OT Shelley

Missed a lot of printing practice this year? Try out this book to learn or review formations in a way that makes sense. https://www.missjaimeot.com/product/letter-groups-workbook/

One of my favourite vidoes from the summer on sensory experiences

A family recently asked me about hairwashing, as it has become a bit of a stressful oredeal for both the sensory sensitive child and the frustrated caregiver. SO here are some HANDY HAIRWASHING TIPS: (sourced from Innovaid) Follow a predictable routine: Whether the predictable bathing steps are listed mentally or on a sheet, a chart of words or images, visually followed or manually checked off as you go through the steps, this helps make the process concrete. There are many ...different completed charts available to you. Type ‘autism bath routines’ into the search bar to get several options. Sense of control: For some, predictability is the most important thing. For others, it’s feeling a sense of control of what comes next (shampoo my hair at the beginning to get it over with OR shampoo at the end so my wet head isn’t cold during the bath). Know which style works best for your lil' tubber. Also maybe give them a cup of water or let them play with suds in their own hair, making spikes etc...they can help! Prepare the child: List the unpleasant parts, starting with the worst one, and work to reduce the unpleasantness: ie With no preparation discussion, the child thinks he is going to get soap in his eyes and does what comes naturally when fearful create a ball of protection, bringing head forwardhead forward and the water rushes down the face. Perhaps a natural move but counterproductive. Strategies: You can use goggles, face shields, or facecloths to protect the eyes. You can also work on the child looking upwards. This can cause problems for children vestibular problems. Before wetting the hair, practice how far back the child can safely tip their head. Ask the child what’s the highest point on the wall they can see, then place a sticker or post-it note there (remove afterward. Some post-its will transfer colour when wet). Then, have the child look there and count. Count out 3-5 deep breaths. If the child is able, ask them to expand the belly outwards, then expand the ribcage sideways with each inhalation. In addition to being a distraction, it’ll also engage the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest, relax and heal system). Do you have more suggestions? Please share!

My very first attempt at recording a guided meditation, which I made up on my beach walk this morning. (The ending was circumstantial oops)