Sensory Smart Child Therapies

30/01/2026

Fun with friends trying out equipment at the Spider stall at the ISIC congress

28/01/2026

🌈 The power of messy play

Messy play is so much more than just getting mucky. For children with sensory processing challenges, it’s an important way to explore the world, build confidence, and develop regulation skills, at their own pace.

💛 Why messy play matters

➡️It is a fabulous way to support sensory integration. Touching, squishing, pouring, and spreading helps the brain make sense of different sensory inputs.

➡️You can use messy play to build tolerance gently. Activities which explore textures in a safe, playful way can reduce sensory defensiveness over time.

➡️Messy play encourages emotional expression. Messy play can be calming, joyful, or even a way to release big feelings. It can also boost confidence & independence: There’s no “right or wrong” outcome, just exploration.

➡️It is a great tool for developing fine motor skills as children are scooping, squeezing, and moulding and this helps to strengthen hands and coordination.

🖐️ 3 simple messy play ideas

1️⃣ Shaving foam or bubble play
Spray shaving foam onto a tray or surface and let children draw patterns, shapes, or letters with their fingers. Start with tools if hands feel too much.

2️⃣ Dry-to-wet sensory tray
Begin with rice, oats, or sand, then gradually add water to change the texture. This slow transition supports children who find wet textures tricky.

3️⃣ Mud kitchen magic
Using soil, leaves, and water outdoors allows free exploration with natural textures—and often feels less overwhelming than indoor mess.

Always follow the child’s lead. Some may watch before joining in, prefer tools over hands, or need regular breaks, and that’s absolutely OK.

Messy play isn’t about the mess, it’s about learning, regulating, and discovering the world in a way that feels safe and empowering.

Do you engage with these activities for your child? Do share any ideas in the comments you have used.

22/01/2026

Was great to present last night on inclusion and reasonable adjustments. Thankyou everyone who attended and for SOS SEN for inviting me to speak x

✨TOMORROW - Don't miss out on our Inclusion and Reasonable adjustments webinar!✨
🌟Led by Karen Garner, a Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Managing Director of Sensory Smart Child Therapies, this webinar will cover:
•What inclusion really means from an Occupational Therapy perspective.
•How the physical and sensory environment shapes participation and engagement.
•When and how the environment becomes a barrier to learning.
•Practical physical and sensory reasonable adjustments to support inclusion.
•Moving from therapy sessions to everyday classroom practice, where supportive strategies become the new normal
📅 Wednesday 21st January
🕛 7:30pm - 9pm
💷 £10
👉Secure your place now: https://buy.stripe.com/dRm8wP77i9m1fNVf0X1RC1N

21/01/2026

Music can be a powerful, gentle tool for children who experience sensory processing differences. It offers a safe and enjoyable way to support regulation, communication, and emotional expression, while also being fun!

🎵Why music can help your child.

A major benefit of music is that it helps support regulation. Rhythm and predictable beats can help calm an overwhelmed nervous system or gently energise a child who needs stimulation.

You can use familiar songs to signal routines. For example tidy-up time, getting ready and calming down at night before bed.

In some cases music allows children to express feelings without needing words. Sound, movement, and touch can be explored in a controlled, child-led way. Another huge benefit is making music together supports bonding and social interaction with your child.

🎵 Here are some simple music ideas to try with your child -

➡️Children love predictable music because repetitive, steady songs often feel safer than loud or fast-paced tracks.
➡️Think about rhythm for regulation so including songs with clapping, tapping, or using a drum can help organise sensory input.
➡️Let your child choose the song, volume, or instrument. Choice reduces anxiety.
➡️Pair music with movement, a wonderful way to enjoy gentle swaying, bouncing, or stretching can support body awareness.
➡️Create a calm playlist. Soft instrumental music can help during rest or transition times.
➡️Watch sensory cues as some children may find certain sounds overwhelming, so lower the volume or pause when needed.

There’s no “right way” to use music. Follow the child’s lead, keep it playful, and adapt to their sensory needs.

Music isn’t just something we hear, it’s something we feel. And for many children, that feeling can be grounding, joyful, and empowering.

Do add any suggestions you have in the comments.

14/01/2026

Testimonials are so important to us and we love to read them.
If you have used our services we would be so grateful if you can leave a review on Google.
A big thanks to Marion Cox for leaving this lovely review about our work with her son.
Reviews also help other parents understand the impact we have.

09/01/2026

⭐We are hiring! Join Our Paediatric Therapy Team! ⭐

Do you believe therapy should be playful, purposeful, and life-changing? Do you light up when helping young people build confidence, skills, and independence?

We’re growing and looking for passionate paediatric therapists and therapy assistants to join our supportive, fun, and family-centred team. You’ll work with incredible children and families, collaborate with like-minded clinicians, and be part of a workplace that truly values impact, growth and connection.

If you’re ready to love what you do and make a real impact every day, we'd love to hear from you.

👉 Apply now or reach out for a chat:
https://www.thesensorysmartchild.com/about-us/work-with-us/

07/01/2026

These cold winter evenings are ideal to cuddle up with a book with your child and stories don’t have to stay on the page! For children with sensory processing challenges, multi-sensory storytelling can make stories more engaging, calming and meaningful.

Try adding:

- Textured props (fabric, leaves, soft toys)

- Sounds or music linked to the story

- Smells (lavender, citrus, cinnamon sticks)

- Simple actions or movements

Multi-sensory stories support:
✔️ Attention and focus
✔️ Language development
✔️ Emotional understanding
✔️ Sensory regulation

There’s no right or wrong and remember to follow your child’s lead and let the story unfold at their pace.

31/12/2025

Wishing all our clients, staff and everyone who works alongside us delivering our important work supporting children and their families a very happy 2026.

24/12/2025

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the children, families, and professionals we’ve had the privilege of working with this year.
We know that Christmas can be a joyful time, but it can also be overwhelming for some children and families. Please remember that there is no “right” way to do Christmas – it’s okay to do what feels calm, comfortable, and right for your child.

We wish you a Christmas filled with kindness, understanding, and moments that feel safe and supportive, however you choose to celebrate. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey.

✨ Wishing you a gentle, joyful Christmas ✨
From all of us at Sensory Smart Child Therapies

20/12/2025

Wishing all our clients and staff a Merry Christmas! We will be closed for the Christmas break on the following dates:

17/12/2025

🎅 Visiting Santa can be scary!

For many children, a visit to Santa is fun and exciting. But for some children, including those with sensory processing challenges, this experience can feel overwhelming or even frightening.

This can be due to loud voices in busy, crowded environments with strong smells (costumes, perfumes, decorations) and unfamiliar textures.

Add these factors together and this can trigger stress, shutdowns, or meltdowns.
For some children it is scary because they do not know what Santa will say or do or the pressure of feeling rushed for a photo can create more anxiety!

Children who need predictability may feel unsafe when they cannot control what is happening. The large white beard, big red hat, along with glasses and a deep voice can feel threatening to a young child.

Some children struggle to interpret faces and disguises can feel confusing or frightening. Add to this being told to smile, being asked what they want for Christmas and the feeling they are being watched can increase anxiety, especially for children with communication or social challenges.

Let Santa be an option and if you are visiting a grotto let your child observe from a distance and make it clear it is ok if they do not want to engage at all and do not force physical contact.

An alternative would be storybooks about Santa; a film or role play with a trusted adult. Or use this method as an introduction. This helps children process the idea before encountering it.
A visit to Santa does not have to be the focus for Christmas instead how about a special Christmas box, for older children writing a letter or card instead of a visit. Or a quiet family ritual with soft lights, gentle music, a hot chocolate, and some sensory-friendly activities.

Magic comes from connection, not costumes.

Do share any ideas you have used which have made the Santa experience easier for your child.

15/12/2025