Protect Your Eyes from Water

    One of Liam's sensory aversions is water in his eyes. So it's imperative that he can protect his eyes from water.

Protect Your Eyes from Water

I don't personally care for water in my eyes, especially if it's highly chlorinated. However, for my son, it's a sensory nightmare. So having quality goggles on hand is a must. I just got Liam two pairs. (He's kind of in between, so i got him a child's pair and then an adult pair. I have to cover my bases. ;) )

Free to Fly Kids Goggles

    I love this set. It not only comes with goggles, but also a nose plug and ear plugs. Liam won't swim without a nose plug either, so this was a big selling point for me. The goggles are made from hypoallergenic silicone. They're latex and PVC free so they're safe for your kids.

    The lenses are electroplated and have a mirrored coating. This helps to filter out harmful rays. So not only will these goggles keep water out of their eyes, but they will offer some protection from the sun as well. The strap is easily adjustable so you won't have to fight with it to get them to fit your child.

Free to Fly Adult Goggles

    Liam is a growing tween. We're at the stage where he's not only in between a child and adult emotionally, but size wise as well. So I also grabbed him a pair of Free to Fly's Adult Goggles. These sleek goggles are pretty cool. So much so, that my husband snagged them until Liam grows into them. (Guess I will be ordering another pair!)

    The adult goggles from Free to Fly feature a double layer silicone seal to keep water out of the eyes. The gasket is made to accommodate different facial sizes, nose sizes, and even hair length and thickness. Assuring that anyone whom wears these goggles won't have water in their eyes. These goggles even have a buckle on the strap making them super easy to put on and take off.

    Anti fog goggles means you won't have to worry that air temperature and water temp will be fogging up your lenses and making seeing harder. These goggles have a mirrored coating to protect from UVA and UVB rays. The polycarbonate lenses are panoramic, offering you more viewing area.

Finding Underwear for Those with Sensory Aversions

    Just a heads up, this post will contain some affiliate links for underwear. However, as with all things, I wouldn't share them with you if I didn't approve of them. ;)

Finding Underwear for Those with Sensory Aversions

    If you have a child on the spectrum or one with sensory processing disorder, you know how hard it is to find clothing that they can tolerate. For us, it's underpants and socks. He's good with most tee shirts, soccer or basketball type shorts and pants. It's the undergarments that are an issue.

    My boy needs underwear without tags and harsh seams. He also needs them with a comfy waistband. Oh and in a wicking material. Because if he sweats just the tiniest bit, he's changing his underwear. (And I don't know about you, but I don't want or need more laundry to wash.)

Those with sensory aversions tend to despise the following:

• seams
• tags
• scratchy material
• material that causes them to sweat
• clothing that is too tight

Uwewiz Boxer Briefs

    I just got my son this three pack of boxer briefs from Uwewiz. I chose these for him because they are tagless, and are void of irritating seams. Even the waistband is seamless and made from a soft and comfortable cotton. 

    The underwear themselves are made from premium material, (90% spandex and 10% nylon) that is super silky and soft. It isn't just comfy though. It's designed to wick away moisture. In the words of my son, "It won't give me swamp butt!" This material won't pill either which is another plus when it comes to sensory needs.

     Uwewiz boxer briefs are designed to give the family jewels space. The u shaped pouch in the crotch gives men and boys more room for their "stuff," so they're more comfortable. Liam is twelve and I got him their three pack in size medium/large as they run a bit smaller, and they fit him nicely. Get some for the men and boys you love and I guarantee they'll love them too!

Mr. Bubble Still Makes Bath Time Fun

     I grew up with Mr. Bubble. We always had a bottle of "his" bubble bath on the side of our tub, and it made bath time so much fun. It's all I ever used for Bran when he was little, and now for Liam.

 Mr. Bubble Still Makes Bath Time Fun!

    Good ol' Mr. Bubble has been around for fifty years. He was a part of our nightly ritual as kids, and then when I became a mom, he was and is part of my boys. Liam is (almost) twelve, but he still uses Mr. Bubble. After all, Mr. Bubble is America's favorite bath time buddy! 

    His current go to is Mr. Bubble Foam Soap. This stuff is so cool! Kids can mold it and create fun shapes in the tub. When they're done, they use it to wash themselves! This Foam Soap turns bath time into the perfect sensory experience, which also means the "mess" is contained in the tub. Since it's also soap, the aftermath can be rinsed away. So let your kids go wild and enjoy the fun!

    Liam "shaves" with it too. He has a few of those plastic toy razors. He takes his Mr. Bubble Foam Soap, and emulates how his daddy lathers up his face and shaves. Hey, it's great (and safe) practice for when he actually needs to shave. (Tear! They grow up TOO FAST!)

Sensory Scents 

    Okay, so Mr. Bubble is for everyone, but as an autism mom, I always find the sensory fun in products. Since his Foam Soap comes in different scents, it adds even more enjoyment to the sensory experience. You can choose from scents such as cherry, banana, cotton candy, watermelon, orange cream, grape, birthday cake, peach sorbet, and more. Each scent is also a different color which is even more fun!

Shower Painting

    Set up a Picasso Bath for your little ones! Grab all of the scents and colors of Mr. Bubble Foam Soap. Then get some paintbrushes, and one of your muffin tins. (If you don't want them using your good muffin pan, then upcycle an egg carton!) Fill each slot with a different scent/color, and let your kids have fun.

    They can "paint" the walls of the shower and tub with the Foam Soap, and when they're done, just rinse it away. It's a wonderful way to get them into the tub. Just be warned, it might be a chore to get them back out!

Mr. Bubble is the Bomb

Your parents trusted Mr. Bubble, and now we trust him for our kids. You can still get a full line of bubble baths, as well as Magic Bath Crackles and more. To see them all, visit Mr. Bubble. Easter is coming. Stock up and fill their baskets with fun! 

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Sensitive Skin? Want Something More Natural?

    If your child has sensitive skin, or if you're looking for something more natural, then check out Nourishing Naturals. (The Village Company is home to Mr. Bubble and the Nourishing Naturals line.) Nourishing Naturals line of bath time products features beloved Sesame Street characters, AND is made from all natural products, including fruits and veggies! You can get some at Target.  

Hyperacusis, Autism, and HearMuffs

     Hyperacusis is very common among autistics. You may not have heard of it by the medical name, but simply put, it's auditory sensitivities. It's hard to enjoy the world around you if certain noises or pitches actually hurt you.

Hyperacusis, Autism, and HearMuffs

    Liam was always sensitive to certain noises. I will never forget the time we were downtown to visit the craft store, and a bunch of semis were coming up main street. We were crossing the street up further, and suddenly he ripped his hand out of mine, fell to the ground, and shielded his ears with his hands.

    Thankfully at five years old, he was still small enough that I could scoop him and carry him to side walk quickly. That was a very scary moment, and one of my first learning experiences along our autism journey. (He wasn't diagnosed until he was five years old, so his Dx was fairly new when this happened.)

So What Do We Do?

    Children (and adults) on the Autism Spectrum that experience Hyperacusis often shield their ears to certain sounds, frequencies, or pitches. Often they will not go to certain places where these offensive noises happen. (For years, Liam struggled in the checkout lane of the grocery store. The beep of the scanner was excruciating for him.) Avoiding public places can socially isolate the autistic, but there is help.

    Hearing protection. A good pair of ear muffs will make their life so much better! By blocking out those painful noises, the wearer can once again enjoy the world around them.

HearMuffs by Lucid Audio

    Liam loves his HearMuffs by Lucid Audio. As his mom, I love them too. Not only are they comfortable for him to wear, but they're made with non-toxic, kid safe materials. HearMuffs are Audiologist recommended too! 

     These ear muffs feature an industry leading 22 Noise Reduction Rating (NRR.) That means they will protect their ears from not only painful, but also loud noises. Liam wears his if we're going somewhere that he knows bothers his ears. They're also handy for when he goes to the tractor pulls, mud bogs, and amusement parks. 

    They look cool too, so there's no worry of your older kids not wanting to wear them. HearMuffs come in a variety of colors. You can choose from orange, red, blue, pink, white, and more.

Kids and Younger 

    HearMuffs comes in different sizes too. The kids HearMuffs are for kids ages five to ten years old. Liam is almost twelve, and they fit him well since they're adjustable. However, if your child is younger, Lucid Audio also has HearMuffs for them too!

     To learn more, and see all of their products, visit Lucid Audio.  Right now you can SAVE 15% off your HearMuffs! Use coupon code hearmuffs15 at checkout! 

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Make That Slime More Satisfying!

 
    If you're the parent of a tween or teen, then I'm willing to bet you're well versed in the making of slime. However, there are ways to make that slime more satisfying!! There are different kinds you can make, but you can also take a simple recipe, and add in some fun!

Make That Slime More Satisfying!

    We make slime a few times a week here. Not only is it a great lesson in mixing stuff and reactions, but for us, it serves a sensory purpose too! We recently made some Fluffy Slime, and that was a huge hit with Liam.

    Though it has lost a bit of its fluffiness, its currently his go to slime. He lays it out and cuts it, rolls it, scoops it and more. But I thought it would be fun if we added something to it. Which is where this Slime Supplies Making Kit comes in.

Loads of Fun

    This kit is a ton of fun! It's packed full of slime add ins to make them more satisfying to play with and even look at. The Slime Supplies Making Kit comes with twelve bags of foam beads in colors such as pink, white, blue, black, purple, and more. It also comes with two bags of mini foam beads in a mixed variety of colors, as well two bags of large foam beads in the same colors.

   

    You get one bag of colorful pom poms, a bag of clay fruit slices, a bag of loom bags, and a bag of fish bowl beads. Everything you need to make some crunchy, cool slime!

    It also comes with three tools for cutting, slicing, scooping your slime and more!

Fluffy Slime Recipe

    Let's talk slime making! I am going to share Liam's recipe for Fluffy Slime. I've added the measurements in an easy to reference image, but first, let's talk.

    Okay, so let me first say that generic glue does NOT make for very good slime. We have made TONS of slime, and it has to be with Elmer's. 

    Secondly, in order for this recipe to work, the contact solution MUST HAVE BORIC ACID in the ingredients. (The Equate brand at Walmart works great!)

     Third, only use 1 tsp of contact solution to start. You can always add more later. Also, don't add too much because once the slime "rests" it will be perfect. I always start Liam with one tsp, then add a bit more if needed. But don't make your slime too stiff or once it rests, it will be hard.

   And lastly, make sure you're using shaving cream foam. Don't use gels! This is important too!

     Gather your ingredients and you're ready to make some slime! 

    Are you enjoying your fluffy slime? I bet you are. But not it's time to add some texture! Add some foam beads, the fish bowl beads or both!

    If you're making slime with clear Elmer's, try adding some of the fruit slices! They look so neat in there! As you can see, we are loving our Slime Supplies Making Kit. If you have a slime lover, they're going to love it too! With Easter quickly approaching, it would make a great addition to their Easter basket!

Give Them the Gift of Sensory Calming

    Gifts in this home usually have a dual purpose. Since Liam is such a seeker, we try to get him things that he will not only love, but items that will fulfill a sensory need as well. That's where Senseez comes in.

Give Them the Gift of Sensory Calming

    Senseez knows that some kids and adults need more sensory input than others. Which is why they have created cushions, pillows, and lap items, that offer them the extra input that they need. Adults and kids alike can relax, be soothed, and more focus thanks to Senseez.

Good Vibrations

    Have you ever taken a few moments to sit in one of the massage chairs in the mall? If so, you know how relaxing it can be. Your body relaxes from the constant rhythms of the vibrations. Many kids whom seek sensory input are constantly moving. However, that isn't always possible, especially in school. Senseez vibrating pillows and cushions help to calm their bodies by keeping their muscles moving, while they sit still. 

    Senseez Originals are vinyl sit upon cushions that offer those calming vibrations. You can also choose from one of their trendy vibrating pillows (they look like shirts!) If you're looking for even more input, then check out their 3 in 1 Adaptables. These bolster shaped pillows offer children and adults added weight, vibrations, and hot/cold therapy as well. You'll be giving them three calming tools in one convenient item. 

Some Like it Hot, Some Like it Cold

     The Soothables line from Senseez offers kids (and adults) either vibrations, or warm and cooling therapy. Plus, the outsides of Soothables are soft to the touch, and offer other parts to run your fingers through for even more input. 

    Liam happens to love cold things. He puts his smallest blanket in the freezer so it's "nice and cold," every day. So he chose the Soothables Lil Turtle Hot/Cold Pack. As soon as it came, he took the inner pack out and put it right in the refrigerator. Then he took the turtle cover and rubbed it all over his face. It's so soft, and the little "lumps" on it, offer a really neat feeling.

Perfect for Easter Gifts

    With Easter right around the corner, why not give your kids some calming vibes? Check out all of Senseez products on their website. We love them and know that you will too!

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Easter Goodies for Kids of All Ages

     Easter is getting closer! Have you started getting goodies for their baskets? We just started and I have a few toys to tell you about that I think kids of all ages will enjoy!

Easter Goodies for Kids of All Ages

    Tomy has long been a maker of some of our kids favorite toys. They have everything from Pokemon, John Deere, Sonic the Hedgehog and more. You're sure to find a ton of goodies to put in their baskets! I just got Liam two awesome toys from Tomy that he's going to love, and I can't wait to tell you about them!

Spring Means Playing in the Dirt

    After being cooped up all winter, my boy looks forward to getting outside and digging in the dirt! He loves having all sorts of cars and tractors to play with. I got him this cute little John Deere Gator from their Monster Treads collection. He's going to love this addition to his toy car and truck collection. It even has the open back for hauling dirt and pebbles. The small size makes it wonderful addition to your child's Easter basket. To see all of John Deere toys from Tomy, click here.

Sensory Fun Wherever We Roam

    In this home, toys have no gender identity, and no age limit. Especially when they can fulfill Liam's sensory needs. Which is why I know he's going to love Tomy's Lamaze Jibber Jabber Jake.

    While initially designed for babies and toddlers, this frog is packed full of sensory input areas. It makes little frog sounds as you turn it over. Different parts of the body crinkle fulfilling both auditory and tactile sensory needs. There's even a silicone leaf to fulfill kids' need to chew. Oh and the clip on it means, you can hang it anywhere. (I'll keep Liam's in the car so he always has sensory input with him.) Plus it's adorable! The bright colors and cute face are sure to make it a hit with your child. (I totally recommend it for special needs that seek sensory input!)

   This is just one example of the adorable and fun toys that you can find from Lamaze. From butterflies, inch worms, donkeys and more, they have sensory fun for kids. Check them out!

Much More from Tomy

    These are just two of the hundreds of toys you can find from Tomy and their parent brands. To see them all, you have to head to their website. With free shipping on contiguous US orders over 50$, now is a great time to stock for their Easter baskets.

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Scented and Squishy Fruits to Satiate Sensory Seekers from Buylet

    I have a seeker! He's always moving, jumping, squishing, spinning and more. When we go places he has to touch everything to feel it. So how do I stop him from that? I give him sensory toys to keep his hands busy! I happen to love these scented and squishy fruits from Buylet. If you have a seeker, then this is for you!

Scented and Squishy Fruits to Satiate Sensory Seekers

    I just got Liam a four pack of jumbo squishy fruits from Buylet. They were an instant hit! These fruits are so soft and pliable, which makes them a blast to squeeze. Liam likes watching them slowly rise back to shape too. 

    He pokes and prods them, squeezes and squishes them. They're even scented so they not only satisfy a tactile seeker, but an olfactory seeker as well. 

Use Them to Help With Hand Eye Coordination

    Because Buylet's Jumbo Fruit Squishies are soft, they're great for using in a game of catch. Liam still struggles with catching objects. These soft fruits are great for tossing, inside the house and out. You won't have to worry if your child gets hit with them because they are so soft. We even use them for games of Hot Fruit (because fruit is cooler than potatoes!)

For Adults and Kids Alike

    Whether your child has special needs, or just gets anxious, Buylet's Jumbo Fruit Squishies are perfect. They're great for squeezing and relieving stress! My niece loves them too!

    As for adults, they are also an effective stress reliever, as well as perfect for exercising their hands. My mom has Psoriatic Arthritis, and her hands get so sore! Liam gave his Nana the giant Peach and she has been using to stretch her hands every day. She loves it too!

    Easter is coming, so grab this four pack from Buylet, and add a piece of squishy fruit to everyone's Easter Basket!