Of course no parent likes to watch a child struggle in any scenario. For parents of children with autism, that struggle often takes place in social situations — in a classroom, on a playground or during a simple conversation. Read more »
Explore Sesame Workshop’s free, bilingual resources to help support the autistic children in your life. Read more »
When you hear a sound, how do you respond? You might choose to ignore it or investigate its source. This process of using our senses to interpret a situation and respond in a purposeful way is called sensory integration. When these systems don’t synthesize, whether due to a diagnosis like autism or ADHD or to a skills deficit, it can lead to a whole host of learning and behavioral challenges. Studies have found that 1 in every 6 children has sensory processing issues that make it more difficult for them to thrive in school. Read more »
As much as we might want to, we can’t always protect children from witnessing violence and tragedy in the world, whether it’s mass shootings, terrorist attacks, or war. As parents, teachers, and other supportive adults, what we can do is comfort and communicate with children in the most healing way possible. Read more »
It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by competing conversations or flashing lights, but for children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder, these sensations disrupt and overwhelm everyday life. Read more »
Sensory integration involves perceiving, modulating, organizing, and interpreting these sensations to optimize occupational performance and participation. Well-regulated and appropriately functioning sensory systems contribute to important outcomes in social emotional, physical and motor, communication, self-care, cognitive, and adaptive skills development and maintenance. Read more »
Sensory integration is an essential part of your development — it helps define everything from the way you see and hear things in the world, to the way that your body exists in space and more. Yet, research suggests that anywhere from 5% to 16.5% of people experience sensory processing challenges, especially in those with conditions like autism spectrum disorder. Read more »
When was the last time you flew too high on a swing and lost your stomach, or busted out laughing so hard that you started crying? If it’s been awhile since you’ve had this kind of fun, you’re not alone. Read more »
Toxic shame is a feeling that you’re worthless. It happens when other people treat you poorly and you turn that treatment into a belief about yourself. You’re most vulnerable to this type of poor treatment during childhood or as a teen. When you feel toxic shame, you see yourself as useless or, at best, not as good as others. Read more »
The entire community is responsible for protecting and supporting children, especially in times of crisis. In empathizing with families, educators and community members who must respond to the needs of children as a traumatizing event unfolds, Learning for Justice gathered recommendations and resources to help guide conversations with young people and to manage potential subsequent actions and reactions. Read more »
