Sensory Smart Child Therapies

29/07/2026

The 30th July is International Friendship Day.

Friendships are an important part of childhood, but for some children with sensory processing challenges, making and maintaining friendships can feel much harder than it looks.

A child may want to join in but become overwhelmed by the noise of the playground, struggle with unexpected physical contact, find it difficult to understand social cues, or need time away when everything feels too much. These behaviours can sometimes be misunderstood by others, even though they are simply the child's way of coping.

As parents, carers and educators, we can help by creating opportunities for positive social experiences that suit each child's individual needs.

💙 Choose quieter play environments where possible.
💙 Arrange one-to-one playdates before larger group activities.
💙 Help children practise social situations through role play.
💙 Encourage peers to understand and celebrate differences.
💙 Remember that friendships don't have to look the same for every child.

Every child deserves to feel accepted, included and valued for who they are. With understanding, patience and the right support, children with sensory processing challenges can build meaningful, lasting friendships and grow in confidence along the way.

At Sensory Smart Child Therapies, we're passionate about helping children develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive, both in everyday life and in their relationships with others.

❤️ What has helped your child build friendships? We'd love to hear your experiences in the comments.

22/07/2026

💙 Supporting Siblings: Helping brothers and sisters understand sensory processing challenges

When one child has sensory processing challenges, it's easy for siblings to feel confused, left out or even frustrated at times. They may not understand why their brother or sister reacts differently to everyday situations or why they sometimes need extra attention.

Helping siblings understand what's happening can strengthen relationships and create a more supportive family environment.

✨ Here are a few ways to help:

💚 Explain it in simple terms by helping them understand that everyone's brain works differently and that their sibling experiences sights, sounds, touch or movement in a unique way.

💚 Encourage questions and give siblings a safe space to talk about their feelings and ask questions without judgement.

💚 Acknowledge their emotions and make it clear that it's okay if they sometimes feel frustrated, embarrassed or disappointed. Let them know these feelings are normal and important.

💚 Spend one-to-one time together as even a short amount of dedicated time can help siblings feel valued and connected.

💚 Celebrate everyone's strengths as every child has unique talents and qualities. Recognising these helps build confidence and mutual respect.

💚 Encourage empathy, not responsibility. Siblings can be wonderfully supportive, but they shouldn't feel responsible for managing or caring for their brother or sister.

With understanding, patience and open communication, siblings can develop strong, compassionate relationships that last a lifetime.

Do you have any tips to share that have worked for your family?

15/07/2026

🌞 The wonderful benefits of sand play! 🏖️

Sometimes the simplest activities can have the biggest impact.

For children with sensory processing challenges, sand play is much more than just fun – it's an opportunity to explore, learn and regulate their senses in a safe, engaging way.

Sand play can help to -
🤲 Provide calming sensory input through touch and texture
🧠 Develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through digging, pouring and scooping
🎨 Encourage creativity and imaginative play
💛 Support emotional regulation by offering a calming, repetitive activity
🗣️ Build communication and social skills through shared play and turn-taking
🌱 Increase confidence as children explore at their own pace without pressure

Every child experiences sensory input differently, so allowing them to engage with sand in their own way is key. Whether they're filling buckets, making patterns, burying treasures or simply enjoying the feel of the sand between their fingers, they're developing valuable skills while having fun.

💬 Does your child enjoy sand play?

We'd love to hear your favourite sensory activities in the comments.

08/07/2026

💦 Splash into Summer with Sensory Water Play! 💙

Water play can be a wonderful activity for children with sensory processing challenges. It provides opportunities to explore different textures, temperatures and movements while encouraging creativity, communication and fine motor skills.

Here are some fun ideas to try during the school holidays:

🫧 Bubble Wash Station
Add washing-up liquid to a bowl of water and let children wash toy cars, dolls or plastic animals.

🧊 Ice Treasure Hunt
Freeze small toys in ice cubes or larger blocks and let children melt them using warm water, pipettes or spray bottles.

🥄 Pouring and Measuring
Provide cups, jugs, funnels and spoons for endless pouring and transferring fun while developing coordination.

🎣 Floating and Sinking Experiment
Collect household objects and predict whether they'll float or sink before testing them in a bowl or paddling pool.

🌈 Coloured Water Play
Add a few drops of food colouring to containers of water and encourage colour mixing with pipettes or syringes.

🐠 Rescue the Sea Creatures
Hide plastic sea animals in a tray of water and let children scoop them out using nets or kitchen utensils.

🌿 Nature Soup
Fill a bucket with water and invite children to add leaves, flowers, sticks and pebbles to create their own "magic potion".

💧 Water Painting
Give children a paintbrush and a bucket of water to "paint" fences, patios or walls – no mess and lots of fun!

Remember, every child is different. Some may love getting completely soaked, while others may prefer to explore water using cups, tools or gloves. Follow your child's lead and create an experience that feels enjoyable and safe for them.

What are your favourite water play activities? We'd love to hear your ideas! 🌞

01/07/2026

The school holidays will be here in less than a month! This can be exciting, but they can also bring changes in routine, busy environments and sensory overload for some children.

Here are a few ideas to help create enjoyable and sensory-friendly experiences and help you plan for the 6 week break!

🌿 Explore nature
A quiet woodland walk, local park or beach can provide calming sensory input through natural sounds, textures and movement.

🎨 Get creative at home
Try painting, playdough, kinetic sand, water play or messy play activities. Let your child explore at their own pace without worrying about the end result.

🛝 Visit at quieter times
Many attractions are less crowded first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. Some venues also offer sensory-friendly sessions. We shared a list of ideas last week.

🧺 Create a sensory picnic
Pack favourite foods with different textures and enjoy lunch outdoors in a familiar, peaceful spot.

💦 Water fun
Paddling pools, water tables, bubble play or supervised swimming can provide wonderful sensory experiences while keeping children active.

🎧 Carry a sensory toolkit
Noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, chewy aids or a favourite comfort item can help children regulate when out and about.

🏠 Build a calm space at home
A pop-up tent, blankets, cushions and soft lighting can provide a safe retreat if your child becomes overwhelmed.

⏰ Keep some routine
While holidays are for relaxing, maintaining predictable meal times, bedtime routines and visual schedules can help reduce anxiety.

Most importantly, remember that every child is unique. What feels calming and enjoyable for one child may be overwhelming for another, so follow their lead and celebrate the activities that make them feel happy, safe and engaged.

💙 Sometimes the best holiday memories are made not through packed itineraries, but through simple moments where children feel understood and supported.

24/06/2026

If you're looking for sensory-friendly experiences in London during the school holidays, there are some excellent attractions that offer dedicated relaxed sessions or have made adaptations for children with sensory processing challenges.

Here are some ideas and visit their websites for more details.

🦖 1. Science Museum run Early Birds , a sensory-friendly event where families can enjoy the museum in a quieter environment before it becomes busy. These sessions are specifically designed for visitors who benefit from reduced noise and fewer crowds.

🚇 2. London Transport Museum hosts early-access and SEN-friendly mornings, allowing families to explore before general opening times in a calmer atmosphere.

🎨 3. Young V&A offer SEND Play sessions specifically for children with sensory differences and SEND. These relaxed events provide a welcoming space for families to explore and play together.

📚 4. Discover Children's Story Centre is highly regarded for its inclusive approach and offers Sensory Adapted events, alongside social stories to help children prepare before visiting.

🐘 5. ZSL London Zoo runs relaxed opening sessions for autistic visitors and other neurodivergent guests, with quieter access and reduced crowds before the general public arrives.

🌉 6. Tower Bridge offers monthly relaxed openings with a calmer environment, making it easier for neurodivergent children and families to enjoy the attraction.

🏰 7. Tower of London hosts Relaxed Events designed for neurodivergent and learning-disabled children aged 5–16 and their families, with adapted activities and a supportive atmosphere.

Go to the attraction's website in advance for relaxed or SEN sessions, as many require pre-booking.

18/06/2026

☀️ Our Summer Holiday Groups are now open for booking! ☀️

👧 Ages: Groups available for children aged 3–13.
High therapist to child ratio (2:6)
📍 Location: Our beautiful eco space & clinic sensory spaces in
Walton- on-Thames, Surrey
💷 £75 per 1 1/2 hour session or £100 per 2-hour session
📅 Limited spaces available – don’t miss out!

👉 Book your child’s spot now via our form: https://sensorysmartchildtherapies.jotform.com/261673293595974

15/06/2026

This week is Learning Disability Week 2026

This year’s theme from MENCAP is “Do you see me?” - a powerful reminder that every child deserves to be seen, heard, understood and valued.

At Sensory Smart Child Therapies, we know that children with learning disabilities and sensory processing differences often face challenges that others may not immediately see.

Sometimes it’s:
✨ Feeling overwhelmed by noise, lights or busy environments
✨ Struggling with communication
✨ Finding transitions difficult
✨ Needing extra time to process information
✨ Feeling excluded or misunderstood

But behind every challenge is a child with strengths, personality, creativity and potential.

This week is about raising awareness, encouraging inclusion, and creating environments where children feel safe, supported and accepted for who they are.

When we take time to truly understand sensory needs and learning differences, we help children build confidence, connection and independence.

Let’s work together to create a world where every child feels:
💜 Seen
💜 Heard
💜 Included
💜 Celebrated

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

🧸 Tactile toys can make a huge difference for children with sensory processing challenges.

Many children seek sensory input to help them feel calm, focused, regulated or safe. Tactile toys provide comforting textures and sensory feedback that can support emotional regulation, concentration and anxiety management.

Some popular tactile toys include:
✨ Fidget toys
✨ Squishy balls
✨ Sensory putty or slime
✨ Pop-it toys
✨ Textured fabrics
✨ Sensory brushes
✨ Weighted soft toys
✨ Water beads or sensory bins

These toys can help children:
💜 Self-soothe during stressful moments
💜 Improve focus and attention
💜 Reduce overwhelm
💜 Support emotional regulation
💜 Explore different textures safely

The key is finding what works for the individual child. Some children love soft textures, while others prefer firm pressure or movement-based sensory input.

Sensory play isn’t “just play”, it can be an important tool for helping children feel comfortable in their bodies and environment.