Sensory Based Strategies for Kids: An Interview with Claire Heffron from The Inspired Treehouse

Does your child like to move and fidget a lot? Maybe lay upside down or spin around in circles? This isn’t just a random act of silliness or hyperactivity, they are likely gaining sensory input! In this episode, my guest Claire and I discuss proprioception, which is your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location. It's present in every muscle movement you have. Without proprioception, you wouldn't be able to move without thinking about your next step. We also discuss the vestibular system which functions to detect the position and movement of our head in space. This allows for the coordination of eye movements, posture, and equilibrium.The topics we cover in this episode are;Claire’s career backgroundWhy it helps to work alongside different types of therapists What differences therapists have noticed since COVIDLanguage skills and self regulation skills in children after covidThe challenges of moving from elementary to middle schoolOur thoughts on teachersStrategies that are helpful for children’s behavior and self regulationThe proprioception and vestibular systemsWhat is proprioceptive input?Where is our vestibular system in our body? And how does it work?How a weighted hall-pass can help you What are Claire’s coping skills to find rest and peace?And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!—About The Guest - ClaireClaire Heffron is a pediatric occupational therapist who has worked in school and community settings since 2005. She and Lauren Drobnjak (physical therapist) started The Inspired Treehouse in 2013 and have developed the business into one of the top online resources for pediatric therapists around the world. Claire and Lauren also opened a non-profit organization in Cleveland called The Treehouse, where they provide developmental playgroups for children of all ability levels.Website - theinspiredtreehouse.comInstagram - https://instagram.com/insptreehouse/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/inspired.treehouse/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheinspiredtreehousePinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/inspiredtreehou/The Therapist Informed Classroom - self-paced, email-based course https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/the-therapist-informed-classroomAbout The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit: https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/