https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-02-02 https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/how-to-keep-kids-active-and-motivated-during-winter monthly 0.5 2026-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1770042704029-X06G64PHN3G5UUB9XXJO/unsplash-image-PvyL62lFAGk.jpg Blog - How to Keep Kids Active and Motivated During Winter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1770042758703-ULRIXH9TKR4819S9RXOE/unsplash-image-1VT2qoBtc-k.jpg Blog - How to Keep Kids Active and Motivated During Winter - 3. Fine Motor Movement Breaks Fine motor activities are a great way to help calm the body and engage the brain after big movement activities. Try: Play-dough squeezing and rolling Theraputty or slime activities Building with blocks or LEGOs Cutting, coloring, or sticker activities These can be great indoor options during cold winter days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1770043691351-M8P74F685O5QCXHPLXIT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Keep Kids Active and Motivated During Winter - 1. Movement & Sensory Tools Therapy balls for bouncing, squishing, or seated play Balance boards or stepping stones Indoor swings (when safely installed) Sensory mats or crash pads Scooter boards for rolling on their bellies or sitting and propelling themselves https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1770043913937-4J2Y8T74XQNSN35DISMN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Keep Kids Active and Motivated During Winter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/a-fresh-start-for-the-new-year-helping-children-reset-regulate-and-thrive-after-the-holidays monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1768858847986-NWUUNRS4GU6E196HX4MK/unsplash-image-PXl_S152jNM.jpg Blog - A Fresh Start for the New Year: Helping Children Reset, Regulate, and Thrive After the Holidays - Make it stand out The holidays are often filled with joy, family traditions, and special moments — but they can also bring late nights, disrupted routines, extra screen time, and big emotions for children. As the decorations come down and January settles in, many parents notice their children struggling a bit more than usual with regulation, transitions, attention, or behavior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/ce4d0dbb-55b9-4550-8b31-09c7dd4397e7/unsplash-image-klG_-LYK0QY.jpg Blog - A Fresh Start for the New Year: Helping Children Reset, Regulate, and Thrive After the Holidays - 2. Prioritize Movement Every Day Movement is one of the most powerful regulation tools we have. In the colder Rochester months, children often get less natural movement, which can impact attention and emotional control. Try incorporating: • Indoor obstacle courses • Animal walks or yoga poses • Heavy work activities like pushing, pulling, or carrying These activities support the sensory system and help children feel more grounded and focused. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1768859107697-ISJBKQCCU4BRD15AJIU5/unsplash-image-lTNgUZGcPW8.jpg Blog - A Fresh Start for the New Year: Helping Children Reset, Regulate, and Thrive After the Holidays - 4. Start the Year with Connection, Not Pressure January can come with a lot of expectations — returning to school routines, catching up academically, or “getting back on track.” While structure is important, connection is the foundation. Spend time: • Playing together • Talking about feelings • Acknowledging how hard transitions can be When children feel understood and supported, regulation and independence naturally follow. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/the-power-of-self-regulation-how-caring-for-yourself-helps-you-care-for-others monthly 0.5 2025-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1764782415495-1XWTKKRT452E3QYWHGUS/unsplash-image-r_K7rCRTeUI.jpg Blog - The Power of Self-Regulation: How Caring for Yourself Helps You Care for Others - Make it stand out Life can be overwhelming. Between the demands of work, family, and personal responsibilities, it can often feel like there's little room to breathe. But have you ever stopped to think about how your emotional and mental well-being affects your ability to care for the people who rely on you the most? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1764783835815-4UQNHT0L4UJ1FW2C46KH/unsplash-image-SYTO3xs06fU.jpg Blog - The Power of Self-Regulation: How Caring for Yourself Helps You Care for Others - 2. Improving Your Focus and Effectiveness at Work In a demanding job, the ability to stay focused, organized, and clear-headed is essential. Stress, anxiety, and frustration can impair your judgment and productivity. When you’re emotionally dysregulated, you may find yourself distracted or reacting impulsively, which can affect your performance and relationships with colleagues. By practicing self-regulation, you can reduce stress and approach your work with greater clarity and focus. This enables you to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and navigate challenges with a more balanced mindset. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, maintaining emotional control helps you stay on top of your responsibilities and perform at your best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1764784138361-XHCPIVJZ6BPU8BRCDK48/unsplash-image-W3Jl3jREpDY.jpg Blog - The Power of Self-Regulation: How Caring for Yourself Helps You Care for Others - 4. Enhancing Relationships and Communication Effective communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, whether with a spouse, a child, a parent, or a colleague. Emotional regulation allows you to communicate more thoughtfully and avoid reactive, impulsive responses that can escalate conflict. If you're able to stay calm in emotionally charged situations, you’ll be better able to listen, empathize, and find solutions to problems in a way that benefits everyone involved. When you're in control of your emotions, you're more likely to approach difficult conversations with a calm and respectful demeanor, which fosters mutual understanding and strengthens your relationships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1764784391682-TWTMG6D4U69BHA04DTXX/unsplash-image-HGrEpkh_GpI.jpg Blog - The Power of Self-Regulation: How Caring for Yourself Helps You Care for Others - 3. Take Regular Breaks Whether you're working at home, in the office, or caring for children or elderly family members, it’s important to take regular breaks. Even just five minutes to stretch, step outside for fresh air, or engage in a quick mindfulness exercise can help reset your nervous system and improve your mood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1764783985750-143C7IERUH1XHJO3ZFV5/unsplash-image-cuOHHP5tx5g.jpg Blog - The Power of Self-Regulation: How Caring for Yourself Helps You Care for Others - 6. Movement is Medicine Moving your body is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to boost your overall well-being. Just a few minutes of movement increases blood flow, sharpens your mind, lifts your mood, and helps release built-up stress. Whether it’s a stretch, a walk, or a full workout, moving your body is a daily investment in feeling more energized, balanced, and alive. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/the-importance-of-play-why-its-essential-for-child-development monthly 0.5 2025-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1763332081129-GVDYFR2BAOFIKYKNKHCS/unsplash-image-TciuHvwoK0k.jpg Blog - The Importance of Play: Why It’s Essential for Child Development - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1763332104714-1ILN31MFMD7SUH1IHN3O/unsplash-image-JfolIjRnveY.jpg Blog - The Importance of Play: Why It’s Essential for Child Development - 2. Play Supports Sensory Processing Many children seek—or avoid—sensory experiences. Play naturally provides opportunities for healthy sensory exploration, such as: Swinging and spinning for vestibular input Jumping and climbing for proprioceptive input Finger painting or building with clay for tactile exposure Occupational therapists use play to help children regulate their sensory systems so they can engage more comfortably in daily activities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1763332180231-SQQ323N562EIEWB4LMON/unsplash-image-GagC07wVvck.jpg Blog - The Importance of Play: Why It’s Essential for Child Development - 4. Play Encourages Creativity and Curiosity Open-ended play—like playing with blocks, exploring nature, or engaging in role-play—allows children to imagine, experiment, and create. This fuels: Problem-solving Innovation Self-directed learning Confidence in their abilities Creativity developed in childhood carries into adulthood, supporting flexible thinking and emotional wellness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1763332315676-CWZG9LJ21JVWNW2BFL3Z/unsplash-image-cjOXmi-AFpU.jpg Blog - The Importance of Play: Why It’s Essential for Child Development - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/tips-for-a-sensory-friendly-halloween monthly 0.5 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1759950064590-XNXSY70P23Q789LUTS2F/unsplash-image-7FC-84Ap_IU.jpg Blog - Tips for a Sensory Friendly Halloween - Make it stand out Halloween can be an exciting and stressful time of year for families. With the pressure of figuring out a Halloween costume, arranging trick-or-treat plans, and setting up Halloween decorations, the month of October can quickly slip away. If anyone in your family has sensory processing differences, consider these 5 tips this fall to promote a sensory friendly Halloween! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1759950284459-2WPDMVH8ZSZ5PE7DG4T1/unsplash-image-JwOrT2YNIYg.jpg Blog - Tips for a Sensory Friendly Halloween - 2. Try a practice route of the houses that you plan to visit while trick-or-treating Practice wearing the costume to get comfortable walking for extended periods of time and to allow for any adjustments to unexpected discomfort to be made before the night of Halloween. A practice run also allows you to check which houses have overwhelming decorations so you can plan ahead with your child to skip those houses. If they have siblings or other members of the group who want to visit that house, have a plan to wait at the end of the driveway with you or another trusted adult while their trick-or-treat partners go to that house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1759950144691-CPG2LNS081NUIELWTKI4/unsplash-image-8CZDAq41tIE.jpg Blog - Tips for a Sensory Friendly Halloween - 4. Try going out early to beat the crowds If it’s possible, try to take any sensory sensitive children trick-or-treating early when it’s calmer and quieter or maybe even still light out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1759950585013-SPRXAG6IQKZ4FK2B2Y6Q/unsplash-image-bVlWPiTIzYQ.jpg Blog - Tips for a Sensory Friendly Halloween - Make it stand out It’s never too early to start planning to promote sensory success! Before we know it, we’ll be in a mad dash through the holiday season and there can be added stress during the holidays for individuals with sensory processing challenges. For tips on how to accommodate sensory processing needs during the holiday season, read our blog here. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/primitive-reflexes-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important monthly 0.5 2025-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/ae0d3c44-6f17-46f3-98a5-1cee20305923/unsplash-image-t1kqxJVkbUs.jpg Blog - Primitive Reflexes, What Are They and Why Are They Important? - Make it stand out An example of the palmar reflex, when a baby grasps anything that touches their palm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/f422e8ff-1422-445a-bee9-89440101f0e0/ATNR.jpg Blog - Primitive Reflexes, What Are They and Why Are They Important? - This image is an example of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex, where the baby’s arm extends when they turn their head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/2a04fc07-34cf-4094-88b0-50c439b72e8f/unsplash-image-aSDg1P7wsnc.jpg Blog - Primitive Reflexes, What Are They and Why Are They Important? - There are simple exercises that closely resemble yoga poses to help integrate each reflex. Each exercise takes no more than five minutes to complete. It’s recommended that the exercise is completed twice a day for 30 days for effective reflex integration. It may take more or less than 30 days for the reflexive to fully integrate. Once it’s integrated, the exercises can be stopped. However, there is a chance that the reflex can creep back once the exercises have been discontinued. If this happens, we recommend beginning the exercises again. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/its-ok-to-feel-bored-this-summer monthly 0.5 2025-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1753634181430-GHLO1YKFIA7XVM0HEYP9/unsplash-image-9mk73kAoBZ8.jpg Blog - It's OK to Feel Bored This Summer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1753634456322-D1RJEL6HZWUJGAQSNU8O/unsplash-image-TxP44VIqlA8.jpg Blog - It's OK to Feel Bored This Summer - 2. Get outside together Going outside yourself is the key here. Simply suggesting your children go outside can lead them to argue or ignore the suggestion. If you go outside yourself and spend some time out there, your children are more likely to follow you. Even if you go outside to do some yard work and aren't engaging in an activity with them, they are more likely to come out and begin to entertain themselves while you work. If it's a hot day, try using a garden hose to create different challenges such as trying to jump over the stream of water, writing letters with the stream and taking turns trying to guess the letter, or washing the cars in the driveway or other dusty toys from the garage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1753634639270-S02XWQ39TALBG3WNSOKP/unsplash-image-t3Uhb8pdYiA.jpg Blog - It's OK to Feel Bored This Summer - 4. Have a picnic Try bringing a snack or meal outside in a shady spot or maybe to a park. Get your child engaged in planning and packing the food to help improve their interest in the activity. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/ditch-the-stress-at-family-meals-this-summer monthly 0.5 2025-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1751293580829-2V3PFU2U1WYQFJ4R44J1/unsplash-image-C5QEw6UXdSA.jpg Blog - Ditch the Stress at Family Meals this Summer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1751293484185-UFVTSH3538DH4T7Z0COD/unsplash-image-20YP7NENJzk.jpg Blog - Ditch the Stress at Family Meals this Summer - Incorporate a Predictable Routine Another way to promote improved engagement in meal times before we even sit down to the table is to incorporate some kind of routine before each meal/snack. This can be as simple as having them wash their hands before coming to the table. Maybe they're involved in setting the table or have a specific job of making sure everyone has a napkin. This transitional activity helps bridge the gap between whatever was going on before the meal to meal time, especially if meal times can be stressful for the child. Providing reminders to the child before it's actually time to eat can also help them prepare for the transition, particularly if they're participating in a preferred activity prior to the meal. This can be as simple as saying we're eating in 5 minutes, then again at 3 minutes, and another reminder at 1 minute. If you'd like, you can also set a phone timer with a pleasant ringtone so that your child can begin to associate that sound with meal times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1751293916661-KIS812UJ1HC2S53EJQWS/unsplash-image-ooVDgeb0J4A.jpg Blog - Ditch the Stress at Family Meals this Summer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/co-regulation-and-self-regulation monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/ed625ec3-f402-4d59-865f-5662314028bd/unsplash-image-KQCXf_zvdaU.jpg Blog - Co-Regulation and Self Regulation - Make it stand out Co-Regulation is a term that you may have heard thrown around online or from professionals in your life, but what is it and how do we use it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1748625745425-VRSHYEDOC7E6IE4ZEL6P/unsplash-image-N17Nkbsc-zY.jpg Blog - Co-Regulation and Self Regulation - After observing the individual’s response to your validation, decide what the next course of action should be. Maybe they need a redirection away from the thing that upset them. Consider a cold drink of water, a snack, some deep pressure input or creative task such as coloring or drawing. After this initial redirection, assess if the person seems ready for problem solving or explanations of why the upsetting task needs to be completed. Maybe you can sense they are still experiencing heightened states of emotions and need further co-regulation and sensory input. A brief walk outdoors, dance party, or bigger movements like jumping jacks, bouncing on an exercise ball or trampoline can help the body release the stress inducing energy and return to a regulated state. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/the-importance-of-cognitive-stimulation-in-sensory-regulation monthly 0.5 2025-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1747425643203-Z6E80E307NW0ZB43LTGW/unsplash-image-yIJIO2dhWWY.jpg Blog - The Importance of Cognitive Stimulation in Sensory Regulation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/6a848331-d197-4dc7-ad7b-28e538417637/unsplash-image-blXnsgfPw94.jpg Blog - The Importance of Cognitive Stimulation in Sensory Regulation - So what should we do? Try incorporating a cognitive component to the sensory activity. This helps children keep their bodies under control. By engaging their cognition, they are required to slow down, think and focus on the cognitive task while receiving the input that they need. Cognitive stimulation can be as simple as adding a puzzle to the sensory activity. Try lying on the belly on an exercise ball to complete a puzzle placed on the floor. It can also be as simple as adding a balance component to the sensory activity. This encourages them to slow down and utilize controlled, precise movements to complete a task. Try walking across a balance beam or walking through an area of small items placed on the floor while trying not to step on or knock anything over. Rhythmic movements and predictability also promote regulation. Try counting together while completing a swinging activity, tossing a ball back-and-forth, rolling forwards and backwards with the belly on an exercise ball, or jumping up and down on the floor or a trampoline. These are all ways to engage the mind and keep the child a little more focused so that they don’t become out of control with their movements. Adding a challenge helps promote a feeling of success and accomplishment in addition to providing the input the body is craving. Incorporating memory into a sensory activity is a great way to engage the brain. Have them look at a simple shape, picture, letter, or word then complete a sensory activity, obstacle course, or exercise. See if they can remember the image and recreate it through drawing or writing. Other ways to incorporate the visual system and cognition are hiding objects or letters around the room. They must then work on visual scanning and attention to search for and find the items. Feel free to provide hints such as getting warmer or closer or colder or further away. To incorporate proprioceptive and vestibular input, spread letters out across the floor and ask them to spell age-appropriate words by locating all the letters and placing them in order while they lay on their stomach or with their belly over an exercise ball and their hands on the floor. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/clothing-sensory-sensitivities-and-ways-to-address-them monthly 0.5 2025-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/0704d209-6e04-4a49-955f-d6e303807cb5/unsplash-image-xfsLHNQlCmU.jpg Blog - Clothing Sensory Sensitivities and Ways to Address Them - Complete some quick movement activities immediately after getting dressed A large part of sensory sensitivities for some people comes from extra anxiety that has built-up around the clothing they are putting on. Allowing this pent-up anxiety and energy to release with some movement can help decrease the levels of arousal and improve regulation. Try doing 20 jumping jacks or skipping around the bedroom immediately after getting dressed. Consider getting dressed then immediately putting on a brain break video from YouTube or Google. This will help distract the brain and provide regulating proprioceptive and vestibular input to the body for a calmer state of arousal following the distressing activity of getting dressed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/ebd40edf-da59-4979-aa58-f783a4c631de/unsplash-image-r9T0LZv8xWQ.jpg Blog - Clothing Sensory Sensitivities and Ways to Address Them - Practice with clothes in a context that removes the pressure of having to wear them all day This is a great time to try a clothing hopscotch activity with new clothes or clothes that are historically uncomfortable. For example, if your child can’t stand the sensation of jeans, try clothing hopscotch with a variety of jeans. Have the child roll a dice and complete hopscotch to a pair of jeans. Have them put on whatever pair they land on and do a silly dance or just twirl in a circle and then allow them to take the pants immediately off. This will gradually desensitize the child to the sensation without the stress of having to wear them all day. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/indoor-activity-ideas-to-help-the-family-through-thenbspfinal-weeks-of-winter monthly 0.5 2025-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/0ccd0490-229b-4b01-970b-3e09ae83efc2/unsplash-image-wMT5I7SRve0.jpg Blog - Indoor Activity Ideas to Help the Family Through the Final Weeks of Winter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1740765654011-4B0Q8K4N2LYQEMKLTIGH/unsplash-image-5TfCI4nj6B4.jpg Blog - Indoor Activity Ideas to Help the Family Through the Final Weeks of Winter - 3. Get the family involved with cleaning or chore activities for extra sensory input and to promote greater independence Pick age appropriate chores and get your child engaged in helping you. Any child can use a wipe or a spray bottle and towel to wash a table or surface. See if your child can carry their laundry basket to the washing machine and ask them to take their clean clothes out of the dryer. The extra input from carrying the heavy object is a great way to get out excess energy and improve their strength as well as accountability for personal items. You may need to accompany them during these tasks to help improve their buy-in and engagement with these tasks. Older children could help vacuum or mop even if it’s just their room to start. Shoveling snow is also a great way to get out excess energy and improve overall strength and promote sensory regulation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1740765367382-ZH1W5IGH970QLHD670H4/unsplash-image-be8-neUp0HM.jpg Blog - Indoor Activity Ideas to Help the Family Through the Final Weeks of Winter - 5. Try to get outside even if the weather isn't ideal Getting outside does wonders for the sensory system and our circadian rhythm. Try to get outside weather permitting at least once a day even if it's to grab the mail, take out the garbage, or go for a short walk. Seeing the sun and fresh air helps promote grounding, regulation and healthy sleep patterns. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/understanding-handwriting-components-and-red-flags monthly 0.5 2025-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/6d044318-790d-4e7e-8b42-c8e8e4b85288/unsplash-image-O5EMzfdxedg.jpg Blog - Understanding Handwriting - Make it stand out January 23 is observed as National Handwriting Day as it is the birthday of John Hancock, who was the first man to sign the declaration of independence. In honor of this holiday, here are some tips, tricks and red flags to help us better understand handwriting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1737577470665-8DXG6WDE4PN54OHAL754/unsplash-image-ANTgAZjxhGk.jpg Blog - Understanding Handwriting - 2. Use Three Lined Paper Students should be learning how to write using adapted writing paper with a bottom line, a dotted middle line, and a top line with space underneath the bottom line to create room for go under letters. As children get older, the spacing between each line can get smaller, but students should continue to use three lined paper through third grade. Many schools do not provide three lined paper after first or second grade. This may be fine for some students, but if your child is struggling with handwriting, request the teacher allows them to use three lined paper for their writing assignments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1737577673373-J46IIBIAM1GE0AO3XDR8/unsplash-image-ft7Pcdm2Qfg.jpg Blog - Understanding Handwriting - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/xp3vdxtfvial2xzjpvtfwvlyt82l91 monthly 0.5 2024-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/32132fc6-44ce-4b8c-80dd-2c4bd2758b95/unsplash-image-ffSGBn2xTSI.jpg Blog - Gift Ideas that Build Skills, Improve Sensory Processing, and Promote Independent Play - Make it stand out Give more than just a gift this year. Give a sensory regulating, skill building, and entertaining activity for kids, teenagers, or even adults! https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/regulation-tips-for-holiday-celebrations monthly 0.5 2024-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1732468440693-J55R64OQOFSOH265X8PZ/unsplash-image-Cc1RmGnf20E.jpg Blog - Regulation Tips for Holiday Celebrations - To prevent overstimulation, try incorporating regulating sensory input before leaving your house. Proprioceptive input in the form of heavy work can help everybody feel regulated and organized before beginning their day. For heavy work activities, try exercising, going for a walk, carrying heavy laundry or completing other cleaning tasks such as sweeping, swiffering, or vacuuming. Even chewing gum, a crunchy snack, or drinking a cold drink through a straw provides proprioceptive input! Encourage any children in the family to participate in regulating activities with you! Go for a family walk in the morning before holiday celebrations, play a game of catch with a pillow or bounce on an exercise ball for quick sensory activities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/037de82a-99c1-471b-a3fa-00eab15e8f56/unsplash-image-1h32LKnyWPs.jpg Blog - Regulation Tips for Holiday Celebrations - Take a break to experience joy yourself Don’t forget to take an hour, day, or moment to yourself to spark your own joy and appreciate yourself during the holiday season! You deserve it! https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/learned-helplessness-what-is-it-and-how-do-we-deal-with-it-to-promote-independence monthly 0.5 2024-11-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1731107723601-B7CXEG2ZPGUIM5Y0JWK0/unsplash-image-6MePtA9EVDA.jpg Blog - Learned Helplessness, What is it and How Do We Deal With it to Promote Independence? - Learned helplessness is when a child or adult has always had a specific task completed for them or had help with a certain task allowing them to feel that they can't complete the task on their own or at all. It can also stem from repetitive negative outcomes or perceived failures at a task, leading the individual to feel they have no control over what's happening. Tasks can range from something as simple as zipping up their coat to something more complex like spreading peanut butter on their toast or preparing themselves a snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/764d80bf-fe2d-4533-80f5-8f5034ee6f8e/photo.jpg Blog - Learned Helplessness, What is it and How Do We Deal With it to Promote Independence? - Refrain from rescuing Adults are often swooping in to help children when they show the first sign of difficulty or struggle. Facing and overcoming challenges is a vital part of the learning process. We need to provide opportunities for them to feel empowered and independent when they solve the problem to achieve the desired outcome. As hard as it may be to hold back when you see your child struggling with a task, let them try on their own. Try to refrain from offering corrections/suggestions which can make the child feel overwhelmed or inadequate. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/helping-picky-eaters-at-home monthly 0.5 2024-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/47da6206-55cf-4ea4-bb8f-21c36ec1f0aa/unsplash-image-BQPi8F_UON0.jpg Blog - Helping Picky Eaters at Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/216b7a02-f35e-43a0-a300-c4f6e08ced8b/pexels-cottonbro-6969718.jpg Blog - Helping Picky Eaters at Home - Children must tolerate each of these food steps before chewing and swallowing: Accepting food in the same environment as them without aversion, i.e. allowing the food on their plate. Touching the food with their fingers/hands Smelling the food Putting the food to their lips/near their face Licking the food Placing the food in their mouth, then spitting or taking it out Taking a small bite of the food (with or without swallowing the food, they may spit it out) Taking a small bite of food, chewing it once, and spitting it out if they want Taking a small bite, chewing the food three times, and spitting it out if they want Taking a small bite, chewing and swallowing Taking a regular sized bite, chewing and swallowing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/f9a242bb-977e-4044-853d-e214cbe9bd67/unsplash-image-qtVh_84ssOA.jpg Blog - Helping Picky Eaters at Home - Have the child involved in cooking or meal prep, making it clear they are only the chef and don’t have to try any food unless they want to. Pretend play restaurant and allow your child to play chef and then server. Use cookie cutters or toothpicks to eat food or change the shape of foods to make new foods more fun and engaging. Mix preferred and non-preferred flavors when it makes sense i.e. a carrot into ranch or a pretzel into peanut butter. If they don’t want to try nonpreferred food with the dip, demonstrate licking the dip off of the food or try stirring the nonpreferred food and preferred food together. Encourage the child to serve food onto family member’s dinner plates to expose them to new foods without the pressure of eating them. Serving meals family style is a great way to work on scooping, serving, and extra exposure to food. Try using fun or kid plates with their favorite character on it, fun utensils with characters or cars unicorns etc or use cups/plates/utensils that are your child’s favorite color. Have them pick out their plate/bowl/ cup/ utensils and make it exciting, or have specific ones designated that are just for them so they feel special. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/starting-a-routine-to-set-the-family-up-for-success-this-school-year monthly 0.5 2024-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/784cb7f8-d121-4ac3-8e1f-a23a50c078c7/unsplash-image-7K_agbqPqYo.jpg Blog - Starting A Routine To Set Up For Success This School Year - Make it stand out The first day of school is right around the corner and some families may be concerned about settling into a routine, feeling prepared and well rested for the first days, weeks and months of school. Here are a few quick tips to try implementing now to build confidence in yourself and your children for the back to school routine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1723895904401-PY0Z8Y55MHCQS0KL59UP/unsplash-image-gorbBYbo6KM.jpg Blog - Starting A Routine To Set Up For Success This School Year - Try to eat one meal or snack together with as many members of the family as possible each day. Fall can bring on extracurricular activities that often interfere with dinner time, making family dinners difficult during the week. Try to get at least one meal or even a snack together seated at the table or maybe outside while the weather is still nice with no distractions. Incorporating as many members of the family as feasible during this meal or snack can help create some quality time together and provides opportunities for the older members of the family to model eating different foods and using proper manners while eating. Increasing the number of people at the table also helps prepare children for eating around their peers during meals at school. If your child is working on integrating new foods in their diet or your concerned about picky eating habits, encourage them to place one piece or small portion of each food offered on their plate without the pressure of eating it. Encourage children to clean up their plate and discard food scraps when finished. Maybe even encourage them to wipe down their spot to increase that added accountability and responsibility that they will have for their materials and space once they go to school. If your child gives push back regarding cleaning up, the use of a spray bottle filled with water works wonders for cooperation during clean up activities. The novelty of being allowed to spray the bottle increases their motivation and an added bonus, squeezing the lever works on grip strengthening for little hands! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1723896191290-U0LOBAB2Y0KE3AQ94MSW/unsplash-image-QjJzid3jj-I.jpg Blog - Starting A Routine To Set Up For Success This School Year - Encourage as much accountability as possible when it comes to managing their routines and possessions. Begin encouraging your child to hang up their backpack and manage their school supplies, lunchbox, pencil boxes, folders, etc. Require children to keep backpacks in a designated spot where it can always be found. Encourage children to pack their own backpacks the night before school. If your child packs a lunch, request their help. Have them pick out their snacks and put them in their lunchbox. If they’re old enough, consider having them pack their entire lunch (with your supervision if concerned about the food choices they’ll make.) Ensure your child's backpack is a weight they can comfortably lift above their head to hang onto a hook at school. For younger children or first time backpack users, practice placing/removing their water bottles in the elastic side pockets of the backpack if it has one. Practicing with their materials and possessions at home increases their independence and decreases the likelihood they’ll forget or lose objects at school. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/engaging-activities-to-help-promote-skill-development-over-summer-break monthly 0.5 2024-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1722372388632-K9X86BT7J17GO4GT33GU/unsplash-image-VAdFzJJDzgg.jpg Blog - Engaging Activities to Help Promote Skill Development During Summer Break - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1722372532916-X8NQFIR6M7GV5NJT1RIB/unsplash-image-Puhj02KOHrc.jpg Blog - Engaging Activities to Help Promote Skill Development During Summer Break - Encourage children to read throughout the summer Create a fun reading fort or sit outside with them and read your book while they read theirs. Consider reading out loud to them. This allows them access to stories with content that interests them but may be above their reading level. Reading out loud to your children is a great way to spend quality time together while also promoting an important skill: auditory processing. They must listen to what is being read, comprehend what they are hearing, then visualize the characters and actions throughout the story. Feel free to stop and discuss the plot line, character’s decisions, and define words that the listener may not know. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1722372079110-11GD1EXJGKTINYS2JN5A/unsplash-image-o3tIY5pIork.jpg Blog - Engaging Activities to Help Promote Skill Development During Summer Break - Allow them to be the teacher Ask your children to provide you or an older sibling with a spelling test, math problem or any other questions for the subjects they choose. This role reversal may help spark their interest in school subjects while also asking them to recall things they've learned in the previous school year. Try writing a word, sentence or paragraph and make some common age appropriate mistakes (reversing a letter, grammatical errors, spelling errors) and ask your child to correct your work as if they were your teacher. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/tactile-sensory-sensitivities monthly 0.5 2024-07-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1719781273745-SHL01ZZPKLJLQZWPZCLQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Taming Tactile Sensory Sensitivities - What is Tactile Sensitivity Tactile sensitivities are when an individual finds certain touch inputs noxious or unpleasant. Some people may experience this when touching something they don’t like the texture of such as mud, chalk, lotion, raw meat or whatever it may be. Refusal to wear certain clothing or textures, rubbing or scratching out a spot that has been touched, or having a disproportionally big reactions to being touched may all indicate tactile sensitivities. Occupational therapy services may be necessary when this aversion begins to impact our ability to participate in daily activities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1719833166487-3BC4W7G13O0R96Z185R2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Taming Tactile Sensory Sensitivities - Before changing into the challenging outfit such as into a bathing suit or out of a bathing suit into clothes, try full body movements. Gross motor movement helps regulate the sensory system, improve body awareness, and promote a focused, alert state for verbal instructions and challenging sensations. Create an obstacle course to get the clothing item or spray using pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals placed on the floor or try the Floor is Lava. Simon Says is a great tool to incorporate regulating vestibular and proprioceptive input by having players complete gross motor movements such as jumping on two feet, hopping on one foot, skipping, turning in a circle, etc... Have the game end with putting on the next outfit, sticking out one arm for sunscreen/bug spray application, or accomplishing any task. As the child gets used to the game, incorporate two and three step Simon Says tasks to maintain engagement through the just right challenge, working memory and direction following. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/abcce228-774a-476f-a0b8-f75bf57827d9/image-asset.jpg Blog - Taming Tactile Sensory Sensitivities - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/b22283ac-7e59-40f2-943a-d58475d6a76e/image-asset.jpg Blog - Taming Tactile Sensory Sensitivities - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils monthly 0.5 2024-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/182ce3b8-8bac-4768-82b7-b9a114a3f9f8/image-asset.jpg Blog - Aromatherapy and Essential Oils - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1719777843679-OLF4Z10N2P6QNJA4CSXW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Aromatherapy and Essential Oils - Possible Benefits of Aromatherapy Invigoration Encourage alertness and promote activity Stimulate awareness of the sensory system Relaxation Decrease tension and anxiety Reduce stress and promote relaxation Facilitate interaction and communication with the environment and other people https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/727a51ac-6cd4-41bb-8874-89233e8541cf/Screenshot+2024-06-30+155045.jpg Blog - Aromatherapy and Essential Oils - Make it stand out (Perry & Perry, 2006, p. 259) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1719778751464-MF18H7T83S6TQWQU8TOB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Aromatherapy and Essential Oils - Trouble falling asleep Massage with lavender, chamomile, or rose scented lotion prior to bedtime Calming scents in an oil diffuser during sleep or prior to sleep Anxiety Massage with lavender or orange scented oil Lavender or orange scented pillow “Vaporized orange oil compared to no aroma reduced anxiety in 72 patients undergoing dental procedures” (Perry & Perry, 2006, p. 264). Patients receiving massage aromatherapy with lavender essential oil reported significantly reduced anxiety and a significant improvement in their moods compared to patients receiving rest. (Perry & Perry, 2006) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1719778625058-AN3YKMV0PAJVIFCZ8749/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Aromatherapy and Essential Oils - Depression Rose Two drops of rose inhaled four times a day resulted in improved moods, sleeping patterns and leisure involvement. (Perry & Perry, 2006) Chamomile “In 22 healthy adults exposed to chamomile oil or placebo, chamomile significantly improved visual processing and subjective mood ratings” (Perry & Perry, 2006, p. 265). Citrus “The effect of citrus fragrance was compared with no fragrance (n = 12 and 8, respectively) in men with depression. The dose of antidepressant drugs was significantly reduced in the active treatment group” (Perry & Perry, 2006, p. 265). https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/sensory-bin-ideas-tips-and-tricks monthly 0.5 2024-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/66809892-e1d9-4e1f-b617-d54538176dce/image-asset.jpg Blog - Sensory Bin Ideas, Tips, and Tricks - Fine Motor Development Sensory bins also help prepare the hand muscles for fine motor tasks and activities. Placing the hand into a new, unpredictable sensory bin alerts the nervous system and prepares the hands for the use of the small muscles. Picking up the small items in the bin helps promote a pincer grasp (bringing the thumb and index finger together to hold an item). Picking up and sorting through the small items in the bin allows opportunities to practice in hand manipulations (the ability to move items from your fingers to your palm and vice versa). Feel free to demonstrate for your child or create a game seeing who can collect the most items using one hand while only picking up one thing at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1719771930428-B2BU1FWFL1EYENBOY1O9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Sensory Bin Ideas, Tips, and Tricks - Using large pieces to create a sensory bin is important for many reasons. The first being the reduced risk of choking. Choose the size of the items depending on the age of the child, for smaller children chose bigger items, for older kids, you can gradually reduce the size of the items. Consider things like dry elbow, bow tie, or ziti shaped pasta, large dry pinto beans or kidney beans. Consider adding in softer items like pom-poms or cotton balls. Be careful not to go too small of items like rice, lentil beans, or sand. These are hard to pick up, difficult to vacuum and tricky to sweep. Larger items are easy to see when they fall out and can be swept up easily. Better yet, encourage your kiddo to pick up the item to promote pincer grasp development and visual scanning skills to locate the items on the floor/surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/888f3c88-31bd-4234-a37c-04b0acbcfd84/image-asset.jpg Blog - Sensory Bin Ideas, Tips, and Tricks - Variety is Key Variety within the sensory bin is important, but so is variety between bins. Add in beads and string for a color element and a lacing activity if they’re interested. Try adding in random items from the house such as cotton balls, marbles or coins (depending on the age of the child). Add in toy cars or any miniature figurine toys they may have. A toy they have not played with in months could find a new purpose within the sensory bin. Consider experimenting with different wet or dry textures like cooked pasta or raw pasta. These water beads are a great sensory activity and these tapioca pearls can be substituted for younger sensory bin enthusiasts who may try mouth or eat the non-edible water beads. Try a completely natural bin with grass, flowers, soil, and rocks. Go on a scavenger hunt with your child to look for other nature items and add it in. If you have a sensory sensitive kiddo, try starting with bins that are dry and slowly working up to wet, sticky, or messy bins (think shaving cream, foaming soap, cooked pasta, or even pudding). Messy play is an important part of development and promoting it in small, comfortable doses can help improve the child’s sensory processing skills and tolerance of sensory experiences throughout life. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/its-not-exercise-its-my-sensory-diet monthly 0.5 2024-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/2f473dcd-5dee-42a8-9626-4adf0207d129/image-asset.jpg Blog - It’s Not Exercise, It’s My Sensory Diet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1714310779960-K9DLBQJIHXR22WE47IZ4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Exercise, It’s My Sensory Diet - First, let’s get the obvious out of the way. Exercise does not have to be specific cardio or strengthening activities like running, lifting weights, biking, or even walking. Exercise can be anything that gets the blood flowing and provides us with sensory input like gardening, mowing the lawn, or even general cleaning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1714328594672-FJ6QN54LSJFOO7YMP1IS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Exercise, It’s My Sensory Diet - Make it stand out Consider the sensory inputs that you enjoy. Is it proprioception? Try lifting weights, gardening, mowing the lawn. Proprioceptive input also includes body weight exercises such as push ups, planks, wall push ups, or yoga. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1ce8433f-0a0d-4b77-9b9f-4ffb7f113bbd/image-asset.jpg Blog - It’s Not Exercise, It’s My Sensory Diet - Do you enjoy vestibular input? Try activities that get your head moving such as sit ups, jumping jacks, running, walking, swimming, or biking to name a few. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/dc79cc81-63e1-43c4-a5e4-7a9348c0a1bb/image-asset.jpg Blog - It’s Not Exercise, It’s My Sensory Diet - Maybe deep pressure input is your favorite. Try floor based exercises like crunches, leg lifts, superman lifts, restorative yoga or regular yoga. You can include different equipment such as exercise balls, a bench, or a machine at the gym. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/f5dee5c6-be50-44dc-a908-489f25f93998/image-asset.jpg Blog - It’s Not Exercise, It’s My Sensory Diet - Include family members or friends or use it as a time to decompress alone. Have fun and try to find as much joy as possible in activities that provide the body with what it needs. If you’re a parent, consider inviting your children to participate with you while you exercise as appropriate for their abilities. Try giving them canned goods as weights. Demonstrate body weight exercises or yoga poses for them to try. Maybe even use them as your weights for appropriate exercises. They’ll benefit from the sensory input and may discover new sensory diet activities themselves. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/what-is-a-sensory-diet monthly 0.5 2024-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1708630624847-RLZMZGAMRGX8UOGWTRRE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What is a Sensory Diet? - The first step in building a unique sensory diet is to figure out the sensory inputs you enjoy. Consider all of the senses: taste, smell, sound, touch, sight, vestibular, and proprioceptive (refer to The Three Secret Senses to learn about proprioceptive and vestibular input.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/adbcfc6d-71ba-4c8b-a128-fcae0a218d1c/image-asset.jpg Blog - What is a Sensory Diet? - Providing children with sensory input (and often ourselves by participating) may be as simple as playing tag, setting up a brief obstacle course, playing in a sand box, or assisting with households chores. Anything repetitive that gets the body moving can have a regulating effect. Need to get a lot of energy out? Try getting silly and building a pillow tower and knocking it down. Getting the input in on a regular, predictable basis helps improve the regulating impact and overall sensory processing abilities of the individual. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1708636664621-M94LPMWR05BMC4SADPU8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What is a Sensory Diet? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/blog-post-title-two-8hl2g monthly 0.5 2024-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699747581500-Z64RJH7C3KU6KJDMYOAY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Alternatives to Typical Office and Classroom Seating - Did you know that the average person spends approximately 10 hours a day sitting? One way to decrease the amount of time spent sitting and improve on task attention, core strength, postural stability, and circulation is to incorporate flexible seating into the workspace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/998be11c-fa9d-443b-841b-be0e165fa575/Exercise+bands+for+feet.jpg Blog - Alternatives to Typical Office and Classroom Seating - Placing an exercise band or loop band around the legs of a table, chair, or desk gives the feet something to do to expel excess energy. Pressing the feet against the band provides regulating deep pressure and proprioceptive input to the feet while simultaneously working and stretching the leg muscles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699747673653-XU5BFYYX7ZZV3Z7T68ZU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Alternatives to Typical Office and Classroom Seating - Standing improves blood flow and allows weight shifting, fidgeting, and can alleviate pressure on the back. A standing desk with a stool or a desk with an adjustable height, allows for standing and sitting throughout the day as necessary. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/blog-post-title-four-ezs47 monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699749105102-XPMRV742EHI1HRBD6SMK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Three Secret Senses - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/442d98ed-5c3d-43a1-8ecb-bdea90f8b7fb/image-asset.jpg Blog - The Three Secret Senses - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699749458115-LEVBZX76YPMMLRQ6NH7C/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Three Secret Senses - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699749570956-76YL2GS0I27OV7Y5ZPTL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Three Secret Senses - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699749611629-HAAYWAD0SP5HVDQQ0LZG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Three Secret Senses - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-help-picky-eating monthly 0.5 2024-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/d0b10a38-2565-4f51-af94-5be6d128e06d/image-asset-serving+bowl.jpg Blog - Tips and Tricks to Help Picky Eating - Serving meals community style instead of assembling plates for an individual allows each person to pick what they want to eat as well as determine the desired amount. As a result, the individual may feel a sense of control, thus promoting their willingness to try new foods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699750968024-K55QTB41XU8ARCYB1AU3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tips and Tricks to Help Picky Eating - Interacting with new or non-preferred foods helps children learn the texture, temperature, smells, and even the flavor of the food in a low-pressure environment. Try to build houses with crackers, fruit, or vegetables. Place a non-preferred food in your mouth and see who can spit it into the garbage or sink. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/sensory-processing-disorder-and-coping-techniques monthly 0.5 2024-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/8a3d7e6a-2744-41e8-93bf-863b7aeed9bf/image-asset.jpg Blog - Sensory Processing Disorder and Coping Techniques Sensory processing disorder or SPD is when we are unable to adjust and cope with the sensory experiences in life. There is no test for SPD and it is not included in the DSM-5 nor is it considered a neurological condition. It is a broad term used to describe a condition in the perception of sensory input. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/sensory-processing-tips-for-adults monthly 0.5 2023-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1700414646348-5I251K2BBIXJNL8BWZJT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Sensory Processing Tips for Adults - Bring the outdoors to you Use diffusers with essential oils or body lotions with specific smells to get that regulating input. If you are always hot and need to be refreshed, try a rose or lavender based mist to spray over your face and body to get that calming effect without needing to go outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1700414890638-G0BSGBRK9ZQH9YESXM62/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Sensory Processing Tips for Adults - Vestibular input can be regulating for adults and children Swinging or rocking in a predictable rhythm can help the body relax and unwind or aid in focus on another activity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1700415165130-GA1LVARLQB71FCV9V3P3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Sensory Processing Tips for Adults - Having a hard time getting restful sleep? Try a white noise machine to drown out the excess noise or try apps like Calm or Headspace that provide different themes to choose from so you can listen to the noises you find most soothing. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/Blog Post Title One-xbk4g monthly 0.5 2023-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/2bfe20c5-fd8d-454d-9de7-db49c0eb3486/image-asset.jpg Blog - Fidget Toys to Improve Focus and Reduce Anxiety for Children and Adults - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/7ed6e6b4-4f32-47ef-b604-9534ec9846fb/image-asset.jpg Blog - Fidget Toys to Improve Focus and Reduce Anxiety for Children and Adults - Fidget Spinners These little spinning toys are anchored to a stable axis and can be spun with one hand, two hands, or set on a surface and spun. They provide tactile and visual stimulation and can calm or alert the body depending on the individual. There are endless varieties and styles, and they can double as a game spinner by drawing an arrow or using a sticker to become a pointer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/8803ffac-414e-4f3c-b508-bca7ecb52a7f/stock-photo-colorful-stress-fidget-push-pop.jpeg Blog - Fidget Toys to Improve Focus and Reduce Anxiety for Children and Adults And finally, for the person or family who wants to try a little bit of everything. This fidget toy variety pack contains many of the fidgets suggested on this blog, as well as a few other great ones like these marble sacks or this flippy chain. https://www.rochesterotservices.com/blog/blog-post-title-three-h2s9r monthly 0.5 2023-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/0515211e-135e-4fb9-b1d4-3ff2c70a32e8/unsplash-image-sleep-feet.jpg Blog - 5 Tips to Promote Improved Sleep Patterns and Quality for Children and Adults - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699748586532-71TRI5XOYWXD264S03Z6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 5 Tips to Promote Improved Sleep Patterns and Quality for Children and Adults - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/0151ed13-64f4-42b0-8e35-5689ac38cedc/unsplash-image-screns-sleep.jpg Blog - 5 Tips to Promote Improved Sleep Patterns and Quality for Children and Adults - Screens give off blue light that stimulates the brain and tricks the body into thinking that the sun is still out. Avoiding screens for 90-minutes before bedtime gives the body a chance to adjust and begin winding down. If screens are a big part of your relaxation before bed, consider dimming the screen or using nighttime screen features. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65249194db76083555cbbe4b/1699748702308-HTKGJ1O7JAQJ6HGNX4DE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 5 Tips to Promote Improved Sleep Patterns and Quality for Children and Adults - The act of drinking water, especially through a straw, provides soothing sensory input to the mouth to help it remain regulated. 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