Retail Therapy

This month, Ali & John list many of the items we've bought or received that have helped our autistic child. From tiny chewable pencil toppers to giant trampolines and everything in-between! (NOTE: Hopefully goes without saying, but none of this is stuff we're getting paid to pimp. We are our own masters! We do not bow to the almighty advertising dollar! ... that's another way of saying we don't make a dime on this, like a couple of suckers.) For some good, dark jokes: @ComicJimBruce (big thanks to Jim for our button last week!) Who Shot Ya podcast: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/who-shot-ya/ Buy Nothing: https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/ Tons of Occupational Therapy Tips and Toys: www.mamaot.com Laminator (Our model is old now but here is how simple and cheap it can be): https://www.target.com/p/scotch-thermal-laminator-with-2-starter-pouches-8-5-34-x-11-34/-/A-14617833#lnk=sametab Mask for chewer/lickers: GATA with filter you put in https://www.gatapack.com/collections/masks (You can find most of these items at a variety of places online. I’m just trying to do the reduce the amount I spend at Amazon thing.) Silicone Chewable Pencil Toppers https://www.etsy.com/listing/454979674/silicone-pencil-topper-seamless-silicone?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Silicone+Chewable+Pencil+Toppers&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&col=1 Yoga Ball (No preference on type, just linking one for ease): https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=yoga+ball Peanut Ball https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Approximately-Exercise-Birthing-Training/dp/B00U0FSX18/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=peanut+ball&qid=1612053590&sr=8-4 Trampoline – This is the one we have but there are so many options. https://www.amazon.com/Bounce-Pro-My-First-Trampoline/dp/B01J6RN8RY/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=my+first+trampoline&qid=1612053502&sr=8-3 For indoor or smaller spaces, something like this one’s great, too. Just a reminder that kiddos grow fast, so you may want to invest in something that has a higher weight limit. https://www.amazon.com/Trampoline-Adjustable-Handrail-Foldable-Rebounder/dp/B084WQKRFK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=kids+trampoline&qid=1612053544&sr=8-3 Liquid Melatonin – https://www.amazon.com/Svasthya-Melatonin-Natural-Anxiety-ALCOHOL/dp/B00M8PNL56/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=liquid+melatonin&qid=1612053462&sr=8-15 Tired Teddies Melatonin, What we used to call “Bedtime Candy” - https://www.amazon.com/Tired-Teddies-Natural-Sleep-Kids/dp/B00CMG4YNY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=tired+teddies&qid=1612053428&sr=8-1 Boo Boo Buddy ice pack - https://www.amazon.com/Boo-Buddy-Reusable-Cold-Pack/dp/B00VVYLG84/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=boo+boo+buddy&qid=1612053663&sr=8-7 Do-a-dot markers, helpful for building interest in art when your kiddo is learning how to grip a smaller marker/pencil: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Markers-Rainbow-Washable-Original/dp/B00004W3Y4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=dot+markers&qid=1612053698&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRlhaNENSRTFNUFhWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTI0MTAwMk1PVlc2T0k3N0xPSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzk4NDEzMks5UTQzU0U3Njg0ViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= Noise reduction earmuffs – Dr.meter https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Meter-EM100-Protective-Earmuffs-Adjustable/dp/B01LWYWH43/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=noise+reduction+ear+muffs+–+dr.meter&qid=1612053757&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQkg1MERRU1U4R0lYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTAwOTA5MkFLMUpRRTc2RFJKMyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjYxNDc4MUZTTkVFNDkzVkZWViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= Nighttime Projectors: https://www.target.com/p/smithsonian-planetarium-projector/-/A-52213640#lnk=sametab https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Wave-Projector-Sound-Machine/dp/B0823G1F9S/ref=sr_1_8?crid=16W63XZMZ8GC7&dchild=1&keywords=nighttime%2Bprojector%2Bfor%2Bkids&qid=1612070201&sprefix=nighttime%2Bprojector%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-8&th=1 Rainbow Projector: https://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Milton-Rainbow-My-Room/dp/B071NM2M83/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=rainbow+projector&qid=1612070271&sr=8-2 Cat Nightlight: https://www.amazon.com/GoLine-Nightlights-Children-Silicone-Birthday/dp/B01DXOYCK8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=cat+night+light+for+kids&qid=1612070240&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSTlPRjcySTBDSVE4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzAyMDY5NVpFWExBSERaWUg3JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMTY0NjgyUVo0Q0VDRzhFSktYJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== Reading: The Elephant and Piggie Books by Mo Willems – you can easily take turns reading Big Set: https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Piggie-Complete-Collection-Book/dp/136802131X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=elephant+and+piggy+series&qid=1612053790&sr=8-1 Our favorite of the series: https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Easy-Elephant-Piggie-Book/dp/142319957X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=elephant+and+piggy+series+waiting+is+not+easy&qid=1612053819&sr=8-1 Calm Down Time – Elizabeth Verdick: https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9781575423166 Best Behavior Series https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9781575422008 Baby Signing Time: https://www.signingtime.com/category/baby-signing-time/ Body Sock (Be mindful of size): https://www.amazon.com/SANHO-Premium-Sensory-Updated-Version/dp/B071HFB484/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3RHHJ7GBNI916&dchild=1&keywords=body+sock+sensory+kids+large&qid=1612070385&sprefix=body+sock%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQTBBUVJXVjZUSjVaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTM0NTM2MVgyQ1VENFdCSkFNSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDUwMTU3MTFaU1M5SkhSR0dSQiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= Kinetic Sand https://www.target.com/p/kinetic-sand-folding-sandbox/-/A-52140559#lnk=sametab Therapy Putty https://www.amazon.com/CanDo-TheraPutty-Plus-Anti-Microbial-Green/dp/B006LN4JN4/ref=sr_1_28?dchild=1&keywords=therapy+putty&qid=1612054234&sr=8-28 Duck Tape (So many different patterns and colors): https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Brand-241791-Printed-Mermaid/dp/B07BL45C2W/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=duct+tape+colors+and+patterns&pd_rd_r=a008df59-7f86-4a31-8e47-2e3814ca36c2&pd_rd_w=B8hhO&pd_rd_wg=WCO3A&pf_rd_p=9dad86ae-1554-484b-9cc0-f9673b44705e&pf_rd_r=HZ8KCYDWY2T4XD47ZYPX&qid=1612070431&sr=8-9 Reading highlighter Strips https://www.amazon.com/Highlight-Bookmarks-Dyslexia-Children-Assistant/dp/B07QNSGBJN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1MEYUMDXJO2FB&dchild=1&keywords=reading+highlighter+strips+for+children&qid=1612054304&sprefix=reading+highlighter%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE3SVcxVVc2RjA2SjImZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2NzI3OTczTUU2S0ZUOURHVzFQJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5NDI1NjkxODAxRFMwUFVYWUpVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== Expo Click Dry Erase Markers & Individual Whiteboard – the clickable ones are just a bit more fun, don’t have to track down tops https://www.target.com/p/6pk-dry-erase-marker-click-fine-tip-multicolor-expo/-/A-78025461#lnk=sametab Pretty Pretty Princess https://www.target.com/p/classic-pretty-pretty-princess-game/-/A-81784125#lnk=sametab Zombie Kidz game: A friendly reminder to try your neighborhood store for a curbside pickup. Here’s one we love in SoCal: http://www.thegameogre.com/whatwesell.htm And here it is on Amazon so you can see what we’re talking about: https://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-Masque-ZOMKID-Zombie-Evolution/dp/B07M5BFVP2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=zombie+kids&qid=1612070640&sr=8-3 Tell Tale Fairy Tales – Storytelling, Imagination, Taking Turns https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Orange-461-Tell-Tale/dp/B0064EI1KC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=telltale+game&qid=1612054468&sr=8-1 Key Education Photo Conversation Cards for Children with Autism https://www.amazon.com/Key-Education-Conversation-Children-Aspergers/dp/1602681309/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Key+Education+Photo+Conversation+Cards+for+Children+with+Autism&qid=1612054493&sr=8-1 Cosmic Kids Yoga (also on YouTube): https://cosmickids.com GoNoodle (also on YouTube): https://www.gonoodle.com Vinyl Spot Makers to help with OT and PT goals, make obstacle courses in your house or backyard https://www.amazon.com/Ace-Creations-Inch-Vinyl-Markers/dp/B075N6QVKZ/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=vinyl+spot+makers&qid=1612054520&sr=8-4 Spinny chair, backless. She loves pink so we got her pink. Flash Furniture Tractor Seat and Chrome Seat https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Furniture-Vibrant-Tractor-Chrome/dp/B0082LTXOI/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Flash%2BFurniture%2BTractor%2BSeat%2Band%2BChrome%2BSeat&qid=1612054586&sr=8-2&th=1 Weighted blanket – Check the recommendation based on weight and age https://www.target.com/p/twin-full-frozen-2-weighted-blanket-disney-store/-/A-76550227#lnk=sametab Fidgipod https://specialsupplies.com/fidgipod-desktop-spiky-pod?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw5yC-vvE7gIVMAutBh07kglyEAYYASABEgIRJvD_BwE Pop Toob https://specialsupplies.com/slinky-pop-toob?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv_zoqvzE7gIVYgp9Ch0OigRnEAYYASABEgKMHvD_BwE Horse Hopper https://www.amazon.com/Hopper-Included-Inflatable-Jumping-Bouncy/dp/B007LX889E/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=rody+horse&qid=1612055117&sr=8-15 Bean Bag Chair https://www.target.com/p/large-micro-suede-bean-bag-chair-acessentials/-/A-80371186?preselect=79694938#lnk=sametab Melissa and Doug Wooden Puzzles https://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-animals-jumbo-knob-wooden-puzzles-set-fish-and-pets-6pc/-/A-51216075#lnk=sametab Bumpy Seat Cushion https://www.amazon.com/PROMIC-Exercise-Stability-Portable-Cushions/dp/B075KBC35S/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=bumpy+seat&qid=1612069018&sr=8-11 They Might Be Giants album “No!” - https://www.theymightbegiants.com/new-page “Bed Bed Bed” book - https://www.amazon.com/Bed-They-Might-Be-Giants/dp/0743250249/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bed+bed+bed+they+might+be+giants+book&qid=1612069393&sr=8-1 Camp Kinneret - https://www.campkinneret.com California Regional Centers: https://www.dds.ca.gov/RC/ (Ask about In Home Supportive Services) Advocates and Attorneys – Some advocates are available through regional centers and other public groups but mostly, they are private pay. Insurance – Go through an insurance broker. Free for you and they can help guide you to the best plan for your family. UCLA KidsConnect (Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program): https://www.semel.ucla.edu/ecphp Pediatric Minds: https://pediatricminds.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiApNSABhAlEiwANuR9YC3LvwmQZB_CNXO8U3qS0ArSOwhBjJDVjmtn0KF7HARdI_NnZWEIgxoCLXoQAvD_BwE Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org Therapists: Please contact your insurance and they can let you know who is in network in your area. Most therapists are doing telehealth these days, so it’s more accessible to special needs parents than ever before. Educational Therapists: https://aetonline.org Facebook groups – Search “Autism Parents” with your area or town or ask other special needs parents. There are plenty of non-location specific ones, too. SOCIAL MEDIAS: Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en Twitter: @overloadpod https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod