Sensory modulation asks how much input the brain lets in; sensory discrimination asks what that input is telling you. Here is why the difference changes how we support a child.
What an OT is actually watching during a classroom observation — starting with the environment: layout, sound, lighting, visual load and the social climate.
Some children seem to go from fine to falling apart in seconds. Paediatric OT Soph explains the window of tolerance, what narrows it, and what adults can do to build a child’s capacity rather than manage their behaviour.
A felt-safety approach to toileting strategies for neurodivergent children. Have you ever walked into a room and felt your shoulders tighten before you even knew why? Maybe the lighting was harsh, or there was a strange smell, or something about the space just felt off. Your body noticed before your …
Before you work on toileting, work on the bathroom Read More »
The vestibular system is one of those topics I keep coming back to — because it shows up everywhere. And when I explain it to parents and teachers, I see this moment of recognition: oh, that’s what’s happening. So I’ve taken care with this one, to make it as useful …
Demystifying the Vestibular System: its impacts on posture, regulation, and learning Read More »
If you’ve ever watched a child experience a meltdown, where it can seem to go from 0–100 so quickly, or a shutdown when they seem to suddenly ‘zone out’, it can be confusing, frustrating, upsetting, or all of the above. When this occurs, it’s not ‘defiance’, but the child’s nervous …
This blog is your how-to-guide, for creating a fun halloween themed sensory activity to supports kids interoception skills – with spooky spaghetti! Interoception refers to our body’s ability to sense and interpret internal signals — things like hunger, thirst, the need to use the bathroom (we call these “homeostatic emotions”), …
Boosting Interoception with spooky spaghetti: A fun halloween sensory activity Read More »
Body signal experiments are simple activities or tasks that are designed to help you tune into your body’s internal signals. They can be as simple as “run on the spot for 30 seconds, now place your hand over your heart. How does your heart feel?” (the child is tuning into …
Using body signal experiments to build interoception and emotional regulation skills Read More »
Have you ever asked a child, “How do you think that person feels?” and been met with a blank stare – or a completely unexpected answer? Some kids can instantly pick up on these social cues, while others struggle to connect facial expressions, body language, and verbal cues to emotions. Teaching …
You’re giving important instructions to your students when you notice Sally staring out the window, John is rocking back and forth at the end of the classroom, and now Gary is beginning to have a meltdown and needs your support immediately. Busy, high-energy environments can quickly tip into overwhelming chaos …
Managing sensory overload in the classroom: Strategies for teachers Read More »
