Mar 22 Special Needs Stats and News-House Rules-Best Sellers List

Jodi Picoult's House Rules on Best Sellers list!

House Rules made it to #3 on the top 10 hardcover fiction books in Canada for the week of March 16th compiled by Maclean's magazine. This moves Jodi Picoult's newest book from 7th spot for the week of March 9th.

 See Mar 19 post Special Needs Stats and News for more about House Rules.

Mar 22 Sensory Tip- Family Life With SPD Overwhelming

Oversensitivity or under sensitivity to many of the senses makes life extremely difficult for all family members dealing with Sensory Processing Disorders.

This one little child can disrupt the activities of the whole household:  meals, dressing up times, bed times, car travels, family visits …

So that your sensitive child receives adequate care as soon as possible, arrange to have him seen by professionals. Start with your family doctor who will make arrangements for you to see others who deal with Sensory issues in children. When strategies to help your child cope with his surroundings are already established, the transition into the school setting will be smoother.

Your SPD child might be schedule to receive treatment from some of the following: Occupational therapist, Listening therapist, Physical therapists, Speech/language therapists and others trained to use a sensory integration approach to help with your child's treatment.

If your child has pronounced sensivities, do not attempt to deal with these overwhelming distressing problems alone. Speak to other parents, read about it, join support groups, get professional help and when he goes to school inform his teachers.

What is the most useful suggestion you have received for a professional to help your sensitive child cope with his environment?

Mar 22 Chewing and Biting Tip- Chewing Is a Form Of Moving

Excessive chewing is sometimes an indication that your child with ADHD needs to MOVE!

When a student with ADHD has to sit still for long periods of time his body is crying out to move. One of the strong, big muscles that would use this pent up energy is the jaw joint. Allow and encourage appropriate chewing or biting.

If movements can help your child with ADHD to sharpen his memory, hone his organizational skills and calm him to interact favorably with his classmates LET HIM CHEW!

Having his own discreet chewy, always accessible, enables this child to go about his day. The student knows that when he needs to chew, it will be around his neck, in his belt hoop or attached to his clothing. These children have enough worries in their lives that if this very simple tool, a chewy, gives him relief it should be allowed.

Chewies, like Kid Companions Chewelry, should never be called a toy for those who really need the benefits of chewing. A toy would have to be put away when the bell signals classes are to begin. On the contrary, peers and teachers should respect the needs of this child to chew or bite and the chewy should be seen as natural to a class setting as pencils, crayons or eye glasses.

Does your school allow chewies or fidgets in class?

Related Posts:
Hyperactive, Impulsive, Inattentive Children
ADHD Body and Brain Work in Tandem

Fidgets Toys or Tools
Tactics Tackling Homework With Your ADHD Child
Children and Teens With ADHD and Depression
Michael Phelps ~ ADHD Did Not Stop Him

Mar 22 Fidgeting Tip - Fidgeting Movements Help Kids With ADHD

Why does fidgeting and other body movements help children with ADHD?

Research has shown that movement (physical activity) affects the same area of the brain that ADHD medications do. Both movement and medications raise the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals in the brain help us to focus and pay attention.

Therefore encouraging these children to respectfully move in class is a good thing. They must be given the opportunity to move at will, all the time not disrupting their peers. Allow silent, unobtrusive fidgets, like Kid Companions, and arrange movement breaks throughout the day.

The regular classroom Teachers or Special Education Teachers must tactfully explain to the class the accommodations planned for their classmate. The Special Needs child must be helped to blend in. Lastly, every member of the class must know that no unacceptable comments will be tolerated.

Has your school made accomodations for your child with ADHD?