Thalamus as Conductor

Two recent studies indicate that the thalamus is “heavily involved in sensory processing”. The researchers found that not only does the thalamus play a role in sending auditory, visual and touch information to the cortex but it is also important in the actual sensory processing of this information. Using a special imaging technique, a pathway […]

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WINNERS!

Drumroll please……. Using random.org, the winners of the Holiday SoftTM tagless, seamless, t-shirts were selected. The lucky five are: Hutch71GP Asperger GroupMelanieJeniferBrenda. Please email us at contactus@yourtherapysource.com with your mailing address, t-shirt size and color. View sizing and colors. If you can provide them to us by 12/9/09 the t-shirts will be at your home […]

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Visual Supports during Therapy Sessions

It is well known that children with autism and certain other disabilities benefit greatly from the use of visual supports throughout the day. Visual supports can be pictures, objects, written words, body language and cues. Some children use visual supports as a primary means of communication in the classroom and home. If this is a […]

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Sensory Motor Countdown to the Holidays

Here is a twist on the usual countdown to the holidays. This calender for December includes gross motor and fine motor activities for each day leading up to the holiday season. You can get a printable version at Your Therapy Source. Print it out and give to parents or hang up in your home to […]

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Holiday Soft Tee Giveaway!

We are sponsoring a holiday Soft® Tee giveaway of 5 seamless, tagless, soft cotton tees! Created by a Mom and special educator, Soft® is the first line of inclusive clothing designed with the needs of all children in mind, including those with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and tactile defensiveness. They use flat seaming and […]

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Can’t Seem Forget that Smell – Good or Bad

A recent study published in Current Biology reports on the sense of smell and memory. In the study the researchers noted that people remembered unpleasant smells the best. Associations of objects and good or bad smells made an imprint on the brain. This only occurred with smells and not sounds. In addition, functional MRI scans […]

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Fine Motor Activity Idea – Clay Imprints

Here is a simple, fun activity that encourages muscle strengthening in the hands and fingers, fine motor skill development, visual perceptual skill development, tactile and proprioceptive input. All you need is clay, small objects and a tray. Want to take this activity outdoors? Take a nature walk and collect small, tactile natural items. Make clay […]

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Hot, hot, hot! Water obstacle course

Here is an example of a water obstacle course that you can create with your client or child. Therapy does not get any more fun than this. This activity encourages gross motor skills, muscle strengthening, eye hand coordination, trunk rotation, crossing midline, balance and motor planning. Whew! That is a lot of developmental play with […]

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Sensory Responses, Anxiety and ADHD

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on the relationship between ADHD, sensory overresponsivity and anxiety. Forty eight children in total were studied with and without ADHD. The children were assessed using the Sensory Over-Responsivity Inventory and the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). Results indicated that the children who had ADHD and sensory […]