I can’t stop talking and now writing about the Yogibo. We received the Yogibo Max (which practically the size of a twin bed) and the Yogi Support pillow (which is a giant U-shaped pillow much like a Boppy for adults). The Yogibo Max or Midi is a must have for autistic children. So what is it? The Yogibo is like a beanbag but it feels more comfortable because of the filling that is used. It reminds me more of memory foam then the typical bumpy bean bag feel. What is really great is that you can buy refill beads for the inside if they start to not be as foamy. So what do you use it for? We have used our Yogibo Max for many different things. 5. A squeeze/compression tool 6. A punching bag I had a bunch of families with children of all ages and with different neurology come over and test out the Yogibo. Every single child loved it! The adults loved the comfort the Yogi Support provided. They could lounge on the Yogibo Max with the Yogi Support wrapped around their back for the added support that most adults need without getting a neck cramp or backache.

My husband is often found using the Yogi Support on my daughter’s bed during nightly story time. We laid the Yogibo parallel to my daughter’s twinsize bed and I held the kids on the waist as I ‘flew’ them onto the Yogibo. They loved being able to crash and jump off the bed (with an adult present). We also stood the Yogibo upright and sat one child on top then shimmy the sides so they sunk down into it a little. My son affectionately calls it “sitting in his nest”. I assume because he is up high and all curled up. He loves the gentle encompassed feel. He often seeks deep pressure as part of meeting his sensory needs so the Yogibo has helped fulfill that need without him tearing apart my couch cushions. Download our FREE PDF of Review: Yogibo – Using Bean Bags for Sensory Soothing Click Here to Download The other mother’s and I noticed that the children sat still for longer periods of time and were able to focus longer while seated in the Yogibo. An Occupational Therapist I spoke with suggested that it was because the children felt secure as opposed to a regular chair where most of their body wasn’t supported since many autistic children have difficulties with knowing where their body is in space.

The moms were all commenting on how fantastic it would be if schools had Yogibo Midis or Minis, which are smaller versions of the Yogibo Max. The only complaint that the mothers’ had was that they couldn’t afford the large Yogibo Max at $229. However, if you compare the cost of crashpad (approximately $120 US dollars) and add the cost of a video rocker gaming seat ($30-$150) the Yogibo seems to give you plenty for your money. table and chair rentals greensboro ncI especially liked the feature of the zip slip cover. charles eames chair 3d modelSo I can unzip and wash the cover whenever needed. louis ghost chair dubai Click Here to Downloadlazy boy chair at costco

A child’s brain receives a steady stream of sensory information—from the smell of cookies baking to the feeling of shoes rubbing against her feet. Most kids can “tune out” or “filter” that information as needed. They can deal with unexpected sensations, such as a loud crash on the playground. But children with sensory processing issues may be oversensitive or undersensitive to the world around them. When the brain receives information, it gives meaning to even the smallest bits of information. antilop high chair assembly instructionsKeeping all that information organized and responding appropriately is challenging for them.cheap ikea poang chair All kids can be finicky or difficult at times. But children with sensory processing issues can be so emotionally sensitive that doing simple daily tasks is a constant challenge.

Certain fabrics or tags in clothing might irritate them. On the other end of the spectrum, they might have a high tolerance to pain and not realize when they’re in a dangerous situation. There’s growing awareness of sensory processing issues, but it’s still controversial in medical circles. It doesn’t appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the guide used by doctors and therapists to diagnose learning, behavior and attention disorders. Also, difficulty with sensory processing is not one of the 13 disabilities covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, children with symptoms may be eligible for special education services if they’re found to have another issue, such as a learning disability, that’s interfering with their educational progress. Back to the top There hasn’t been enough research into sensory processing issues to know how many kids have them. One small-scale study suggested that as many as five to 16 percent of school-age kids do.

But there’s no other research or evidence to back that up. There are no large-scale studies on sensory processing issues, so the causes aren’t known. But researchers are starting to use brain-imaging techniques to look into biological reasons. One recent study pointed to connections between certain areas of the brain that may affect how sensory information is processed. But there’s not enough scientific evidence to draw conclusions. Symptoms of sensory processing issues can range from mild to severe. Here are some common symptoms: Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitive (or oversensitive) children may have an extreme response to loud noises or notice sounds that others don’t. They may dislike being touched, even by adults they know. They may be fearful in crowds, reluctant to play on playground equipment or worried about their safety (being bumped into or falling)—even when there’s no real danger. Hyposensitivity: Hyposensitive (or undersensitive) children lack sensitivity to their surroundings.

They might have a high tolerance for or indifference to pain. They may be “sensory seeking,” meaning they have a constant need to touch people or things—even when it’s not appropriate. They may also have trouble with personal space or be clumsy and uncoordinated. They might be constantly on the move and take risks on the playground, accidentally harming other kids when playing. Some kids with sensory processing issues show signs of both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. They may react in one or both of the following ways: Extreme response to a change in environment: Kids may be fine in familiar settings but have a meltdown in a crowded, noisy store. These meltdowns can be scary for parents and kids, since children who are oversensitive might have trouble stopping once they get started. Fleeing from stimulation: Children who are undersensitive might run away from something that’s too stimulating. Or they might run toward something that will calm them down.

For example, they might zip across the playground toward a familiar teacher without paying attention to the other kids they’re jostling. Resistance to change and trouble focusing: It can be a struggle for kids with sensory processing issues to adjust to new surroundings and situations. It can take them a long time to settle into activities. They might feel stressed out when asked to stop what they’re doing and start something new. Problems with motor skills: Kids who are undersensitive to touch may avoid handling objects. This is a problem because playing with and manipulating objects is a crucial part of development—one that helps kids master other motor-related tasks like holding a pencil or buttoning clothes. They might appear clumsy due to poor body awareness. Lack of social skills: Oversensitive kids may feel anxious and irritable around other kids, making it hard to socialize. Undersensitive kids, on the other hand, may be too rough with others. Other kids might avoid them on the playground or exclude them from birthday parties.

Poor self-control: Children who feel anxious or overstimulated may have trouble controlling their impulses. They might run off suddenly or throw a noisy new toy to the side without playing with it. Start taking notes about the behaviors and symptoms you’re seeing in your child and when they occur. You might also ask your child’s teachers about behaviors and symptoms they’ve noticed at school. All this information will be helpful to the specialists who will evaluate your child. When you’re ready to consult with professionals, here are some good places to start: Talk to your child’s pediatrician. Explain your child’s symptoms, and share your notes. The doctor might recommend a comprehensive assessment. They may refer your child for screening by a specialist, either at her school or in a professional practice. Consult with the specialists. The evaluator might ask you to help fill in the blanks of your child’s development by sharing information about problem behaviors.

This may include when the behaviors started and when they tend to happen. If you have found ways to calm or balance your child’s sensitivity issues, be sure to mention this. The professionals evaluating your child will likely want to rule out two other disorders that have symptoms similar to those of sensory processing issues: ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Unlike sensory processing issues, these two disorders are listed in the DSM-5. ADHD: Kids with ADHD often show signs of sensory processing issues, but a child with sensory processing issues may not meet the criteria for having ADHD. Autism spectrum disorder: Most children with autism spectrum disorders have sensory processing issues, but not all kids with sensory processing issues show signs of autism spectrum disorder. Occupational therapy can help kids with sensory problems feel less overwhelmed and learn to cope with challenging situations. It may be available through your school district. You can also find occupational therapists in private practice.

Sensory processing issues aren’t recognized as a disability under IDEA. So having sensory processing issues alone does not qualify your child for special education services. However, if you and the school think your child needs special education services, the school may test her and identify her as having a similar issue that is covered by IDEA. This would allow her to have occupational therapy as part of her Individualized Education Program (IEP). Another option may be for your child to receive occupational therapy or other services under a 504 plan. These plans are less restrictive in the types of disabilities covered. Once your child has an IEP or 504 plan, you and the school will decide if certain accommodations and modifications will address her issues. If your child doesn't qualify for either an IEP or a 504 plan, the school may be willing to offer her informal supports. Learn as much as you can. Understanding the signs of sensory processing issues is a great first step.

You can also learn about treatment and therapies for sensory processing issues. Keep track of your child’s behavior issues. Knowing the patterns can help you anticipate tough situations for your child. Provide safe and appropriate outlets. Help your child learn what things are “safe” to touch. Provide places where she can go to feel safe yet included in play with peers or siblings. You can also coach her on ways to “escape” situations before things get out of hand. Use your knowledge to avoid sticky situations. For example, if noisy toys and machines cause your child anxiety, ask your other kids not to play with loud instruments and toys around her. And be mindful about firing up the lawnmower and running the vacuum cleaner. Looking for more tips? Explore a collection of ideas for helping kids with sensory processing issues at home. Get advice from our experts. Parenting Coach has a collection of manageable tips from our experts to deal with a variety of behavior concerns.