Sensory Diet: Is It Important for the Child?

This will help the child with sensory difficulties to perform better in the environments in which they interact.

A sensory diet is not a diet, but an individualized program of activities or environmental modifications that help the child with sensory difficulties to perform better in the environments in which they interact: at home, at school, in the park, in the supermarket, thus allowing its finality and participation.

To understand better: a sensory diet is another tool in the child's treatment, composed of activities and environmental modifications to keep the nervous system organized and calm in the daily routines of the child.

Activities or modifications within sensory diets may include:

• Adequate alert level. Activities that help the child by introducing reassuring activities to help him if he’s very hyperactive or offering stimulating activities if the level of the alert is low.

• Stimuli. Supports so that the child learns to recognize his own level of alertness and is able to self-regulate. Visual strategies are a great strategy to use together with these.

• Sensory breaks. Times in which the child can rest or stop to self-regulate.

• Sensory shelter. Place where the child can go and calm down when he has received a lot of stimulation and showed signs of overload.

How to make a sensory diet?

The occupational therapist, the other professionals, and the family have to form a team to determine together the possible adaptations to be made. On the other hand, it’s not about filling the child's routine with activities, but about analyzing the child, its context and from there using the available tools to improve their autonomy. Registering the adaptations we make will be a good idea, as it will help us to verify its effectiveness. If after a few days we don’t see the expected results, we will decide if it’s necessary to change the strategy.

Why use a sensory diet?

Sensory diets aim to help the child to be in the best disposition to face the different routines of his day to day, to improve his attention, learning and to be self-regulated.

The sensory diet provides the child with opportunities to receive the sensory stimuli he needs in his daily basis.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

Children and humor: how can you reach your child with a laugh

Neuroatypical children can enjoy a good laugh too.

Playing with our children, approaching them, and laughing with them helps us to strengthen the parent-child relationship and discover aspects that we would never have imagined. Practicing laughter therapy is a good way to communicate, it’s also simple and has many benefits.

When we perform a session of laughter therapy, we experience a strong dose of endorphins that relax the muscles and even help us to leave shyness behind.

Endorphins

Endorphins are substances that our body produces naturally and that provides a well-being sensation. The production of endorphins isn’t continuous, you have to stimulate it; so doing a couple of laugh therapy sessions is a good idea.

Lately, with these busy lifestyles, we forget to share time with the family, to make time to play with them. Sometimes we should disconnect our children from the internet, from those electronic games, and from television; we should encourage them to spend more time with the family, to talk, to play games, to communicate.

Organize a family laugh therapy session

Invite grandparents, uncles, cousins. The more participants, more fun!

-Start making a nice invitation created by yourself.

-Condition any room in the house, clear of any objects, a free area.

-Use comfortable, light clothes, in which you can be able to jump to the ground freely and have the time of your life no worrying about spoiling it.

Laughter therapy session

"Crazy face, crazy laugh."

Play games like inventing a character and change each participant’s personality. Introduce yourself and then start with the game round.

Everyone can be placed in a circle, and the one who starts the game shows to the one on his right the craziest face that comes to mind, and this one next door and so on. One by one will make your face crazier and, believe us, the laughter is assured.

Benefits

At the end of the session of laughter therapy, we will be seized by an enormous sense of peace, affection, and relaxation in our family. Adults are children once again, and the kids show themselves as they are, without any embarrassment. The results are amazing.

The power of laughter therapy can achieve wonders for these children.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

Everything You Need To Know About Occupational Therapy: Is It the Best Treatment For Autism?

Occupational therapy is a very useful and successful treatment.

Every day we perform different activities and occupations, small things like walking the dog, gardening or even driving and working. These occupations are part of life. When we’re unable to participate in our daily occupations, due to illness, disabilities, injuries, or environmental or social circumstances, occupational therapy is the best treatment to help us find a solution to those important activities in our daily life. OT also helps prevent illness or any disability and improves the way people participate in communities.

Occupational therapy is a treatment designed to help people reach total control of all areas of their lives. OT takes care of developing and recovering certain aspects that may be missing. The treatment in children is usually very loose and with minimum assignments because their main duty is to learn and play.

How do occupational therapists help?

Occupational therapists have good knowledge of sensory processing, fine/gross motor skills development, emotional and behavioral regulation to support learning and participation. Occupational therapists are highly educated and experienced so they can share a comprehensive and valuable perspective in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. They evaluate and provide both direct treatment and consultation to families, educators, and caregivers, in physical, psychological, social-emotional health in all environments of a person with Autism. In addition, occupational therapists provide support to families through education, consultation, and assistance.

What do occupational therapists do?

• Provide appropriate developmental goals relating all important aspects such as motor skills, self-care, attention or social interactions
• Help patients achieve a total level of independence and well-being, always considering their personal interests, goals, and motivation.
• Create plans to encourage participation of the person according to his daily routines.
• Support all kinds of participation and learning process in any of the sensory processing, fine/gross motor skills development, emotional, and behavioral regulation fields.
• Recommend improvement or modifications of activities and environment to help people with ASD participate in any circumstance.
• Support the patients and their families through education, consultation, and assistance.
• Educate and help their patients develop intimate relationships through education about this topic.
• Contribute to professionals such as educators, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, etc.

Where do occupational therapists work?

Occupational therapy usually takes place in the patient’s home, hospital, care facility, community support service, etc. Occupational therapists work with health care and other professionals, also with organizations, such as government, care providers, and community agencies to develop resources and programs.

Since occupational therapy covers sensory processing, fine/gross motor skills development, emotional and behavioral regulation to support learning and participation, it’s considered a very suitable treatment for Autism.

To know more about other treatments or topics in general about Autism, stay tuned to our blog and our social media.

OT is a great tool to help children and adults with ASD transform their lives and achieve the right level of independence to live to the fullest.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

These are the most popular therapies for autism recommended by parents

Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy have been very effective, reported by parents.

Being a parent carries great responsibility because they are always looking for the best ways to protect and take care of their children. Every parent of a child with autism has always been concerned about whether they're doing a good job, and even with their child's therapies, parents still want the best. Thanks to Autism Speaks, we can share these popular therapies for autism recommended by parents.

Since there are a lot of treatments, to get to these recommendations, parents look to doctors and specialists for approval, and even other parents with kids like theirs to get different opinions.

After asking a lot of parents, the final thoughts are that Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy have been the most effective.

What therapies for autism are recommended by parents?

1. Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational Therapy is a treatment designed to help people reach total control of all areas of their lives. OT takes care of developing and recovering certain aspects that may be missing. The treatment in children is usually very loose and with minimum assignments because their main duty is to learn and play. 

2.Speech Therapy (SP)

In speech-language therapy, a specialist will work with a child one-on-one. Therapists use a variety of strategies in this treatment, including:

• Oral-motor/feeding and swallowing therapy: This is centered on helping the child with the feeding and swallowing process. The therapist uses different oral exercises such as facial massages and different tongue, lip, and jaw exercises to stimulate the muscles of the mouth, using different food textures and temperatures to improve and reinforce eating, drinking, and swallowing.
• Articulation therapy: In this treatment, the therapist focuses on articulation exercises to enhance the correct way of pronouncing words and syllables working with fun activities for kids.
• Language intervention activities: The therapist will use objects such as books, pictures, games and sometimes talking to interact and stimulate language development in the child.

3. Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, analyzes the behavior of the child and according to the results, proceeds to improve communication, self-care, and other skills that need reinforcement.

4. Social Skills Classes

Social skills classes are meant to promote the child's ability to engage and “tune in” with others by paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, eye gaze, and tone of voice. Different social skills are developed depending on the age of the child.

Early learners understand simple requests, questions, and comments, and develop a nurturing bond with caregivers, also improve their ability to engage with others. Older children answer more complex questions, talk and learn within a group and engage in positive interactions.

5. Hippotherapy (OT through horseback riding)

Hippotherapy is an occupational, physical, speech and language therapy treatment that uses equine movement. Riding is taught in a careful and supportive environment. There are certified instructors who lead all classes, and trained volunteers to ensure everyone’s safety.

-Hippotherapy, or equine-assisted occupational therapy, can be therapeutic for many children with sensory processing disorders.-

6. Gluten/Casein-Free Diet (GFCF Diet)

Gluten is found in products that contain wheat such as bread and other bakery goods, but also in a wide variety of other food products and Casein is a protein mostly associated with dairy products such as milk.

GFCF Diet is related to autism because if a person is having a reaction to these products, it may cause an inflammation that can damage the lining of the intestine and absorb molecules that normally are not absorbed by healthy intestines. These molecules or the inflammation can cause problems such as anxiety, mental difficulties and perhaps worsen the behavioral symptoms of autism due to interaction with the brain.

7. Psychiatrist/Psychologist sessions

Psychiatrist/Psychologist sessions are suggested for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder because they have a higher rate of psychiatric disorders than the general population. Due that Autism shares a genetic basis with several major psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and ADHD, these sessions are highly recommended.

8. (5-way tie): Floor Time, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECs), Swimming, and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)

Floortime allows an adult to help a child expand his circles of communication by meeting him at his level of development and building on his strengths. This treatment is often incorporated into play activities – on the floor; the goal is to help the child reach six developmental goals that contribute to emotional and intellectual growth.

Relationship Development Intervention is a program that has an approach dedicated to teaching new skills and improving motivation, all based on the child's level of development and interaction.

In PECS the child with autism will be able to initiate communication by handing out picture cards related to what he or she is thinking about. It could be a picture of food which means the child is hungry or an object which could mean that the child wants to engage an action regarding the object in the matter. Colorful images, pictures cut out from magazines, actual photos or even drawings can be used when using this system.

Swimming or Aquatic Therapy helps with autisms motor functions and sensory issues. A few ways aquatic therapy can help Autism Spectrum Disorder are:

• Better Oral Motor Skills. Some kids with ASD struggle with certain things like blowing out candles on a cake or sipping through a straw. But Aquatic therapy includes activities like blowing bubbles in water or blowing a ball across the water so that children can develop stronger oral motor skills.
• Help with Sensory Issues. Water has a calming effect, and some therapies include activities designed to help sensory issues.
• Better Swimmers. This therapy helps children become comfortable when the time to learn to swim arrives. Since water is a very delicate environment for children with ASD, the positive aspect is that the child will develop crucial skills for their adult life.

Pivotal Response Treatment, or PRT, is a behavioral intervention based on the principles of ABA. PRT is used to teach language, increase social, communication, and academic skills, and to decrease disruptive or self-stimulatory behaviors. The goal of PRT is to produce positive changes in the standard actions, leading to improvement in communication and play skills, social practices and the child’s ability to monitor his or her behavior. The child plays an essential part in determining the activities and objects that will be used.

The majority of parents choose occupational therapy since it is in charge of improving all the important aspects for the development of the child, such as motor skill development and social interaction, in a very generalized way but at the same time adapting to the needs of the child.

If a therapy isn’t mentioned on this list, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work. In order to start any of these treatments, the best option is to call a professional. This article only shares the opinion of therapies recommended by a significant amount of parents, because they brought the best results to their children. Every child is different, that’s why every treatment should be adapted to them; there’s no “perfect treatment”. In addition to the ones we have mentioned, remember that sports are an excellent alternative for your child to develop in a safe environment. If you’re in Miami, Autism Soccer is the best alternative for your child!

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

Benefits of a pet for autistic children, what kind of pet works for them?

Pets can benefit families with autistic children.

There’s no right or wrong when we talk about treatments for Autism Disorder. Nowadays, there are great innovations in studies about autism treatments, and we know that there are some regular effective treatments such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), but besides this one, another new approaches for Autism that might involve a furry friend. It’s been proven that having a pet can actually provide benefits for autistic children.

What benefits can a pet bring to an autistic child?

Interacting with a pet benefits many children with autism; however, parents must consider very carefully which pet works the best. Choose one that will help in the development and improvement of the child’s relationship with his environment.

Here are some reasons why “pet therapy” is a good idea for children with autism:

1. Pets help autistic children communicate and interact. Having a pet can help the child develop a sense of responsibility which allows them to improve their communication and interaction with others. For example, by training the pet, teaching it how to sit, or fetching a ball, the child will be developing a type of communication. Having a pet can help children with autism to create a unique bond that may become a powerful friendship.
2. Pets are always there for the autistic child anytime and anywhere. Due to the unique bond that the pet can share with the kid, the pet develops a strong relationship; it is unconditionally available for the child.
3. Pets can teach the act of responsibility to your autistic child. With simple actions such as feeding or bathing, and playing with the pet, those duties slowly transform the kids into accountable beings and prepare them for more significant responsibilities.
4. Pets can help the autistic child develop self-dependence and accountability when it comes to caring for their pet. Having a pet comes with some responsibilities due to the fact that they require special attention to fulfill their needs. Children with autism can develop a sense of self-dependence and feel responsible because most of the time they are taking care of the pet’s needs.
5. Pets help not only the kid but also his family. Having a pet can help parents calm down and feel less stressed when they see their child communicating or interacting, and actively developing positive features thanks to their furry friend.

From a lot of treatments for autistic children, the most effective may be adopting a pet.

What kind of pet works best?

Depending on the atmosphere in which the child grows, there’s a variety of animals to choose as a pet: dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, horses, and even dolphins. Dogs are particularly the best pets to choose since they tend to be very devoted when showing affection and are constantly looking for attention and company.

When choosing a pet, first of all, parents need to make sure that a pet is the right therapy tool for the child. In addition, there must be a healthy environment for the child and the pet to develop and interact. Always research to confirm that having a pet is a good idea, remember it is not a toy, but a new responsibility.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

Exercises to Reduce Anxiety You Can Try with Your Kids

Be there to give them your support.

Raising a child with an intellectual disability can always prove to be a real challenge. It’s also an experience full of love and self-knowledge. You’ll study psychology without even realizing it, and you’ll explore parts of the human psyche that might not even have interested you if the circumstances were different. Most of the time, you’ll have to help your son or daughter to overcome their anxiety, if they suffer from it. It might be worrisome, but you need to remember that anxiety is a natural mechanism and that we all feel it from time to time.

However, children under the autism spectrum disorder are likely to experience it more intensely than other kids, to the point that it can interfere with their development. The world might seem like a very confusing and overwhelming place for children on the spectrum, and this can easily trigger their anxiety. On top of that, they usually have problems understanding social cues, so interactions with others can result in unpredictable scenarios that could also be added to the confusion.

How to tell if your child is suffering from anxiety?

Autistic children have problems communicating what they’re feeling, so learning if they’re feeling anxious, might not be as easy as asking them. Some clues might tell you just what you need to know though. If he or she is anxious, they might:

• Insist even more on routine and sameness.
• Have more trouble sleeping.
• Have meltdowns or temper tantrums.
• Avoid or withdraw from social situations.
• Rely more on obsessions and rituals, like lining up or spinning objects.
• Stim by rocking, spinning or flapping hands.
• Do things to hurt him or herself, like head-banging, scratching skin or hand-biting.

How can you help your child?

Getting rid of the things that cause us anxiety, whether we suffer from an intellectual impairment or not, is impossible. Life is full of things that can stress us out. What we can do is learn how to deal with our emotions in a healthier way. That’s precisely what you want for your kids as well. That’s what your goal should be when you try to help them.

However, one of the first things you can do is understand what’s causing their anxiety. If you know what types of situation can trigger a negative response in your child, you can prepare for them and rehearse them before they happen in a safe environment, so they can start coping properly. Some of these techniques can also prove to be useful:

• Counting slowly to 10.
• Taking five deep breaths.
• Running around the yard five times.
• Doing 50 jumps on the trampoline.
• Looking at a collection of favorite or special things.
• Reading a favorite book.
• Closing eyes for a few moments.
• Going to a quiet part of the house.

You should always rely on your child’s therapist to find the best techniques and strategies to deal with your child’s anxiety. Some will work better than others, and every kid is different, so don’t be discouraged if things don’t appear to be working the first time. Remember, with patience and love, even the biggest of challenges aren’t so intimidating.

Try these tips.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

1480 NE 131 St Unit 103. MiamI Fl 33161

Autismsoccer.org