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Understanding the Flight, Fight, or Freeze Response in Neurodivergent Kids

Understanding the Flight, Fight, or Freeze Response in Neurodivergent Kids

When a child has a melt down, runs from the room, or goes completely still and silent, it’s not “bad behaviour.” Often, it’s the nervous system doing its job - trying to protect them. For neurodivergent children, stress responses can look different, come on quicker, and take longer to recover from. That's because their nervous systems are often more sensitive to sensory overload, transitions, unpredictability, and social interactions. So let’s take a deep breat …
Apr 10, 2025 Jody
The Difference Between a Tantrum and a Meltdown: Understanding and Responding with Compassion

The Difference Between a Tantrum and a Meltdown: Understanding and Responding with Compassion

Parenting can be a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when your child is having an intense outburst. But here’s the thing: not all outbursts are the same. Sometimes, what looks like a tantrum may actually be a meltdown, and knowing the difference can make a world of difference in how you respond. We know it’s not easy. When emotions are high, it’s hard to figure out what’s really going on. But understanding the root cause behind these behaviours can help you support yo …
Mar 30, 2025 Jody
How Bilateral Coordination Became Our Family Dance

How Bilateral Coordination Became Our Family Dance

As a neurodivergent mother of three wonderfully unique children - navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, and OCD - I’ve come to cherish the little miracles that support our everyday life. One such miracle? Bilateral coordination. It may sound technical, but it’s really just our body’s way of dancing in sync. Over the years of therapy and through our daily adventures, I’ve seen first hand how learning to use both sides of the body together can open up a world of possibilities f …
Mar 18, 2025 Jody
Unmasking at Home - Recognising When Your Autistic Child Is Hiding Their True Self

Unmasking at Home - Recognising When Your Autistic Child Is Hiding Their True Self

For many autistic children, school is a place where they feel pressured to blend in. They often adopt behaviours that aren’t natural to them, masking their authentic selves to fit in with peers and meet social expectations. At school, they might excel at mimicking what others do - but at home, the mask often slips, revealing the exhaustion and emotional strain that comes with constant camouflage. In this post, we’ll explore some signs that your child might be masking in school and wh …
Mar 10, 2025 Jody
12 Ways You're Creating a Safe Space for Your ADHD Child

12 Ways You're Creating a Safe Space for Your ADHD Child

As parents, we often worry about whether we’re doing enough to support our children - especially when they have ADHD. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant demands and misunderstandings that can arise. But here’s a reminder: by creating an environment where your child feels safe, seen, and supported, you’re already making a world of difference. Below are 12 powerful ways you're nurturing emotional safety for your ADHD child. Take a moment to celebrate these everyday win …
Mar 04, 2025 Jody
Fun Ways to Build Fine Motor Skills in Kids - A Guide for Parents and Teachers

Fun Ways to Build Fine Motor Skills in Kids - A Guide for Parents and Teachers

Developing fine motor skills is a key part of early childhood development. These skills - like grasping, pinching, and manipulating small objects - are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, buttoning clothes, and even playing musical instruments. The good news? Fine motor skills can be honed through play! In this blog, we’ll share fun, engaging activities and creative ideas that parents and teachers can use to help children build these important skills using products from our websi …
Feb 13, 2025 Jody
The Benefits of Swings and Swinging for Neurodivergent Children

The Benefits of Swings and Swinging for Neurodivergent Children

Swings are more than just playground fun - they can be a lifeline for neurodivergent children, providing soothing, sensory-rich experiences that help them regulate their senses, emotions, and energy levels. In this post, we'll explore why swings are such a powerful tool for neurodivergent children and how they can be a simple yet effective way to support your child's sensory and emotional regulation.Why Swinging?Swinging is more than a mere activity; it's a dynamic, full-body experience that eng …
Oct 08, 2024 Jody
Can Sensory Toys Help with Anxiety? A Guide for Parents

Can Sensory Toys Help with Anxiety? A Guide for Parents

As parents, it’s heart breaking to see our children struggle with anxiety. Whether it’s social situations, school, or everyday challenges, anxiety can make the world feel overwhelming for kids. Fortunately, there are tools that can help, and one of the most effective options is sensory toys. But can sensory toys really help with anxiety? The answer is yes - and we’re here to show you how!At Sensory Oasis for Kids, we specialise in sensory tools that are designed to calm, focus, and soothe childr …
Sep 14, 2024 Jody
​Why Do Children Chew on Things They Shouldn't?

​Why Do Children Chew on Things They Shouldn't?

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you might have noticed your child chewing on non-food items like clothing, pencils, or toys. While this can be frustrating or concerning, it’s a common behaviour among children, especially those who are neurodivergent or have sensory processing needs. But why do children chew on things they shouldn't, and how can we provide safer alternatives? At Sensory Oasis, we understand these challenges and offer practical solutions like our range of chew necklaces from Jell …
Aug 27, 2024 Jody
Understanding and Supporting "School Can’t" Children - A Guide for Parents

Understanding and Supporting "School Can’t" Children - A Guide for Parents

As a parent, it can be incredibly challenging to watch your child struggle with attending school. For some children, the idea of going to school can trigger intense anxiety, fear, or distress, leading them to say, "I can't go to school." These children are often referred to as "School Can’t" kids—a term that acknowledges the very real challenges they face in trying to engage with the traditional school environment.The struggle is not simply about a child refusing to go to school; it's often a si …
Aug 13, 2024 Jody