GriffinOT provides resources and information on Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) for parents and teachers. In addition to our online SPD training packages, our website includes a number other posts that you may find helpful. These include information on SPD and reviews of equipment and strategies that are recommended for children with sensory issues.
Help! Why is my Child Chewing on Clothing and Other Things?
When a parent or teacher sees their child chewing on clothing or other items it can cause alarm. It may be seen as a red flag for other sensory issues such as sensory processing [...]
Why is my Child Still Putting Things in Their Mouth? A Post on Oral Sensory Seeking.
Oral sensory seeking is a normal behaviour in babies and infants. They use sucking to help to calm and self soothe. This self-soothing can also be called self-regulation. It is why dummies or pacifiers [...]
The Mystery of Heavy Work
Recently I was at an autism training day and the presenter asked, ‘Have you heard of heavy work?’ There were about 200 people in the audience and most of them put their hand up. [...]
Is my child dyspraxic?
The term 'dyspraxic' originates from the latin ‘dus’ ‘praxis’ meaning difficulty with action. It is used to describe the sensory processing difficulty children and adults have when they struggle to plan and organise their [...]
Dyspraxia Myths Explained – It’s not just being clumsy!
Dyspraxia is a term used to describe the sensory processing difficulty children and adults have when they struggle to plan and organise their movements. The term is commonly used to describe anyone who is [...]
Auditory Sensitivity: 3 Things You Should Know
People with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) report auditory sensitivity or hypersensitivity to sound. Children and adults with autism or Asperger’s also frequently report sound sensitivity. The medical term for sound sensitivity is 'hyperacusis'. Occupational therapists sometimes [...]
Sensory Processing and the Hearing Sense
Our hearing sense, or auditory sense, is a sense everyone has typically heard of. It responds to noises in the environment. These noises, or sound waves, travel through our ear to the brain. The [...]
What is Tactile Defensiveness, or touch sensitivity?
A commonly reported sensory issue for children or adults with sensory processing disorder is touch sensitivity. Sensory integration trained occupational therapists would usually call this tactile sensory issue 'tactile defensiveness.' Sometimes they may use [...]
Everything you Need to Know About the Touch Sense
Our touch sense, or tactile sense, is a sense that most people are familiar with. It is one of the five senses you would have been taught about in school. The touch sense responds [...]
It is a Sensory Issue? Common Signs of Sensory Issues in Children.
This post defines and describes some common signs of sensory issues. You might see the behaviours if your child has Sensory Processing Disorder. It also provides 3 checklists on sensory processing symptoms: SPD [...]
Sensory Seating – Tips for Choosing Sensory Cushions and Sensory Chairs
Occupational therapists sometimes suggest sensory seating for children who are constantly fidgeting in their seat. There is a wide variety of different types of alternate seating on the market these days. Wobble cushions, also [...]
Let’s talk about Proprioception – our hidden sixth sense!
So what is proprioception? Proprioception is often called our hidden sixth sense. The cells of our body that sense proprioception are called proprioceptors. These are located in our muscles and joints and they process [...]
Vestibular System
The vestibular system is often called our balance sense. The system itself is located in the part of our inner ear called the vestibule, this is how it gets its name. The vestibule [...]
Ten Tips for Using Wobble Cushions in the Classroom for 2019
You will often see wobble cushions or sensory cushions in classrooms at school. One example is the sensory wedge-shaped cushion called a Move n Sit cushion. Another is the circular version called a Disc-o-Sit. [...]
Top Five Tips for Choosing Fidget Toys at Home and School
Sensory fidget toys (also known as sensory fiddle toys) are commonly recommended by occupational therapists or tried out by teachers for children who are constantly fiddling at their desk. For some children, a fiddle [...]
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