Our bodies have an intrinsic ability to sense and position themselves in space, called proprioception. A set of sensory receptors in our joints and muscles shape the proprioceptive system, responsible for building full-body awareness. There are simple tests you can do to try this out, like stretching your arms out in front of you, eyes
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
As with much of the wealth of knowledge we have about children with autism, their sensitivity to sound has not been fully explained. Yet we do know that it is one of the most common symptoms. Sensory sensitivity is common in itself but an overreaction to sound in particular is often the most obvious and
in Sensory Solutions by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
A sensory gym is a room that is completely dedicated to sensory play. Sensory gyms normally include equipment that is designed to provide vestibular and proprioceptive input. Some of the elements include therapy balls, trampolines, swings, and more. When you give your autistic child access to a sensory gym, you will find that they gain
in Sensory Solutions by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
My three-year-old boy (newly diagnosed with high functioning ASD) has to go for his yearly bloodwork (he has to have his liver enzymes and vitamin D monitored regularly). He’s newly terrified of doctors (inconsolable at the pediatrician), and I can’t wrap my head around how I’m going to get him to cooperate this time—he was
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
What is Fecal Smearing? Imagine walking into your children’s room late at night to check on them sleeping, only to find them smearing poop all over themselves or their room! Some children who play with poop also do so in front of other people or while away from home at school or visiting family members.
in Potty Training by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
I have a clothing issue with my little one. Since Christmas, she has been wearing Peppa Pig shirts and dolphin shorts only. Her school requires her to wear a uniform, and I can’t get her to wear it. Has anyone experienced this with their child? Her therapist said it’s not sensory as the shirts she
in Sensory Solutions by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
My six-year-old son won’t sleep in his own bed, so we have been letting him sleep with us. How can we work on moving him back to his own room? He has sensory issues and always wants to be near me. —Jenny Dear Jenny, This issue of children with sensory issues not being able to
in Sleep Solutions by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
Question: I have a nine-year-old who is not using the toilet to open his bowels. He can take himself to the toilet to urinate but is having constipation issues. He has been on a laxative for three weeks, and the continence nurse has encouraged us to put him back in nappies during this time. .
in Potty Training by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
Is it better to let a child with autism flap his hands or should you stop it?– Jane Dear Jane, This a good question an one I’ve been asked many times about as an occupational therapist because many people consider it to be “self-stimming” and “sensory” in nature. This is possible, but as with any
in Autism Solutions by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
Headbanging may be a scary and upsetting thing to watch your child do. It is considered a self-injurious behavior (SIB), but SIB’s and/or headbanging are NOT considered a core symptom of autism, although children with autism are at greater risk of SIB’s such as head-banging. It is also important to note that just because your
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
My grandson has mild autism and is doing well after going to therapy. But I wanted to know, do we have to shout at the child and scold him when doesn’t follow our instructions? His doctor said if he is not scolded he will not be corrected. Is it true? Sometimes I feel so sad
in Autism Solutions by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
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