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The Christmas and holiday season is a time for family, friends, and fun. But for autistic and neurodivergent families, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. With all the festivities, lights, noise, family gatherings, presents and, of course, Christmas Day, it's no wonder some autistic kids or anyone with a sensory processing disorder has a hard time during this time of year. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and dread r …

Halloween and trick or treating can be lots of fun, but costumes, noise, high stimulation and the addition of sugar, can easily make it an overwhelming experience. Here are just a few tips to help you get prepared and stay flexible on the night in the hope of of making Halloween as spooktacular and drama free as possible.⁠ + USE SOCIAL STORIES SO KIDS KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT ⁠ ⁠ + ENSURE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES ARE SENSORY FRIENDLY-COMFORTABLE AND NOT SCARY. CONSIDER CREATING A COS …

Interoception is the eighth sense that you don’t hear a lot about. We hear about all the other seven senses: Sight Hearing Smell Taste Touch Vestibular Proprioception But then there’s Interoception which covers the perception of our sensations inside our body. For example: When we’re hungry Feeling hot or cold Toileting needs The butterfly feeling we get in our stomach when we’re anxious or stressed When they’re in pain Recognising symptoms when they’re unwe …

Who likes colouring?????????? Halloween is fast approaching. So why not try your luck at our Halloween colouring competition! You could win 1 of our 4 x $50 vouchers to shop in-store or online! This masterpiece was created by our incredibly talented team member Alec! So please bring it to life with your colouring skills! How to Enter: Simply download and print the picture or grab a copy from us in-store. Colour it in and then drop your entry to us in-store or online (via …

The idea behind this special day is to remind everyone to check in on the people in their world and ask if they are really ok. Of course, this is important, not just on R U OK Day, but everyday. The challenges and trials of life can affect people differently and it's not always obvious if they’re struggling. Mental health issues can be very common amongst the neurodivergent population. The extra pressures of navigating a neurotypical world, especially in settings where there …

School communities are seeing more sensory rooms and sensory spaces in schools, which is fabulous. Sensory rooms and spaces have many benefits and are not just for kids and young people with neurodiverse superpowers. But other kids can benefit from these fabulous spaces. Whether it be for time out when things get too much, or they’re going through a tough time and need a safe space. What are sensory rooms? For those who aren’t entirely in the know or familiar with the sens …

When toilet training children, this is probably one area of parenthood many don't look forward to. There's no one size fits all approach. They definitely don't come with a manual. And when you are toilet training children with special needs, that ads a little bit more – generally, it's a longer progress, and more patience is required. But it definitely is achievable. Here are some tips to make toilet training autistic and special needs children that little bit easier. Or at …

Today we’re going to discuss the difference between tantrums and meltdowns. Most parents have no doubt experienced both, but if you can distinguish between when your child is having a meltdown vs a tantrum, then how you handle it will make all the difference. And if you have a child with Autism, children with ADHD, or other behavioural or learning challenges, then how you handle a meltdown in particular or learn the signs of when one is approaching before it hits can make a …

Heading back to school after a holiday break can be extremely hard on kids that have anxiety and I personally find that my kids behaviour starts to change quite a few days before as the anxiety slowly builds inside them. For many children, especially those who are autistic, school holidays mean a much needed break from the social, physical and mental demands on them that they have to endure throughout the term and the thought of having to go back to that after the feeling of freedom ca …

It’s our 7th birthday and what a journey it’s been!! Sensory Oasis For Kids opened in 2015 when my partner Marty and I saw there was a huge gap in the market for affordable and accessible Sensory Resources in Australia. With three sons on the Autism Spectrum and a huge learning curve which involved therapy and connecting with other people, our little store has become so much more than a place to shop. It’s a community, a sounding board and a welcoming place where people can f …