“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” the old saying goes. If your child happens to have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), that saying goes double for him or her. Playtime is crucial to stimulating the social, physical and mental development of children with...
As we now head into fall with winter right around the corner, many parents of children with SPD are beginning their seasonal struggle to dress their child for the cold weather. Many children with SPD experience sensory defensiveness, especially tactile defensiveness....
In our ever-growing attempts to provide resources and materials to professionals and parents, the Spiral Foundation has partnered with Amazon to bring you our NEW! A-Store. In our A-store/ Book Club you will find recommended reading for parents, professionals and...
Many people are already aware that our beloved friend and colleague, Dr. Jane A. Koomar, passed away this year on February 23, 2013 after a three year battle with breast cancer. Jane was the heart and soul of her private occupational therapy clinic, OTA The Koomar...
Many are understandably unsure of the relationship between Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and dyspraxia. Though I’ll try to clear the issue here, I admit, it’s complicated. First, the definition of “dyspraxia” is not always very clear and its...
The Disney World Resort in Orlando bills itself as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” But if your child has difficulty with loud noises, crowds, lights and the physical sensations associated with amusement park rides, is there still magic to be found at one of...
Being the parent of a child with special sensory needs, I found the holidays could be particularly challenging. A time that I looked forward to sharing family traditions with my son became a source of worry instead: would he act up? Would other family members...
Gifts for kids with special sensory and motor needs purchased from a specialty retailer can be expensive. But sensory-beneficial playthings need not be “clinical-strength” equipment. Here are a few gift ideas–including several that can be made at...
