Why Sensory Breaks Are Important 

When a child doesn’t have their sensory needs met in the classroom, it can have a big impact. Here are just some of the challenges your kid might face:

• Struggling to stay seated or focused
• Increased frustration or emotional outbursts
• Fatigue from the constant effort to self-regulate
• Avoidance of certain tasks or environments
• Difficulties interacting with their classmates

Regular sensory breaks give kids the tools they need to better regulate their bodies and emotions, which can lead to more positive experiences in the classroom and beyond.

How You Can Advocate for Sensory Breaks For Your Child

Unfortunately, some educators may not be familiar with the needs of children with sensory processing differences. That’s why parents need to make sure those needs are understood and supported. Here are some strategies to help:

1. Be Open with Your Child’s Teacher: Advocating for your child starts with helping their teacher understand your request. Explain the benefits of sensory breaks and share observations about what works at home (for example, share if your child needs a movement break or quiet time).
2. Use Clear Language During Your Explanations: It’s also important to be mindful of your language when speaking with your child’s school. Frame sensory breaks as an essential learning tool rather than “special treatment.” Emphasize how these moments of movement or calm directly support your child’s ability to learn.
3. Collaborate with the Team: Make sure to meet with all of your child’s teachers, other members of the school staff, and your child’s therapists to create a plan that fits within the classroom routine.
4. Know Your Rights: Some children may qualify for accommodation support through a 504 Plan or IEP (individualized education program). These plans can include accommodations like scheduled breaks, flexible seating, or access to a quiet space. Our team can support you as you navigate these options and determine what makes the most sense for your child.
5. Encourage Self-Advocacy: As your child grows, help them recognize when they need a break and how to ask appropriately. Learning to speak up for their needs is a powerful step toward lifelong independence.

Preparing Your Child for All the Holiday Activities

October marks the start of the holiday season, with Halloween officially kicking off the festivities. This means that the next few months will be chock-full of family gatherings, beloved traditions, and plenty of excitement. Unfortunately, the holiday season can also be tough on kids with sensory challenges, who have to deal with changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and extra stimulation, all of which add up to an overwhelming experience. That’s why we like to see October as more than just a spooky season. It’s actually a time to prepare your child for the upcoming challenges so they can enjoy all their favorite holidays with confidence and comfort.

Six Tips for Holiday Success

1. Talk About What to Expect: Give your child a preview of the upcoming holiday season. Show pictures of family members they may see, explain what an unfamiliar event will be like, or role-play scenarios like greeting relatives or sitting at a fancy dinner table.
2. Keep Routines in Mind: Stick to familiar routines such as mealtimes, bedtime, and snack breaks whenever possible. A consistent daily rhythm helps kids feel safe and grounded during busy days.
3. Develop a Sensory Plan: Holiday events often mean loud music, new foods, and big crowds. Now’s the perfect time to create a detailed sensory plan to help your child through the challenges. Create a sensory kit with comfort items (like headphones or fidget toys) to bring to events. Make sure your child feels comfortable asking for a break when they need it.
4. Practice Social Skills Through Play: Use pretend play to practice holiday-specific skills, like opening gifts, saying “thank you,” or sharing toys with friends and family. This helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence for real-life situations.
5. Set Realistic Expectations: Remember that it’s okay if your child doesn’t participate in every holiday activity. Choose a few meaningful traditions, and give your child space to engage at their own pace.
6. Celebrate Small Successes: Whether trying a new food, greeting a relative, or staying at an event a little longer than last year, acknowledge your child’s progress and celebrate those wins.

Patient Spotlight: Sam

We are so proud to highlight the incredible progress that Sam has made recently! He has shown a growing willingness to try new foods, increased adaptability in different situations, and improved tolerance when interacting with others. His athletic abilities continue to shine as his upper body strength develops, and he is demonstrating healthier coping strategies with less physical aggression when feeling frustrated. In addition, his tolerance for different textures has greatly improved. These achievements reflect hard work, perseverance, and growth, and we are excited to celebrate each step forward on his journey!

Staff Spotlight: Sarah Board, MOT, OTRL

We are delighted to have Sarah Board, a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist, on the Flourishing Lives team. Sarah has been with us since spring 2024, and she brings an unwavering passion for helping individuals unlock their full potential. She empowers children and their families by fostering confidence, enhancing skills, and supporting their journey toward independence.

Sarah has been working with the pediatric population since 2021, honing her skills and gaining invaluable experience supporting children’s growth and development. Her inspiration to work with the special needs community began at a young age, influenced by her younger brother with Down syndrome. Witnessing his successes through challenges sparked her deep commitment to helping others achieve a sense of accomplishment and independence.

With extensive training in sensory integration, Sarah combines her expertise with a personalized, family-centered approach. Sarah’s dedication makes her a valuable asset to our practice, and we are excited for the meaningful impact she will continue to have on the lives of those she serves.

Helping Families Thrive

Recipes: Oreo Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1 package of regular Oreo cookies (not Double-Stuf)
• 8-ounce brick of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 12 ounces of semi-sweet or white chocolate, coarsely chopped OR 1 bag of chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream (may need a little more depending on consistency/thickness) OR 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
• Optional for garnish: sprinkles, Oreo crumbs, additional melted chocolate

Directions:

Make the Oreo Truffle Filling 

1. Place the Oreos (the entire cookies, filling and cookie) in a food processor or blender. Pulse into a fine crumb.
2. Using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or just continue using the food processor if it’s large enough), beat/pulse the Oreo crumbs with the softened cream cheese until combined.
3. Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and, using your hands, roll into a ball. Place balls on baking sheets or plates lined with parchment paper. 
   1. If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before rolling it into the balls. 
4. Cover and refrigerate the balls for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days. 
   1. If you’re in a rush, cover and freeze the balls for 30 minutes. (Do not freeze much longer than that, unless you transfer them to the refrigerator after 30 minutes.)

Melt the Chocolate 

1. Place chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips) and heavy cream (or oil) into a glass bowl.
2.  Melt in 20-second increments in the microwave, stirring after each increment, until completely melted and smooth. 
   • You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water. Stir constantly until melted. 
3. Let the warm chocolate sit for 5 minutes to slightly cool before dipping, otherwise it will melt the shaped Oreo balls.

Coat the Oreo Balls

1. Working with one Oreo ball at a time, submerge it into the melted chocolate and swirl to coat; carefully lift out using a fork or dipping tool. 
2. Tap the fork gently on the side of the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off. Use a toothpick to help slide the truffle off the fork and onto a lined plate or baking sheet. If using the candy dipping tool, turn it upside down to release.
3. Optional garnishes: If desired, top with sprinkles or Oreo crumbs while the chocolate is still wet. 
   • If you have leftover or another melted chocolate, use a spoon or a squeeze bottle to drizzle it across the tops of the dipped truffles. 
   • For Halloween, use chocolate-dipped pretzel sticks to make your truffle into a spider.
4. Refrigerate balls for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set before serving. Once chocolate is set, you can store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator, layered with parchment or wax paper, for up to 2 weeks.

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions

• You can start this recipe 1 day ahead of time. 
• The shaped balls can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days prior to coating with chocolate. 
• The finished Oreo truffles can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.