Sensory Supports

We all interpret the world through our senses. Yet, each of has different thresholds of tolerance. Children (or adults!) who experience trauma, prenatal substance exposure, premature birth, or other challenges may need even more accommodations and supports to help them adapt comfortably to their environments. The most important sensory support of all? Play! Please reference our ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum, Food Issues/Nutrition, Neurodiversity, Neurofeedback, Play, Prenatal Substance Exposure, and Trauma pages for more resources.

Learn about the power and importance of your own touch in this fun ORPARC Short Supports video below! View the entire Short Supports collection here.

“This child did not need to 'change his behaviors' ...We needed to remember that behaviors are a message, a symptom—not a diagnosis.” ~Carol Kranowitz, The Out of Sync Child

Local Oregon/PNW Assessments & Supports

BOLD Pediatric Therapy Center - one occupational therapist is an alumni ORPARC intern!
HANDLE Institute - provider & assessments local to Seattle
The Hello Foundation
Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies Inc. - provider & assessments local to Oregon
Pediatric Sensory Therapy - Portland
Pediatric Therapy Services - Happy Valley, Gresham, Clackamas
Sensory Kids - provider & assessments local to Oregon
Shadow Project - school advocacy
Skyhook Counseling Center & Gym - movement combined with mental health counseling, Portland Metro
State of Oregon Library - talking book, Braille & print disability options, plus more!
Thrive Outside - Clackamas area, does outdoor work, does not take OHP at this time
TSA Cares - apply for airport support when traveling. PDX Port of Portland supplies free sunflower lanyards & sensory bags for neurodiverse needs. Visit their Sensory Room!
Yoga Calm - local to Oregon!

Websites

Brain Gym
Beacon House - many articles & videos (scroll down to occupational therapy section)!
Child Mind Institute: Sensory Processing Issues & en español
Massage in Schools (MISA)
OT Toolbox
Tilt Parenting
Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support
Sensory Smarts - authors in ORPARC's library
Star Institute Sensory Processing - so many resources!
Understood - factsheets, videos, articles, plus more!
Zones of Regulation

Recommended Books & Articles

Sensory-related Materials in ORPARC's Library

Benefits of Sensory Play to Brain Development by Parenting For Brain
The Debate Over Sensory Processing by Beth Arky, Child Mind Institute
Hello Foundation Free Downloadables
How to Calm My Body Social Story by Autism Little Learners & en español
Interoception: The Mystery of the 8th Sensory System by The Chaos & The Clutter
Is It Sensory Or Is It Behavior? by Amy Lewis
OT Toolbox - so many handouts, games, printables and more!
A Parent's Guide to Understanding Sensory Integration by Exceptional Family Resource Center
Pathways - toolkit, videos, articles and more for infants and younger children
The Power of Smell: Challenges and opportunities in trauma-informed practice by Kath Smith, OT
Sensory Differences: A Guide for All Audiences by National Autistic Society
Sensory Friendly Birthday Party by Michelle Swan, advocate & person with autism
Sensory Friendly Party Ideas by Child Mind Institue and en español
Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorder by Dr. Julian Davies
Sensory Processing, Coordination and Attachment by Beacon House
Sensory Processing Disorder Blog and Additional Resources
Slumberkins books in ORPARC's library, Resources & Printables - for kids!
- Change/Transitions, Emotional Courage, & Routines
Star Institute
- Blog and Conversations with Sarah - conversational interviews with experts
Trauma and Sensory Integration: The Egg and the Chicken by Dr. Odeyla Gertel Kraybill
Watching Fireworks Social Story by Autism Little Learners
Wearing Headphones Social Story by Autism Little Learners
Your Child's Olfactory System and SPD by Connections Therapy Center
Zones of Regulation - printables, resources and more!

Culturally specific

Cultural Considerations with Sensory Processing
Doing Sensory Anthropology by David Howes & Constance Classen
For Black Families, Neurodivergence Means Challenges—and Endless Opportunities To Redefine Parenting by A. Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez
We can’t address disability without addressing race. by Lydia Brown

Videos & Podcasts

Art & Awe as Healing by Jennifer Allison, TedTalk
A Child's View of Sensory Processing by EasterSeals-Goodwill (video)
A Day in the Life of a Child with Sensory Processing Struggles by Brain Balance (video)
The Honestly Adoption Company Podcast
- Creating a Blueprint For Helping Your Sensory Seeking Child
- Making Sense of Sensory Seeking Behaviors
How to Give Grounding Touch by Dafna Lender (video)
Importance of Sensory Integration #1 of 5 by Pathways (video)
Making Sense of Meltdowns with Jessica Sinarski by The Adoption Connection Podcast
Making Sense of Sensory Issues by Reaching Families (video)
Making Sense Podcast by Star Institute
Sensory Memory by Beacon House (video)
Sensory Overload Simulation in a Mall (video)
Sensory Processing Disorder: Simplified and Explained - engaging and animated
Sensory Processing Training and Sensory Needs Assessment by Dr. Ember Farnam-Alavi - training video to use with this assessment tool
Robyn Gobbel Podcasts

Support those Senses!

Regulating the Body With Sensory Based Intervention Part I & Part II by Robyn Gobbel

Sensory Needs by ORPARC Staff

Riley the Brave's Sensational Senses by Jessica Sinarski

A Kids Book About Nervous System Regulation by Joy Malik-Hasbrook

Meet the Overs and the Unders by Jackie Brown

The Goodenoughs Get in Sync by Carol Kranowitz

Listening to My Body & en español by Gabi Garcia