Screen Time For Kids Under 2 Can Lead To Developmental Problems, Study Says

 A new study suggests that exposing babies and toddlers under age 2 to any amount of television viewing and other forms of "screen time" could be harmful to their sensory development. Read More >

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Designed To Be Sensory Friendly

 With luxury boxes repurposed as "quiet spaces" complete with fidget toys and weighted blankets, a visual schedule of events and more, an NFL stadium was transformed into a unique vaccine clinic. Read More >

This Company Reinvented The Computer Mouse For Kids With Special Needs

 

The multi-sensory fidget mouse is specially designed with elements from a fidget toy to increase focus for those with developmental disabilities. Read More >

Mom Equips Ambulances With Sensory Kits To Help Children With Autism

An EMT who has a son with severe autism has developed sensory kits to help kids on the spectrum cope with the flashing lights, sirens and other stimuli of an ambulance ride. Read More >

Cruise Line Going 'Sensory Inclusive'

A major cruise operator is training its staff, offering up tools and taking other steps to welcome people with disabilities in a move they say is an industry first. Read More;

Ohio basketball team to hold autism-friendly game

Kent State University in Ohio is working with accessibility organization KultureCity to offer an autism-friendly basketball game on Dec. 21. The game against Hampton University at the MAC Center will feature a sensory-friendly loge viewing area, communication cards, noise-canceling headphones and other features for fans with sensory difficulties.   WKYC-TV (Cleveland)

Santa Offering Sensory-Friendly Events Nationwide

Ahead of his big night, hundreds of special events across the country will offer kids with disabilities a chance to visit with Santa Claus in a calmer setting. Read More >

Researchers working toward establishing sense of touch in prostheses

Two recent studies in Science Robotics focus on connecting prostheses with the nervous system so that amputees can feel again. A University of Utah study uses electrodes in the amputee's forearm to simulate a sense of touch in the prosthetic hand, and researchers at the National University of Singapore have created an "electronic skin" with artificial nerves that sense pressure and temperature.

Singularity Hub

Target Expands Sensory-Friendly Offerings

With an eye toward inclusivity, Target is rolling out a new collection of sensory-friendly products featuring everything from weighted blankets to floor cushions and chairs. Read More >

The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Service Dog

There are many reasons dogs are known as man’s best friend—they have long been a source of unwavering loyalty and friendship to their human confidantes. Most people are also familiar with the fact that they have a history of providing service to those with severe sight issues or blindness, and some are aware that more and more dogs are being trained to provide support to those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. But what many people may not realize is just how many services therapy and companion dogs are providing for people with all kinds of disabilities, both physical and mental in nature.  https://www.rover.com/blog/getting-a-service-dog/  

FDA Warns Against Jewelry For Sensory Stimulation

Special necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry used by people with special needs to provide sensory stimulation are dangerous, federal regulators say. Read More;

SeaWorld Water Park Now A Certified Autism Center

Aquatica Orlando — SeaWorld's water park — has put staff through training and added more resources for visitors to become an official certified autism center. Read More >

Sensory-Friendly Design Enters The Classroom

As more students with special needs enter school systems nationwide, educators are increasingly designing their classrooms to boost behavior and academic performance. Read More >

Sensory wall takes learning into school's hallway

An Indiana elementary school has installed a sensory integration wall in a hallway to help students with self-regulation and socialization during wait times. The wall includes a keyboard to tap on, boards with rocks to touch and peg boards to make designs, which keeps students learning during wait times outside the classroom, says Amber Wolf, an autism coordinator who helped create the wall.

The Republic (Columbus, Ind.)

Family Fights To Keep Son's Emotional Support Ducks

The family of a 12-year-old with autism is in a legal battle after neighbors took issue with two ducks the boy's psychologist says help him manage his emotions. Read More;

Can school designs support students' needs?

Some school districts are designing schools to accommodate students' sensory and emotional needs. With teacher input, a Minnesota district built schools to reduce sensory stimulation by having climate controls in each classroom, windows placed high on walls and rubberized floors and wainscotting.

The 74

Student With Sensory Issues Has Graduation Come To Him

Unable to deal with the stimulation of a traditional graduation ceremony due to autism and sensory issues, Jordan Smith's teacher found a different way to honor his right of passage. Read More ;

Kid Meccas Increasingly Go Sensory Friendly

More and more, recreational and cultural institutions are offering special programs and accommodations to welcome children on the spectrum and their families. Read More >

Family Builds At-Home Sensory Room

Typically sensory rooms are built for schools or centers that serve people with special needs, but one family decided to incorporate such a specially-designed space into their own home. Read More >

Twelve Sensory Strategies for a Sensational Summer

Yahoo! Summer is here … and so are your kids. Even if you’ve packed those months off full of camps, vacations, and outings, you may find there is downtime to deal with. Boredom is not a bad thing when it leads to creativity, and honestly, you need to let boredom settle in a little for that to happen. Those pauses can also help your child work on problem-solving and impulse control. Having a bowl of ideas for your kids to choose from or a jar with ideas on popsicle sticks for kids to select can help them start to learn to…  Read in browser »