabilities may impact the quality of your print. >>> Questions or concerns? Want to inquire on a custom design or change the details of the design that you see here? Need a different size? Go ahead and message us! ✦ COPYRIGHT NOTICE: >>> All designs are created by Developmentools, PLLC unless otherwise stated. This purchase is for PERSONAL USE only. No resale or commercial use is permitted. ✦ THANK YOU for shopping small! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @developmentools to keep up with giveaways, deals and new product announcements! ✨
Get fast facts about sensory processing challenges. Use this fact sheet to learn how sensory processing issues affect daily life.
ICEASI has recommended education standards for competency to practice Ayres Sensory Integration. AOTA have published an article, including the table below, in...
For the third post in our series on sensory processing, we're talking about the sensory processing tactile system and why it’s so important.
Incorporating sensory components into a classroom benefits every student. Here are some sensory room tips for teachers! Use them today to accommodate your students with sensory needs.
Did you know we have more than 5 senses? Click here to read about the 8 senses and sensory systems you may not know about.
Discover Sensory Integration Basics,, Milestones, and Activities You Can Do With Your Baby to Help Engage all of Their Senses, & Spot Delays.
Sensory Processing Disorders have been often misdiagnosed as clumsy, ADD, troubled, or ADHD. Finally, after many years of educating practitioners, parents, and educators, children are properly diagnosed with sensory processing disorders. There are various types of Sensory Processing Disorders. Type One is a Sensory Defensive Child When a child receives too much information from their environment, it causes an overwhelming response. Their brain is unable to process this information and therefore
𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐂𝐈𝐑𝐂𝐋𝐄! We make inclusive resources for parents and teachers working with children and young people with Autism, ADHD and Sensory Conditions. ******************************************** The Sensory Diet Pack! A ready to download pack of all the documents you need to plan a Sensory Diet! Including: 1. What is a Sensory Diet? (Info Page) 2. Sensory Diet Activity Ideas (Seven Senses) 3. Sensory Diet Activity Ideas (Calming and Alerting) 4. Sensory Diet Log Template 5. Sensory Diet Log Template (Example) 6. Sensory Diet Timetable Template ******************************************** 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: Please note this is a DIGITAL ITEM. A PDF will be available to download on completion of payment. Please DO NOT SHARE, FORWARD OR RESELL © The Sensory Circle 2022 Personal Use Only. *****************************************************************************
The following list includes a sampling of assorted occupational therapy sensory-related assessment tools and checklists appropriate for use with adolescent and adult populations. Please note that therapeutic assessments, informational handouts, and worksheets sometimes need to be adapted for an individual’s cognitive ability, otherwise frustration and/or misinterpretation may occur. The following are several examples of some of the different types of sensory-related tools available for use with adolescents and adults: Catana Brown, PhD, OTR, FAOTA and Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA developed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. This valuable standardized assessment tool is most appropriate for use with individuals functioning within the Allen Cognitive Level 5 ranges. It is available through Pearson. The Sensory Integration Inventory – Revised, for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities is a screening tool developed by Judith E. Reisman, PhD, OTR, FAOTA and Bonnie Hanschu, OTR. This Inventory is categorized into four areas: tactile, vestibular, proprioception, and general reactions. This […]
Holidays can be fun and exciting..OR they can be cause of sensory overload. Tips to identify, prepare for, and reduce sensory overload during the holidays.
Teaching life science with hands-on activities? Let kids explore structures of plants and animals, ecosystems, and more!
This reading unit is jam-packed with materials for you to use when teaching sensory words, feelings, and descriptive words. This reading unit is preloaded into Google Slides with interactive lessons and activities. Through this unit, your students will learn words that describe the five senses. This unit aligns with the Common Core State Standard - RL.1.4: Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses. Even if you aren't using the CCSS in your school, then you will still benefit as it closely aligns with other standards. Activities include: lesson plans pre- and post-assessments anchor chart whole group activity sort reading passages centers clip cards no prep pages craftivity write the room small group cards This is print and digital! It is preloaded into Google Slides. Your students will have many opportunities for growth and mastery with this unit. You will see them grow with the many different activities included! IMPORTANT: The digital version included in the file is for Google Slides. When you purchase this resource, you will find a page with the links to the different activities to add this resource to your Google Drive. You do not need to have Google Classroom to use it. However, you need a Google Drive account to access it. Check the preview for a closer look! If you like this resource, check out: Character Reading Unit Nonfiction Reading Unit Make sure to follow me so that you are notified of when new resources are posted! Brand new resources are always on sale the first 24 hours!
Made in the USA, ARK's Krypto-Bite® Chewable Gem Necklace provides a safe, wearable, and discrete solution for kids and adults who need to chew. The stylish crystal pendant is sure to be a hit for all ages and genders. Use this "chewelry" as an oral fidget (or even hand fidget) to help calm, soothe, and self-regulate during times of stress, or to better focus during homework and other activities. Like all other ARK chews, they come in 3 color-coded toughness levels: Standard - This is the softest level, recommended for mild chewers (those who do not chew through anything). XT / Medium Firm - This is the middle level, which we call XT ("Xtra Tough"). It's firmer, but still fairly chewy, recommended for moderate chewers. XXT / Very Firm - This is the toughest level, which we call XXT ("Xtra Xtra Tough"). It still has some “chewability” to it, but it’s fairly rigid / pretty firm. No chew tool is indestructible, but this is usually the longest lasting level for avid chewers. Designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA by ARK Therapeutic. Medical grade, FDA compliant, NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex. Caution: This product is not a toy. Recommended for children 6-7 years and up (the age that children typically start using a standard pencil). Although these chew tools are sturdy and durable, no chew tool is indestructible. Wear/tear may be expected given the nature of the intended use. How long they last is typically equal to the amount and intensity of the chewing, as well as other variables (such as jaw strength, stress/anxiety levels, if other sensory strategies are in place, etc.). While for some people a chew tool will last forever, for others with heavy/aggressive oral needs, they may go through it very quickly. Please supervise at all times, regularly inspect the chew, and replace if necessary if the item shows signs of wear and tear.
Ages: 4+ / Grades: PreK+ Invigorate your students by getting them up and moving around with the help of our Get Moving Sticks & EZ Stick Sensory Path. Includes 36 get moving sticks and 98 EZ Stick decals. FUN & ENGAGING: Kids will have a blast picking out a stick and following directions like, “Hop on one foot,” “Donkey kick” or “Windmill” while also using our sensory path decals. SHAKE IT OUT: Liven up your classroom with Get Moving Sticks & EZ Stick Sensory Path decals— release your children’s boundless energy and stimulate their brains. CHOOSE WHEN TO USE: Kids will love this get moving kit! Use this activity as a reward for positive behavior, a break from focused work, or simply as a delightful surprise. GREAT INDOOR ACTIVITY: Kids will be entranced by this fun path and moving sticks that gives them a way to exercise indoors. CREATE YOUR OWN PATH: Use the colorful arrows from sensory path to create the route and then decide where and what exercises you want them to do along the way.
I know I am not alone when I say that I struggle to sit through staff meetings without doodling on my paper, shifting in my seat, getting up to use the bathroom and occasionally whispering with my teacher friend next to me. Now, these are every other week, and only for an hour. Every time I leave, I […]
Help your students expand their descriptive details in their writing by engaging them in Sensory Stations! Each of the 5 senses has their own station. At each station, students will have an opportunity to explore that sense and then brainstorm sensory adjectives. After visiting each of the stations, students will have a completed Word Bank with a variety of sensory adjectives. Then, students can use their Word Bank to add more sensory details to their current writing piece! Packet includes: - Activity Teacher Directions - Materials List & Tips for Managing the Stations - Direction Sheets for each Station - Word Bank student sheet
This is a 31 question tool to HELP determine if SENSORY is the function of behavior. This tool helps to guide WHAT is the function of behavior or WHY is the behavior occurring? Each question is broken down to why things are being asked and with a specific emphasis on explaining each sensory question. You can print and write in your data OR type in your data by filling in the PDF. This should be only one tool that you use to explore sensory processing and behavior. This is an informal tool that is meant to help guide consultation and look at various behaviors. Trained professionals should use many different tools to look at sensory processing and behavior. This is not intended to treat or diagnose. As a reminder, there can be more than one function of a behavior. What’s included: •Page 4: Introduction •Pages 5 is the “SEAT” chart •Page 6-7 are the 31 questionnaire to guide an informal interview and observation. •Page 8 is an extra page for notes. •Page 9 is a place to transcribe answers and total answers. Transfer all answers here. Add up the number to each “Yes”. Once you look at which has the most “yes”, this may give a clue to why the behavior is happening. If there are two close ties, there may be more than one function of behavior. •Pages 10 – 12 go through each question with more in depth answers at the sensory processing answers. This is intended to be an INFORMAL TOOL to help guide an informal interview for school personnel to help determine if sensory may be the function or one of the functions of behavior. This can also be an educational tool to help explain to staff WHY they believe a behavior is occurring. This should be used along with your clinical judgement, and standardized measures, This is perfect to help guide discussions with teachers, staff and other personnel who work with students. This DOES NOT: diagnose or classify the function of behavior. This can only be done by trained professionals using a variety of different evaluation methods. This cannot be used for every student or every situation. This is perfect to supplement various social-emotional (SEL) or self regulation program including RTI, MTSS, problem solving, and more. This is perfect for general education students but also students with Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, ADD, sensory processing disorder, and other special needs. This can be used with general education, RTI, MTSS, special education, school psychologist, school counselor, occupational therapy OT, speech language pathology SLP, and social work SW. I am a school occupational therapist who has a doctorate in occupational therapy. I work closely with special education and general education staff adapting material. This is where I get my inspiration for this material. I have used my materials with a variety of children with different disabilities including learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism, sensory processing disorder, ADD, ADHD, visual impairments, deaf/hard of hearing, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and more. DISCLAIMER: By using this, you agree that this activity is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or occupational therapist. Information provided should not be used for diagnostic or training purposes. Please speak with your physician or OT if you have questions. Stop any activity if you are unsure about a child’s reaction or ability. You should discontinue anything if you do not know your child’s reaction or ability.
Ages: 5+ / Grades: K+ No matter if you’re looking for calm down tools to help your students or children redirect their energy or if you are looking for sensory toys that assist in encouraging focus or behavioral management, this collection of sensory and fidget toys is a great addition to any classroom. The collection includes a variety of vibrant and distinctive toys, such as outerspace infinity cube, geo-morph twist fidget, silly putty, fidget link, spikey ball bracelet. These toys serve as effective sources of stimulation for children struggling with concentration, keeping them engaged in lessons, or as aids to redirect excess energy during challenging moments. Perfect for classrooms, childcare facilities, and even home settings, these toys provide external stimulation that can be immensely beneficial. Whether you're an educator, a counselor, a parent, or a daycare professional, these toys offer excellent outlets for children with diverse needs.
This reading satisfies standard MS-LS1-8/DCI LS1.D under information processing, where students are to "gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories." Here, students read an article about s...
Using fidget tools in the classroom is a great way to calm students and help them focus. When used correctly, they will enhance your behavior management efforts.
This bundle includes my online unit and my printable unit for Sensory Receptors and The Brain. These units have different activities, but they address the same standards. This resource is for someone that needs both printable materials and Google app materials to teach about Sensory Receptors and The Nervous System. Because there is some overlap of content, I have given you a 30% discount on this bundle. My resources are secure and noneditable. This is for copyright reasons. The Google unit has drag and drop and fillable worksheets. The printable unit has printable pieces, a lab, and interactive notebooks. Please see the preview of each resource. In order to access this resource TPT must put a copy in your Google Drive. Some school districts have restrictions on this. Be sure to check with your district and make sure you are allowed to use Google products in your classroom. You may add it to a personal drive if that is easier for you. Standard Addressed NGSS MS-LS1-8 Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories. [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include mechanisms for the transmission of this information.] Each sense receptor responds to different inputs (electromagnetic, mechanical, chemical), transmitting them as signals that travel along with nerve cells to the brain. The signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors or memories. (MS-LS1-8) Also aligned with: NGSS MS-LS1-3. Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the conceptual understanding that cells form tissues and tissues form organs specialized for particular body functions. Examples could include the interaction of subsystems within a system and the normal functioning of those systems.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the mechanism of one body system independent of others. Assessment is limited to the circulatory, excretory, digestive, respiratory, muscular, and nervous systems.] And Utah SEEd 7.3.3 Construct an explanation using evidence to explain how body systems have various levels of the organization. Emphasize that cells form tissues, tissues form organs, and organs form systems specialized for particular body functions. Examples could include relationships between the circulatory, excretory, digestive, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, or nervous systems. Specific organ functions will be taught at the high school level. (LS1.A) If you have questions about my resources, please contact me at [email protected] and I will try to answer your questions.
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Help your students explore imagery and sensory language in poetry with this engaging and hands-on mini-lesson. This resource includes a no-prep slideshow, five sensory stations, and additional application tasks!
