Resources & Tips
Below are some useful resources we recommend for you and your children to explore together! We truly hope that these tips and materials provide helpful support and encouragement in your everyday life.
The Listening Program: CLICK HERE
The Listening Program Case Studies: CLICK HERE
Sleep Genius: CLICK HERE
Listening programs can be a great addition to a child's treatment plan. They are easily implemented and blend well with activities therapists already do.
Interactive Metronome (IM) is a brain-based rehabilitation assessment and training program developed to improve the processing abilities that affect attention, motor planning, and sequencing. This improves motor skills, mobility, and motor function, and cognitive capacities.
Interactive Metronome: CLICK HERE
Interactive Metronome Case Studies: CLICK HERE
IMHome: CLICK HERE
BrainBeat: CLICK HERE
BrainBuilder: CLICK HERE
Rehacom: CLICK HERE
Computer-based learning and cognitive building programs are great for kids who need extra practice with listening, visual processing, memory, logic, and more.
Create Routines and Structure:
Visual Schedules: Use visual schedules to help children understand daily routines and transitions, especially during mornings and bedtime.
Consistent Routines: Establish predictable routines for activities like getting ready, mealtimes, and bedtime to reduce anxiety and promote independence.
Incorporate Play-Based Learning:
Sensory Bins: Engage children's senses and encourage exploration with sensory bins filled with materials like rice, beans, or water beads.
Obstacle Courses: Build gross motor skills and coordination through fun obstacle courses using household items.
Creative Activities: Engage in art projects to strengthen fine motor skills and encourage creativity.
Build Fine Motor Skills:
Play with Putty or Slime: Squeeze, stretch, and mold putty or slime to improve hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing and tying shoes.
Stringing Activities: Use beads, pasta, or other small objects to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.
Puzzles: Engage with puzzles to enhance cognitive skills, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination.
Promote Independence and Self-Care:
Dressing Practice: Provide opportunities for children to practice dressing and undressing, starting with simple tasks and gradually increasing complexity.
Buttoning and Zipping: Use games or activities to practice buttoning and zipping, focusing on one skill at a time.
Shoe Tying: Use visual aids or step-by-step instructions to teach shoe tying.
Manage Sensory Sensitivities:
Sensory Breaks: Offer regular sensory breaks throughout the day to help children regulate their sensory input and improve focus.
Comfort Items: Allow children to bring comfort items like blankets or stuffed animals to therapy sessions or during challenging activities.
Sensory Diet: Collaborate with an OT/ST to create a personalized sensory diet to address specific sensory needs.
Encourage Communication and Problem-Solving:
Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations for behavior and tasks, using visual supports and positive reinforcement.
Collaborative Goal Setting: Work with your child's therapist to set achievable goals that encourage progress and build confidence.
Problem-Solving Activities: Engage in activities that encourage children to find solutions to challenges, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Create a Supportive Environment:
Calm and Predictable Mornings: Minimize stress and anxiety by establishing a calm and predictable morning routine.
Limit Distractions: Minimize distractions during therapy sessions or practice times to help children focus and engage fully.
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's progress and achievements, no matter how small, to boost their motivation and confidence.