Like we said in the "About Us," there are no words. You love your star so much and obviously want the world for them. As parents we always want to see the best and celebrate every milestone whether they are easy or a struggle. We were sad, but also a little relieved. A star that carries a diangosis can gain services that a star without a diagnosis can not. We at least were comforted knowing that there was a path (rocky at times), but next steps and things we could now do to help our star shine bright.

We get up just like you and do not place any expectations on our star. Things they did said or even ate yesterday or the day before might not be todays story. It only will increase frustration for your star and yourself if you force repetition. Sometime a star needs to shine in their own direction. We have a climbing star so we are constantly pulling him down from surfaces. Mostimes we watch the same show on TV on repeat. Sometimes a show we have watched for weeks is the worst show to put on. Rarely can we integrate something new. Everyday we work with a team of therapists to help our star shine. We clean up constantly. A messy untiddy or unorganized area can increase sensory overload and make for a cranky star. Somedays I vaccuum 3 times a day. We set up foods that are easy for our star to eat and we practice sitting for meals and eating with a utensil. (See the recommendations page for what we use) Most of the time food is launched all over the floor. But we keep trying. We wind down the night with pajamas, bottle and LaLechuza from Plim Plim. Although Spanish is not the primary language of our house our lttle star could not go to bed without this time. We take blankie and star to sleep, and put on relaxing piano only music All thoughout the day we practive love and acceptance. We reward for positive behavior and give extra chances if behavior is not optimum. We clean up again get ready to start a new day!!

This is a question that we are asked all the time. Sensory toys are specialized toys that provide the particular sensory input that many special stars on the spectrum crave. Whether the star has Autism or Sensory Processing Disorder there needs can be simalr or different. These toys usually at minimum suit the needs of visual or tactile, the toys have the power to capture our stars' attention, i ways "other toys" can not. I have heard several times from other parents and my therapists, "your child doesn't know how to play with toys." These specialized toys can encourage actual and correct play skills. Finding the right sensory toys can promote play, leaning, compansionship and be used in therapies for positive reinforment. Sometimes finding the right toys to spark interest is hard that is why at The Learning Star, we make a lot of our own toys. We have found that this has helped our star a lot. He is kinda our VP of product Developement, and Quality Control. Sometimes finding the right toys to spark interest is hard, our lead developer (our lottle star) has the insights on what toys are the best for someone on this jouney. They are all made with lots of love and a litte star dust. Check out our Etsy store Cosmic Calmers and help you start shine bright.

Sensory toys are specialy designed to stimulate your stars' 7 senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, body movement and body awareness. The right toys include attributes such as bright visual patterns or colors, contrasting colors, sounds, different textures different height and weight. These toys are meant to help your special star develop all of their senses using play and maybe even learning to have fun.

Therapy is as hard or easy as you make it, and by you we mean your team. There will be at any point one to several therapists helping you and your star shine. Having an open and honest relationship with them is key. Make sure you help them with the goals outlined in the IEP or EIP and they will help you with yours. Sometimes this requires a lot of work on your behalf such as but having done this it is totally worth it. In-home therapy: Stay organized and post a schedule that way it is visible in the house for all to see. Make sure your child is napped (as best as you can), fed, clean and has a new diaper so you dont have to interupt. Make sure you have a good reinforcer and a drink ready for the session. Make sure you have the right toys to facilitate what the goals are for the session. Make sure you have the right learning aids. Being incredibly honest about what is working and not working. (If they are good therapists they have heard it all, and by being honest it shouldnt hurt their feelings) Making sure the play area is clean and organized. Once you feel comfortable, give them their space so they can learn and help your star. At school therapy: Give the school a printed schedule of therapy so they can stay organized. Ask for a report of what was covered in the session. Ask the school to make sure your child is napped (as best as they can), fed, clean and has a new diaper so you dont have to interupt. Make sure all data tables (if data is taken) are available in a resonable amount of time. Make sure you have a good reinforcer and a drink ready for the session. Ask the school to keep a behavior report to show behavior before therapy and beharvior after therapy? These are just a few things we do to help and keep our star moving forward on their journey.

Tantrums A star may have a tantrum when he is trying to get something. A youngster might lash out when he does not get to play a game, for example, or may yell and scream when he wants attention. While his behavior seems inappropriate, a star has a tantrum for a reason and he has some control over it. He might stop long enough to make sure someone is watching then resume his tantrum once he is the center of attention. Tantrums typically stop when the star gets what he wants or realizes that he will not succeed by acting this way. Meltdowns A star may have a meltdown if s/he feels overwhelmed. Meltdowns are usually a result of sensory overload, when there is just too much information for the star’s brain to process. For some stars, an grocery store can produce more sensory information, including sights, sounds and smells faster than a child can process it. For other stars, the prospect of making a large number of decisions can cause a meltdown, such as the playroom floor or area. For these kids, something as simple as trying on new clothes for school or trying to mast a new skill can cause a meltdown. Many experts think meltdowns are the result of the “fight or flight” response to danger. Differences between Tantrums and Meltdown The main difference between tantrums and meltdowns is that tantrums have a purpose and meltdowns are the result of sensory overload. A tantrum will usually stop when the star gets what s/he wants, changes his/her tactics, or when we respond differently to how we usually respond. A meltdown will usually continue even after s/he gets what s/he wants because, in many cases, the child does not even know what s/he wants. Meltdowns typically end in one of these ways: the child wears themselves out, finds a quieter environment with less sensory information, or we respond differently to how we usually respond. Ideas of this answer was taken from https://autismtreatmentcenter.org/

SPD (formerly called Sensory Integration Disorder) is a condition where the brain and nervous system have trouble processing or integrating stimulus. SPD is a neurophysiological condition in which sensory input – either from the environment or from one’s body- is poorly detected, or interpreted and (or) to which atypical responses are observed. For a child with SPD, processing the feelings of hot or cold, tired, hungry, lights and sound can be challenging and overwhelming. SPD can even evoke irregular responses that can cause health issues like not registering temperature in a typical way that allows the individual to dress appropriately for health and safety’s sake. Like with autism, SPD exists on a spectrum and can affect only one sense like hearing, or taste, or all of them. As a parent, the real challenges of SPD are figuring out if your star is hurt, cold, hungry etc…and then helping them get to the point where they can regulate themselves. Signs that your child might have Sensory Processing Disorder SPD can show up as over OR under responsive to stimulation from sight, sound, touch etc…Things that should cause discomfort like being too hot or too cold prompt little response, and other things like a dog barking can cause a response akin to physical distress and extreme anxiety. Intolerance to textures and certain clothing: some children with SPD cannot stand the way certain clothing feels on their bodies. They need simple styles with very few seams, and have to have to labels taken out. They may not be able to wear certain fabrics like wool. Intolerance to certain noises or loud noises: some children with SPD hate the sound of vacuums, sirens, or crying babies. These noises can cause what feels like physical pain to those with SPD, and make it difficult to concentrate or function. Food textures and colours causing extreme responses. Many of us with stars on the spectrum have to help our stars navigate this issue. Difficulty using fine motor skills like using crayons or pens, putting small clothing on dolls, or using buttons on clothing for themselves. Difficulty with change or transitions. While all young children need transition time, a star with SPD can have real problems with switching from one activity to another, moving rooms or houses, changing classrooms, or even if you change curtains in your home. Change can cause meltdowns or total withdrawal depending on the child. Clumsiness: bumping into things or people. Those with SPD sometimes have difficulty knowing where their own bodies are in space. They can also be overwhelmed by their environment causing them to “not see” furniture or people around them. Knowing how to help your star regulate and process sensory infomration can take a long time. Stay the course and remember even slow progress is progress. Answer provided by https://autismawarenesscentre.com/

Our little star has always had to put things in his mouth. We have a picture 2 days after he was born eating the ear of a elephant towel given to him by his best friend and older sister. It later became a joke, if he puts it in his mouth that means he likes it. If he doesnt well....it's not for him. As he got older he started eating paper, paper towels, baby wipes, ANY THING that is on the floor or a flat surface, and Hair he loves (still) to eat hair. But why??? It’s not uncommon for infants and toddlers to explore their world with their mouth. Babies will often find things to chew on when growing new teeth. Pica is a disorder that goes beyond normal and healthy developmental behaviors. It is characterized by the craving to eat or mouth non-nutritive substances for at least one month, beginning when children are around 18- 24 months. It is common for children with mental difficulties to display pica behavior. Children can have pica with almost anything, including dirt, hair, ice, paper, paint chips, chalk, and wood. There are several theories on why toddlers and preschoolers develop pica. Hunger, nutrient deficiency, defense against harmful toxins, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and soothing emotional stress have all been linked to pica. If at any time your child ingests something dangerous or potentially toxic, contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 or go to your nearest emergency room. Answer provided by https://www.superkidsnutrition.com/pica-in-toddlers-and-preschoolers/

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As sensory box is a fun way of getting your star to reach a goal without them knowing the alterior motive. I like to use big tupperware containers with locking lids. We hide small objects inside based one the goal we want our star to acheive and cover with some-sort of sensory material. Sensory bins contents should be edible (or taste-safe) and/or contain pieces that ... to add large enough objects that they won't be a choking hazard for toddlers. Check out our Sensory Bins and Holiday Themed Sensory Bins at Cosmic Calmers store for The Learning Star.

For most of us, we leaned in school that there were 5 senses right? Let's take out our noteboks class and re-learn the 5 senses plus 3 more. The test for this knowlege could be in the next 5 minutes. 1. Sight/Visual This sense helps interpret what we see through colors, shapes, letters, words, numbers, and lighting. This sense is also important for us to make sense of nonverbal cues and track movement with our eyes to ensure we move safely. People that have a hard time processing visual stimuli have a difficulty with organizing visual information. They have difficulty filtering out and distinguishing between necessary information and unnecessary information. 2. Sound/Auditory This sense functions to help us interpret what we hear and the frequency of a particular noise or noises. We not only hear sound but the brain aims to make sense of sound and understand speech. A person that has difficulty processing this stimuli has difficulty filtering out important auditory input, and background noise. This person will also have difficulty with attention, become easily startled, and need to be told directions repeatedly. 3. Touch/Tactile The sense of touch aids in how we respond to physical stimuli through the receptors of our skin. It helps us locate where we are feeling physical sensation within our body and to determine between “safe” and “dangerous” touch, as in the common example of the child touching the stove. A person who is struggling with tactile processing, may misinterpret light touch as negative and dangerous, when in fact there is no threat of safety. A person may become more anxious to this sense, and may respond with fight or flight response, and pull away when lightly touched on the shoulder. 4. Taste/Gustatory The purpose of taste is to identify what kinds of foods a person likes, and what foods are dangerous or foods to stay away from. A person that has difficulty managing this sensation, will likely be a “picky eater,” and may have preferences not just to the taste but to the texture of the food. 5. Smell/Olfactory The sense of smell is considered the oldest system in brain as it is connected to our memories and emotions. An input of smell could cause one to feel comfort or alarm, depending on the smell. 6. Body Movements/Vestibular System The vestibular system functions to help the body maintain balance and be aware of where we are in space. This system works with auditory and visual processing in relation to balance, attention, eye control, and coordination. People that have difficulty interpreting this information may bump into things more and can be labeled “clumsy.” They may enjoy swinging activities, dancing, and jumping. 7. Body Awareness/Proprioception Proprioception is very similar to the vestibular system. However, vestibular refers to how we determine where our whole body is in space, while the proprioception refers to how we interpret relationship and energy between each individual body part. Children with SPD have difficulty navigating where their muscles and joints are located, whether their body parts are relaxed or in tension, and how different body parts respond to external stimuli. They may seek out activities like jumping on furniture or grasping things tightly. They may have difficulty getting dressed, tying shoelaces, or knowing how hard/softly to open and close doors around the house. 8. Introception This is the newest and most recent discovered sensation as it comprises being aware of the basic primary functions such as hunger, toileting, and breathing. When a person has introception difficulties they may not be aware of when they are hungry, thirsty, or need to go the bathroom. Answer provided by https://chlss.org

Well without weighted toys we wold have never created Brownie the Bear. Brownie is a wieghted and suffed bear made out of specialized sensory material that our star can't live without. Brownie has 2 different textures and is filled with stuffing and weighted polly beads. We couldn't last without Brownie. Brownie has become a part of our family and so has Star his other sensory stuffed toys. Brownie weights about 7 pounds and bring a sense of calming to our star when he is out of sorts, melting down, or is tired and can't cope with what is going on. We lay Brownie in his lap and he pets his friend. Brownie sits on our couch daily and see's and hears everything. Check out out Blog "Brownie Bear is All" stories from the spectrum. Brownie will talk to you and spill the tea on everything that happens in our house. Brownie doesnt leave out any details or opinions... Why is having this type of friend so important? The pressure from the weighted blankets can relieve stress for people with ASD and improve their ability to focus on the task at hand. It can also make them feel as if they're being rewarded. Individuals with ASD may also feel like sensory stimulations around them — such as noises and touch — are too intense. Part 2 of answer provided by https://www.pennmedicine.org, Feb 5, 2019.

Staying organized means something different to everyone but I am going to sum it up in a few words. "LESS is MORE" There is a difference between regular organization and spectrum organization. If you are amongst the people who are constanly overwhelmed and feel like the world is spinning faster then you can keep up, remember you are NOT alone. We are all here with you. The difference is how you organize yourself and your day. See the Programs Page for more help in organiing youself for Piece(Peace) of Mind

Provide love, love and more love. I can't stress this enough. Your special star has super senses into how you feel and react. You might not know or ever know what they are thinking or feeling, but they do. Write down things during the day that worked, and try to see patterns. Keep a schedule. ( in the morning we do this, after this we do that, at nap time we do this, its time for bed let's sing our song and say good night) As they get older post the schedule like a social story (See What is a Social Story?) so they know what to expect next. Figure out what the best way to communicate with them is and remember communication doesn't always need words. Use pictures, sign language, or prompts. Have a wind down area that is readily accessible to your star if they need to calm themselves. Never run out of your stars "must needs". There are many other ways to avoid frustration. Please subscribe to our blog and learn more.

Social Stories are a concept devised by Carol Gray in 1991 to improve the social skills of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The objective is to share information, which is often through a description of the events occurring around the subject and also why. Social stories are used to educate and as praise. answer provided by https://en.wikipedia.org/ Social Stories are typically a visual promt explaining situations or behaviors through a series of pictures.

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an augmentative and alternative communication system developed and produced by Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.[1] PECS was developed in 1985 at the Delaware Autism Program by Andy Bondy, PhD, and Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP. [2] The developers of PECS noticed that traditional communication techniques, including speech imitation, sign language, and picture point systems, relied on the teacher to initiate social interactions and none focused on teaching students to initiate interactions. Based on these observations, Bondy and Frost created a functional means of communication for individuals with a variety of communication challenges. [2] Although PECS was originally developed for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its use has become much more widespread. Through the years, PECS has been successfully implemented with individuals with varying diagnoses across the aged span. PECS is an evidence-based practice that has been highly successful with regard to the development of functional communication skills. Answer provided by https://en.wikipedia.org/ We have a special book for our star that has all of his choices. We have each square lamnated and velcro'd for easy re-use. We use PECS for food, drink, what is in the refridgerator, snack choices and TV choices. We will continue to use these and develope this means of communication.