More and more, camps adapt their programs to include all children. In particular, a sensory-friendly camp helps help children with sensory sensitivities. Oftentimes, sensory-friendly changes are low cost. Above all, these solutions make camps more accessible. Why is creating a sensory-friendly camp so important? All children may experience sensory sensitivity. Some more, some less. However,
Is your community returning to hosting public events? Is going to see the Easter bunny a stressful event for your family? Maybe your child experiences sensory overload? Bright lights, an unfamiliar setting, background music, strangers and many people moving about can make visiting the Easter bunny result in anxiety and meltdowns. You are not alone!
Dr. Temple Grandin is renowned for her work as a spokesperson for people with autism and her research in the field of animal behavior. Dr. Grandin shares her understanding of her own autistic mind along with different types of human thinking and the need for that neurodiversity. She also shares how her mother and mentors helped her along her life’s journey and how she hopes to help other autistic people and their families.
Trish Hamilton, mom to a boy with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, tells parents there is nothing wrong with finding out about your child. She helps dispel fears of a diagnosis and lets us know that listening to our gut is key. Trish guides parents to find a trusted person to have in their corner, as a key to empowering a family life that manages sensory overload.
Dr. Winnie Dunn, occupational therapist, is a world-renowned expert the sensory experience, researcher and author of the book Living Sensationally. She has pioneered our understanding of our senses and helps us recognize that sensory processing is fundamental to our brains. Dr. Dunn fills us with hope and inspires us to live sensationally.
Stella Waterhouse, author, autism educator, is creating a solution, even in her retirement, to help people with Koloko Travel. Moreover, travel does not just mean abroad, but close to home too. Her personal experiences with sensory sensitivity have shaped her own understanding and leadership in the field. As Stella says, things still need to be explained, the deluge of information is part of our sensory overload.
Karine Gagner, parent and sensory tool innovator is on a mission to promote everyone’s development to their fullest. Her company, FDMT not only sells sensory products worldwide, but they create their own phenomenal sensory tools, like their line of weighted products, Manimo. Karine wanted something that not only helped children with sensory overload, but also that was like a friend to them.
Carol Stock Kranowitz, best-selling author of The Out of Sync Child talks about her 10-year journey to writing what many parents, therapists and people with sensory processing disorder consider a life-changing book that is their go-to resource. Carol also shares her best personal strategy for managing sensory overload: when we move, we are in sync.
Dr. Bill Wong, occupational therapist, reveals his unexpected path to being diagnosed as an autistic adult while studying occupational therapy. He also shares the power of finding another adult occupational therapist with autism as a key turning point in his life. Dr. Wong’s motto is Fighting On and he works to mentor autistic adults and fellow occupational therapists around the globe about life with autism.
Maureen Bennie, parent of two adult children with autism and founder of the Autism Awareness Centre teaches us about our eight sense, interoception, and how consistency and commitment make all the difference. She also introduces us to the concept of developing fluency in what works for each one of us in managing sensory overload.