Kids with sensory processing disorder often are anxious because of their sensory processing differences—and their SPD can worsen any anxiety they already have. That’s because they are constantly working to make sense of the signals they’re getting from their environment (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, tactile sensations) and from inside their bodies (vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses of movement, body awareness of muscles and body parts, body awareness of

Kids with sensory issues can quickly become overwhelmed at school, which is a very stimulating place where many demands are placed on them. In a new environment—new school or new classroom—they can struggle to manage their fears and discomfort and take more time to acclimate than you would hope. Their anxiety might soar as they think about all the things that could make them uncomfortable in the classroom, the lunchroom, the playground, and so on. Here are seven ways to help

Whatever our personal qualities are, whether we see them as positive, negative, or neutral, they can lead us to our passions and purpose. As a parent of a child who is clearly different from the rest, how can you support him or her in feeling good about those differences? My "different" and quirky son once said to me, "Mom, everyone's different and everyone's the same. It just depends on how you want to look at it." Why not choose to see the positives and the strengths instea

Need a quick technique to help your child ease her anxiety? Teach her these simple breathing techniques and practice them together. Then, when she’s starting to get upset or anxious, you can cue her to do a “balloon breath” or “Darth Vader breathing (you may need to take a calming breath, too!). Balloon breath. Open your mouth and draw in as big a breath as possible, filling your lungs. Close your mouth and hold the breath for a count of five seconds. Exhale all at once and r

Because of what I’ve experienced in my personal and professional life as a writer and editor specializing in psychology books, I’ve learned an enormous amount about anxiety, depression, and coping. My teachers have been parents of children with autism and sensory issues, licensed clinical psychologists, alternative health doctors and innovators in integrative medicine, spiritual leaders, and regular people who have overcome anxiety and depression and are eager to share practi

Being different can be hard but it can also be wonderful. Everyone is unique, and whatever our unique qualities are, they can lead us to our passions and purpose. As a parent of a child who is clearly different from the rest, how can you support him or her in feeling good about those differences? My "different" and quirky son once said to me, "Mom, everyone's different and everyone's the same. It just depends on how you want to look at it." Why not choose to see the positives

Does your son or daughter have orthodontia or need braces? Sensitivities around the mouth combined with atypical sensory processing can make any sort of dental or orthodontic procedure difficult or problematic for the child or adolescent with sensory processing issues. Anxiety is a big factor, too. First and foremost, decide whether braces are necessary at this point. For example, orthodontists say that if a child has to have her palate widened, making that happen while the b