5 Unexpected Ways to Jump Start Your Child's Processing Skills Sensory Integration, providing sensory processing activities and exercises that incorporate a lot of vestibular stimulation can jump-start your child's processing skills. Activities that have jumping, rocking, swinging, or spinning in them have the biggest impact on the vestibular system. Children that have sensory processing issues have under developed or immature vestibular systems, which can lead to learning problems with under achieving; poor reading and math comprehension, writing skills, focus or attention; and behavioral problems. Balametrics, a program that provides products that improve brain functions, states that timing coordination is critical to the integration of our senses by using full brain processing. Activities that stimulate and develop efficient balance also refine the brain's temporal processes. Demands on timing require a significant expansion of neuron firing, which in turn increase cognition and intelligence. For example, it takes approximately 500,000 neurons to develop the timing ability to hit a target at five feet verus 32 million neurons at 10 feet. Essential Fatty Acids are the building blocks of the membranes of every cell in the body, with the brain having the highest concentration of fat. Brain synapses require long chain fatty acids (DHA) to be efficient. The forebrain, which is the part of the brain used for sustained attention, has the highest concentration of DHA. Essential Fatty Acids are specific fats that cannot be produced in the body....

Boost your child's processing skills with sensory integration, balance exercises, fatty acids, therapeutic listening, and NeuroNet.

5 Unexpected Ways to Jump Start Your Child

   5 Unexpected Ways to Jump Start Your Child's Processing Skills      Sensory Integration, providing sensory processing activities and exercises that incorporate a lot of vestibular stimulation can jump-start your child's processing skills. Activities that have jumping, rocking, swinging, or spinning in them have the biggest impact on the vestibular system. Children that have sensory processing issues have under developed or immature vestibular systems, which can lead to learning problems with under achieving; poor reading and math comprehension, writing skills, focus or attention; and behavioral problems.    Balametrics, a program that provides products that improve brain functions, states that timing coordination is critical to the integration of our senses by using full brain processing. Activities that stimulate and develop efficient balance also refine the brain's temporal processes. Demands on timing require a significant expansion of neuron firing, which in turn increase cognition and intelligence. For example, it takes approximately 500,000 neurons to develop the timing ability to hit a target at five feet verus 32 million neurons at 10 feet.     Essential Fatty Acids are the building blocks of the membranes of every cell in the body, with the brain having the highest concentration of fat. Brain synapses require long chain fatty acids (DHA) to be efficient. The forebrain, which is the part of the brain used for sustained attention, has the highest concentration of DHA. Essential Fatty Acids are specific fats that cannot be produced in the body....

Your toddler melts down in the grocery store when the fluorescent lights flicker. They refuse to wear certain clothes. They can't sit still for more than thirty seconds, or they seek out crashing into furniture. You've tried reasoning, rewards, consequences. Nothing works. You're exhausted, and you're starting to wonder if you're doing something wrong. You're not. What you're seeing might be sensory processing differences: the brain struggling to organize input from the senses. And recognizing that difference changes everything about how you respond. What Sensory Processing Means. Sensory processing is how the brain takes in, interprets, and responds to information from the environment. Most people think of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell. But there are eight. The two most relevant to toddler behavior are vestibular and proprioceptive. Vestibular handles movement and balance. Proprioceptive is body awareness, the sense that tells you where your limbs are in space. When sensory processing works smoothly, you filter out background noise, tolerate tags in your shirt, and know how hard to press a pencil without breaking the tip. When it doesn't, the brain either over-responds to input, called hypersensitivity, or under-responds, called hyposensitivity. Sometimes both happen in the same child, with different senses. A hypersensitive child might cover their ears at normal conversation volume, gag at the texture of yogurt, or scream when you brush their hair. A hyposensitive child might not notice when they're hurt, seek out intense sensory input like spinning or crashing, or chew on everything in reach....

Distinguish sensory meltdowns from tantrums, recognize hypersensitivity in young children, and discover home strategies that work.

Understanding Sensory Processing in Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know

Your toddler melts down in the grocery store when the fluorescent lights flicker. They refuse to wear certain clothes. They can't sit still for more than thirty seconds, or they seek out crashing into furniture. You've tried reasoning, rewards, consequences. Nothing works. You're exhausted, and you're starting to wonder if you're doing something wrong. You're not. What you're seeing might be sensory processing differences: the brain struggling to organize input from the senses. And recognizing that difference changes everything about how you respond. What Sensory Processing Means. Sensory processing is how the brain takes in, interprets, and responds to information from the environment. Most people think of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell. But there are eight. The two most relevant to toddler behavior are vestibular and proprioceptive. Vestibular handles movement and balance. Proprioceptive is body awareness, the sense that tells you where your limbs are in space. When sensory processing works smoothly, you filter out background noise, tolerate tags in your shirt, and know how hard to press a pencil without breaking the tip. When it doesn't, the brain either over-responds to input, called hypersensitivity, or under-responds, called hyposensitivity. Sometimes both happen in the same child, with different senses. A hypersensitive child might cover their ears at normal conversation volume, gag at the texture of yogurt, or scream when you brush their hair. A hyposensitive child might not notice when they're hurt, seek out intense sensory input like spinning or crashing, or chew on everything in reach....

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction in varying degrees. One of the less explored but highly impactful areas for many autistic individuals is the world of dance. This article delves into why dance holds a special place in the lives of many autistic people. Non-Verbal Expression Dance is primarily a non-verbal form of communication. For those on the autism spectrum who might struggle with traditional forms of verbal communication, dance provides a powerful medium to express emotions, ideas, and narratives. The rhythmic movement of dance can be a liberating experience, allowing autistic individuals to convey feelings that words sometimes cannot capture. Sensory Integration Many autistic individuals have unique sensory processing patterns. Dance can be a therapeutic tool, helping in regulating sensory input. The physical movements involved in dancing can aid in developing proprioceptive and vestibular senses, crucial for body awareness and balance. Furthermore, the tactile sensations, music, and visual patterns associated with dancing can be soothing and enjoyable for those with sensory sensitivities. Structured Creativity Autism often comes with a preference for structure and routine. Dance, especially when learned in a class setting, offers a structured way to be creative. Choreographed routines provide a clear framework within which individuals can explore movement, rhythm, and expression in a controlled and predictable environment. Social Connection While social interaction can be challenging for some with ASD, dance classes and events offer a structured social setting....

Dance offers autistic people a unique way to express themselves and connect with others, enhancing communication and sensory experiences.

Rhythmic Revelations: How Dance Unlocks a New World for Autistic Individuals

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction in varying degrees. One of the less explored but highly impactful areas for many autistic individuals is the world of dance. This article delves into why dance holds a special place in the lives of many autistic people.  Non-Verbal Expression  Dance is primarily a non-verbal form of communication. For those on the autism spectrum who might struggle with traditional forms of verbal communication, dance provides a powerful medium to express emotions, ideas, and narratives. The rhythmic movement of dance can be a liberating experience, allowing autistic individuals to convey feelings that words sometimes cannot capture.  Sensory Integration  Many autistic individuals have unique sensory processing patterns. Dance can be a therapeutic tool, helping in regulating sensory input. The physical movements involved in dancing can aid in developing proprioceptive and vestibular senses, crucial for body awareness and balance. Furthermore, the tactile sensations, music, and visual patterns associated with dancing can be soothing and enjoyable for those with sensory sensitivities.  Structured Creativity  Autism often comes with a preference for structure and routine. Dance, especially when learned in a class setting, offers a structured way to be creative. Choreographed routines provide a clear framework within which individuals can explore movement, rhythm, and expression in a controlled and predictable environment.  Social Connection  While social interaction can be challenging for some with ASD, dance classes and events offer a structured social setting....

Over 30 years ago, the former Chief of the Laboratory of Brain Evolution and Behavior at the National Institute of Mental Health in Washington, DC, Paul D. MacLean, first proposed the Triune Brain Theory, which shows us how your child's brain develops. According to MacLean, we have not one, but three brains that develop in a particular sequence, and each one has its own responsibilities and strengths. The three brains will ideally communicate with each other through the middle, mammalian brain. When they don't communicate properly, we end up "out of sync" and have a hard time feeling safe, learning, and expressing emotion – sound familiar? The Reptilian Brain or Hindbrain The first brain to "come online" is the reptilian brain, also known as the primitive brain or basic brain. It takes care of the basics we need to survive, such as our immediate safety and our instincts. It begins developing at conception and continues through fifteen months. As the reptilian brain develops, our vestibular system is also laid down. This system deals with our equilibrium, our sensory perceptions, and our orientation in space and time. When our vestibular system is fully functional, we can explore and learn. When it isn't, we experience fear and reluctance, and then our basic brain causes us to withdraw much like a frightened reptile. The beginnings of dyslexia can be found at this early stage in our development. The Limbic System or Mammalian Brain The midbrain,...

Triune Brain Theory explains the development of children's brains in three stages affecting survival, emotions, and higher functions.

How Your Child's Triune Brain Develops

Over 30 years ago, the former Chief of the Laboratory of Brain Evolution and Behavior at the National Institute of Mental Health in Washington, DC, Paul D. MacLean, first proposed the Triune Brain Theory, which shows us how your child's brain develops.  According to MacLean, we have not one, but three brains that develop in a particular sequence, and each one has its own responsibilities and strengths. The three brains will ideally communicate with each other through the middle, mammalian brain. When they don't communicate properly, we end up "out of sync" and have a hard time feeling safe, learning, and expressing emotion – sound familiar?   The Reptilian Brain or Hindbrain  The first brain to "come online" is the reptilian brain, also known as the primitive brain or basic brain. It takes care of the basics we need to survive, such as our immediate safety and our instincts. It begins developing at conception and continues through fifteen months.  As the reptilian brain develops, our vestibular system is also laid down. This system deals with our equilibrium, our sensory perceptions, and our orientation in space and time. When our vestibular system is fully functional, we can explore and learn. When it isn't, we experience fear and reluctance, and then our basic brain causes us to withdraw much like a frightened reptile. The beginnings of dyslexia can be found at this early stage in our development.   The Limbic System or Mammalian Brain  The midbrain,...

Sensory integration refers to the means of processing incoming stimuli from our bodies and our environment. Our senses work together to give us an idea of ourselves and our place within an environment. For most people, sensory integration happens without us realizing it, but it can be more difficult for individuals with special needs, such as autism. Certain therapeutic tools have emerged as a means of helping individuals with sensory processing disorders. Swings, such as the platform swings from Sensory Goods, might seem like simply a fun pastime, but they are excellent tools for improving concentration and vestibular movement. Vestibular therapy works by having a child produce motions that cause a dizzy sensation, while asking the child to concentrate on body position and movement. This process helps the brain develop and compensate for the loss of balance. Platform swings are large boards, usually covered with carpet or other soft material. Ropes that hang from the ceiling are connected to the boards, which allow repetitive swinging motion. This action can create a calming sensation for a child, especially if he is overstimulated, in addition to improving the functioning of the body's vestibular system. Sensory Goods also developed a "Bouncin' Swing," which helps build muscle tone as well as improvement of vestibular and proprioceptive systems. Proprioceptive senses include the sensory input and feedback from muscles and the body. The seat of the Bouncin' Swing is made of denim,...

Swings, like those from Sensory Goods, aid kids with sensory disorders in concentration, balance, and muscle tone improvement.

Sensory Integration Through Swings

  Sensory integration refers to the means of processing incoming stimuli from our bodies and our environment. Our senses work together to give us an idea of ourselves and our place within an environment. For most people, sensory integration happens without us realizing it, but it can be more difficult for individuals with special needs, such as autism. Certain therapeutic tools have emerged as a means of helping individuals with sensory processing disorders.         Swings, such as the platform swings from Sensory Goods, might seem like simply a fun pastime, but they are excellent tools for improving concentration and vestibular movement. Vestibular therapy works by having a child produce motions that cause a dizzy sensation, while asking the child to concentrate on body position and movement. This process helps the brain develop and compensate for the loss of balance.   Platform swings are large boards, usually covered with carpet or other soft material. Ropes that hang from the ceiling are connected to the boards, which allow repetitive swinging motion. This action can create a calming sensation for a child, especially if he is overstimulated, in addition to improving the functioning of the body's vestibular system.   Sensory Goods also developed a "Bouncin' Swing," which helps build muscle tone as well as improvement of vestibular and proprioceptive systems. Proprioceptive senses include the sensory input and feedback from muscles and the body. The seat of the Bouncin' Swing is made of denim,...

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Special Needs
Articles

5 Unexpected Ways to Jump Start Your Child

Understanding Sensory Processing in Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know

Rhythmic Revelations: How Dance Unlocks a New World for Autistic Individuals

How Your Child's Triune Brain Develops

Sensory Integration Through Swings

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

5 Unexpected Ways to Jump Start Your Child

Understanding Sensory Processing in Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know

Rhythmic Revelations: How Dance Unlocks a New World for Autistic Individuals

How Your Child's Triune Brain Develops

Sensory Integration Through Swings

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
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