Butterflies Holistic Occupational Therapy

26/08/2025

25/08/2025

Let's return to the garden and explore a few more sensory activities that support motor planning and sensory integration.

❤️ Herbal "Potion" Making: Give your child a bowl of water and let them add leaves, petals, and soil from the garden. This activity is fantastic for tactile and olfactory sensory input and helps develop fine motor skills as they pinch and pick different items.

❤️ Flower Arranging: Provide a variety of non-toxic flowers and let your child snip them with child-safe scissors and arrange them in a vase. This activity is excellent for hand-eye coordination and bilateral integration (using both hands together).

❤️ Leaf and Bark Rubbings: Place a piece of paper over a leaf or a piece of tree bark and have your child rub over it with a crayon. This simple activity helps with proprioceptive input (the sense of where your body is in space) and promotes focused attention.

Which one of these activities would your child love the most? Let us know in the comments!

23/08/2025

Summer Holiday Tips Part 3

Ready for the final part of our summer holiday tips? Let's talk about simple activities that support your child's development while having fun!

⭐ Sensory Play with Water: A simple water table or even a few buckets and cups can provide hours of fun and help with sensory regulation. Using sq**rt bottles or sponges strengthens hand muscles, which is great for fine motor skills.

⭐ Building and Creating: Encourage your child to build a fort, a robot from cardboard boxes, or a new city out of blocks. This type of open-ended play boosts problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.

⭐ Nature Exploration: Whether it’s in your backyard or at a local park, encourage your child to explore nature. Digging, sifting, and sorting natural materials like rocks and leaves provides valuable tactile input and helps develop gross motor skills.

What's your go-to activity for a calm and creative day? Share it below! 👇

14/08/2025

28/07/2025

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲! ☀️

The summer holidays are just around the corner, and we know that long days can sometimes be a challenge for keeping our young people regulated, engaged, and happy. That's why we've put together some fantastic sensory diet activities to help you navigate the summer with ease!

A sensory diet is a personalised plan of sensory input designed to help individuals stay in an optimal state of arousal and regulation. Think of it like a "diet" for the senses, providing the right "nutrients" (sensory input) at the right time.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:
✨ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 (𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲) 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
Jumping & Crashing: Set up a safe crash pad with pillows or cushions for jumping and landing.
Heavy Work Chores: Involve them in age-appropriate chores like carrying groceries, pushing a toy lawnmower, or helping with gardening.

✨𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 (𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲) 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
Swinging: Head to the park for some good old-fashioned swinging!
Obstacle Courses: Create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course that involves crawling, climbing, and balancing.

✨𝗧𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 (𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵) 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
Sensory Bins: Fill a bin with rice, beans, water beads, or sand and add scoops, cups, and small toys.
Water Play: A simple paddling pool or even just playing with water in a sink can be wonderfully calming.

✨𝗢𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
Chewy Snacks: Offer crunchy or chewy snacks like carrots, apples, or chewy sweets (if appropriate).
Blowing Bubbles: A simple and fun way to engage oral motor muscles.

Remember, every child is unique, so observe what works best for your young person. The goal is to provide just enough sensory input to help them feel calm, focused, and ready for whatever the summer brings!

What are your go-to sensory activities for the holidays? Share your tips in the comments below! 👇

25/07/2025

Garden Sensory Equipment: Part 2! 🌿🥳

Last month, we explored how easily you can repurpose everyday outdoor items for fantastic sensory play. This month, let's dive into what specific items you might already have that can become sensory gold, and how to use them!

🌿 🥳 Rethink Your Outdoor "Stuff" for Sensory Fun!
You might be surprised by the sensory power hidden in your shed or garage. Here are some common items and how they can boost sensory input:

🥳 Tyres (Old Car or Playground):
Proprioception/Deep Pressure: Roll them, push them, climb on them, or fill them with sand for heavy work.

🥳 Plastic Tunnels/Pop-Up Tents:
Visual/Sight: Tunnels create a fun, enclosed visual space, especially if light filters through.

🥳 Buckets & Watering Cans:
Auditory/Sound: The sound of water pouring or objects clanking in a bucket.

🥳 Old Cushions/Pillows (Waterproofed or Disposable):
Proprioception/Deep Pressure: Create a "crash pad" for safe jumping and landing.

🥳 Sticks & Stones:
Tactile/Touch: Explore different textures, create patterns, or use them as "ingredients" in a mud kitchen.

🌿🥳 Your Outdoor Sensory Bin!
Make it super easy to jump into sensory play by creating a dedicated "Outdoor Sensory Bin" or basket. Fill it with a rotating selection of these repurposed items. Keep it accessible so spontaneous sensory adventures are always at your fingertips!

What common outdoor items have you repurposed for sensory play? Share your clever ideas in the comments!

18/07/2025

𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝, we explored the wonderful world of garden sensory activities and how they can benefit your child's development. This month, let's dig a little deeper into more hands-on ideas to get those senses buzzing right in your backyard!

🖐️ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 (𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘆!)
𝗦𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆:A classic for a reason! Set up a mud kitchen with old pots and pans, or simply let them dig in a designated patch. Add some water for extra squishy fun! This provides fantastic tactile input and encourages imaginative play.

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴: Involve them in planting seeds or small plants. The feeling of soil, the smell of fresh earth, and the visual reward of seeing something grow are incredibly satisfying and sensory-rich experiences.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗯 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Grow child-friendly herbs like mint, basil, or lavender. Let them touch, smell, and even gently taste (under supervision) these aromatic plants. This is a wonderful way to engage their senses of smell and taste.

👂𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 & 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 & 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀: Hang a wind chime or create your own with shells or small sticks. Encourage them to listen for the rustling of leaves, the buzzing of bees, or the chirping of birds.

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗱𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲: Provide a magnifying glass to explore tiny details – an ant on a leaf, the intricate patterns of a flower, or the texture of tree bark. This sharpens visual perception and promotes curiosity.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: Even a small bird bath or a trickling fountain can provide calming auditory input and visual interest.

Remember to supervise all activities and tailor them to your child's individual needs and preferences. The garden is a treasure trove of sensory experiences just waiting to be discovered!

What are your favourite garden sensory activities? Share your ideas in the comments below

11/07/2025

Last month, we talked about proactive planning, clear communication, and managing sensory sensitivities for a smoother summer with your ASD child. This month, let's dive deeper into some practical tips you can implement right away!

Visuals Are Your VIPS! 🖼️
Visual schedules, social stories, and "first/then" boards are incredibly powerful tools. They help your child understand what's happening, what's expected, and what comes next. This predictability can significantly reduce anxiety and meltdowns, especially during changes in routine that the holidays often bring.

Sensory Smart Planning 🧘
Remember to build in sensory breaks throughout your day, whether you're at home or out and about. This could be a quiet corner for downtime, a weighted blanket for comfort, or a chance to engage in a preferred sensory activity. Knowing when and where these breaks will occur can be a game-changer for your child's regulation.

Practice Makes Progress 🔄
If you're planning a new activity or visiting a new place, consider a "practice run." This could involve looking at pictures of the location, watching videos, or even driving by beforehand. Gradual exposure can help your child prepare and feel more comfortable when the actual event happens.

We know the summer holidays can be challenging, but with these strategies, you can create a more enjoyable and manageable experience for your whole family. What are your go-to sensory activities during the summer? Share your tips in the comments below!

04/07/2025

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐃𝐀: 𝐀 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 ❤️

At Butterflies Occupational Therapy in Leeds, we know that every child on the autism spectrum is unique. One profile that can be particularly challenging to understand is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

PDA is part of the Autism Spectrum, but it comes with a distinct characteristic: an extreme resistance to everyday demands, expectations, and even social interactions. For a child with a PDA profile, facing a demand can trigger intense anxiety, leading them to use various strategies to avoid it. This isn't defiance; it's often a response to overwhelming anxiety.

You might see strategies like:
🛑 Distraction
🛑 Negotiation
🛑 Procrastination
🛑 Or even meltdowns

Understanding PDA is the first step toward finding effective support and strategies that work for your child and family. Our team of paediatric OTs in Leeds is here to help you navigate these complexities with tailored approaches.

Next month, we will be looking at ways you can engage your young person when they are finding activities tricky. Stay tuned!

If you're seeking to understand more about PDA or how to best support your child, please get in touch.

30/06/2025

𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐒𝐃? 𝐖𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩! ☀️

The summer holidays can bring exciting changes, but for children with ASD, this shift can also bring unique challenges. Here at Butterflies Occupational Therapy, we know that proactive planning, clear communication, and smart sensory strategies are key to a smoother and happier summer!

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐎𝐓’𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤:
✈️ Predictable Routines: Even in the holidays, a consistent routine helps reduce anxiety and provides a sense of security.

✈️ Visual Aids: Use visual schedules or calendars to show what's happening each day. This helps children understand and prepare for upcoming activities.

✈️ Sensory Breaks: Plan regular downtime in a calm space. Knowing when and where they can regulate their senses can prevent overwhelm and meltdowns.

Why these strategies work: They ease transitions, manage sensory sensitivities, and help your child feel more in control of their day.

If you're looking for more personalised support or strategies for your child's unique needs this summer, don't hesitate to reach out! We're here for the families of Leeds and beyond.

28/06/2025

Unlock sensory garden fun with what you already have! 🌿✨

Did you know you might already own fantastic tools for outdoor sensory play? Those common garden toys and items gathering dust in your garage can be repurposed into exciting sensory experiences for your children.

At Butterflies Occupational Therapy, we believe in making sensory play accessible and fun. Re-thinking everyday items is a great way to add valuable sensory input to your child's playtime.

Here’s a tip: Create an "outdoor sensory bin" using items you already have! Think about things like:

🌸 Old watering cans
🌸 Plastic balls
🌸 Buckets and spades
🌸 Sticks and stones (nature's best toys!)
🌸 Garden gloves
🌸 Trowels or small shovels

Gathering these items into a dedicated bin makes spontaneous sensory adventures easy and keeps them right at your family's fingertips!

What "hidden" sensory gems have you found in your garden or garage? Share your ideas below! 👇

27/06/2025

🌿🌼 Get your hands dirty and explore the garden! 🌼🌿

Gardens are sensory playgrounds for kids! Engaging with nature offers incredible opportunities for learning and personal growth.

Here are a few ideas from our OTs for a sensory-rich garden adventure:

🌼 Touch: Feel the soft petals of a flower, the rough bark of a tree, or the cool, damp soil. Let them squish mud between their fingers!

🌼 Smell: Inhale the sweet scent of blooming flowers, the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil, or the tangy fragrance of herbs like mint or rosemary
Sight: Observe the vibrant colours of flowers, the intricate patterns of leaves, and the busy insects buzzing around

🌼 Sound: Listen to the gentle rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, or the buzzing of bees
Taste: If you've grown edible plants, let them taste a ripe strawberry, a crunchy carrot, or a sprig of fresh herbs (ensure they are safe to eat!).

At Butterflies Occupational Therapy, we understand the importance of sensory play for children's development. Garden activities are a fantastic way to stimulate their senses, encourage exploration, and foster a love for nature.

Share your garden sensory adventures with us!