WE'VE MOVED!

We've moved all our past content and will be updating our TUMBLR page from now on here:

softclothingforallchildren.tumblr.com

WE'VE MOVED!

We've moved all our past content and will be updating our TUMBLR page from now on here:

softclothingforallchildren.tumblr.com

Autism Awareness Month Album

Thank you to all of you who shared your Autism Awareness story. We are sharing as many of them as we can in this album, all month long.

Shop to support the ASA: http://www.softclothing.net/products/seamless-socks/

You can also see and share the album on our flickr page:http://www.flickr.com/photos/34611039@N08/sets/72157626310660687/

Share your awareness story at facebook.com/softsensory

I'll Tell You Why I Can't Wear Those Clothes

Noreen O'Sullivan visited me at the Soft office in Brooklyn last year. She is a former New Yorker, former elementary school teacher who currently lives in Denmark and has two daughters. I was very inspired by our meeting--she had wonderful ideas for Soft, great constructive feedback, and expressed joy that some of our styles had made her daughters dressing experience more tolerable, even enjoyable. She said that she was working on a secret project, which made me very curious, but she could not disclose any details until it was finished or nearly finished. I knew only it had something to do with creating awareness about Sensory Processing Disorder, and helping families and children understand the disorder and get the help they need.

About a year later, Noreen emailed me a link to her facebook page, and told me about a series of children's books she was writing called "I'll Tell You Why..." The first one, "I'll Tell You Why I Can't Wear Those Clothes," was already written, and dealt with tactile defensiveness, or sensory sensitivity. The mission of the series, as stated on her website:

"The children's book series will identify a problem, explain a behavior, introduce solutions, and offer awareness and understanding - all in a 10 minute read. Intended to be an interactive read with your child, each page offers a drawing journal with guiding questions. This provides an opportunity for children to talk about their individual needs. For the time being, the series is focusing on sensory issues, as there seems to be a lack of mainstream awareness in these areas of child development."

I was very excited to see the first book, and it arrived on my desk yesterday morning. I was so impressed first of all with the design. It is beautiful, modern, simple, yet also totally whimsical and inviting. The book is filled with photographs of Noreen's daughter engaged in the daily routine of her life, which immediately invites you to really empathize with the written description of her challenges. My favorite part* conceptually, is that opposite each text/photo page, there is an open space with an open ended question--inviting the reader to share in words or pictures their own related experience. As a teacher, I loved books that invited children to write in them! It really made them connect and remember the experience of the book's message.

I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Currently it is available on Amazon UK, but Noreen is working on getting distribution in the US. I will keep everyone updated on that! The book is joining a small but significant and impressive group of wonderful children's books on Sensory Processing Disorder (see below list).

I'll Tell You Why I Can't Wear Those Clothes, by Noreen O'Sullivan

This is Gabriel Making Sense of School, by Hartley Steiner

Sensitive Sam, by Marla Roth Fisch

and for more, see this great LIST on Amazon which includes books for kids and adults on SPD

*My OTHER favorite part is that our Soft Jeans make an appearance in one of the photos in the book!

Medicaid Cuts- How will they affect your child with SID?

With upcoming Medicaid cuts, how will this impact your child and family? Here's a video and article about a woman whose son has occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy, and how his services will be cut significantly. What are people's reactions?

Winter Dressing Tips for your Child with SPD and/or Autism

Rhythmic Movement Training Leader Comes to North America!

Neurodevelopmental movement specialist, Sonia Story, is launching a six-month Western U.S. and British Columbia tour, conducting training workshops in Rhythmic Movement Training™ for parents, occupational and physical therapists, special educators, caregivers, counselors and aides.

Soft Clothes are perfect for wearing to any of these workshops!

Read the entire article here!

SPD Awareness Calendar on Sale Now!

The 2011 Hope & Help Calendar brings Awareness to Sensory Processing Disorder and are available now! Visit Sensory Planet to get yours!

Soft Clothing and Hartley's Life With 3 Boys bring you our first annual Holiday Giveaway!

Announcing the first annual Sensory Friendly Holiday Giveaway! Co-sponsored by Soft and Hartley's Life with 3 Boys Blog! 2 Grand Prizes will be given (one for boys, one for girls), and will each include the following sensory friendly items, which focus on fine motor development, dramatic play skills, sensory integration, creative expression, auditory exploration, and of course, fun! Whatever holiday or season your family celebrates, there is something in this stocking for someone you love!

Quilted Train Stocking from Pottery Barn Kids (boys prize)

Quilted Angel Stocking from Pottery Barn Kids (girls prize)

This is Gabriel Making Sense of School, by Hartley Steiner (That's me!!)

SPD Awareness Calendar (for sale at http://www.sensoryplanet.com/)

Glitter bouncy ball from Pottery Barn Kids

Alex Finger Crayons

Tangle Textured Jr

AKU Sensory Ring

Melissa and Doug Jumbo Paint Brushes (set of 4)

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Fuzzy Make your Own Monster Puppet

Wonderland Eco Friendly Rainbow Sound Blocks

Mood Therapy Putty

Soft Seamless Sock 2-pack

One complete Soft dressy look for girls OR

One complete Soft dressy look for boys

Enter here!

Ever wonder what the heck IEP, ADD, ADHD, FAPE all stand for?

A special guide to special ed acronyms...check this out! I would have loved to had this before I got so lost in class learning about all this stuff! Check it out!

"Acronyms, otherwise known in the English language as "too lazy to say the whole phrase so let's substitute letters in the interest of time." In theSpecial Education world, life is full of them..."

Add Soft to your Amazon Wish List this Holiday Season

It's hard to tell family what to get you or your kids for the holidays/birthdays or any event that involves gift giving. But it's even harder getting stuck with something you can't use or give away!

Amazon has made the awkwardness of telling people what your family wants and needs soooo much easier with their Wish List feature. I have been using it for years, and have been happily unsurprised every year when I open my gifts--to find EXACTLY what I always wanted! Now Amazon has gone farther, and has introduced a Universal Wish List, which installs in seconds, and allows you to add items from any product page on the web (including ours) to your Amazon wish list! Now you can tell your friends and relatives about all those sensory friendly products (including ours:) that you would love to give your kids this year. If you need Soft, sensory friendly clothing for your child with Sensory Processing Disorder or Autism--let us/Amazon do the explaining!

Learn about the Universal Wish List Here

Install Basic Universal Wish List Here

Google Chrome Extension Here

Firefox Extension Here

Safari Extension Here

Another cool thing to mention, is that they have set up a Charity Wish List, where instead of listing the products you want people to buy you, you can list charities you would like people to donate to in your name!

Campaign to Feature SPD on Oprah

Two non-profit organization (Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation & SPD Parent Zone) working together to raise awareness about a little known disorder that affects millions. Tell your friends, and join the Campaign!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Campaign-To-Feature-Sensory-Processing-Disorder-SPD-on-Oprah/153887684650775

Soft on NY1 News!

Watch our segment here!

Check out SPARKonline.org!!!

Hey everybody! Check out Spark ~ Join us each month for a lecture and discussion with an expert followed by a chance to connect with other special parents in a relaxed, supportive environment. Check out this months feature! And yes, Soft is involved!

Did ya'll know that...

Did you all know that the term 'mental retardation' has been replaced by the term ' intellectual disability'? In the new DSM-V the term will be officially replaced, but that does not mean we need to keep using the word 'mental retardation' to evoke more stigmas attached to the word 'retardation'.

On your child's current IEP they may be classified as MR not ID, the forms will be changed in the upcoming future. Spread the good word!

Parallel Play author Tim Page on NPR today!!!

Tim Page is an amazing, amazing person who was diagnosed with Asperger's as an adult! I had the pleasure of hearing him speak, and let me tell you it was such a wonderful experience I'll never forget it. Please listen to his interview with Terry Gross on NPR at 5pm EST. Remember: your kids will be adults some day...hear/read all of his amazing accomplishments and insights. Truly an exceptional person. I bought this book for my Dad for Father's Day!

National Autism Conference!

The conference will kick off on Thursday, November 11^th with a full-day Special Education Law Workshop where parents will learn strategies to advocate for the best possible IEP for their children. The conference covers a wide range of topics, including everything from advocacy to cutting-edge research, biomedical and dietary interventions, Sensory Processing Disorder, teaching speech to non-verbal children, adolescence, video modeling, children's rights, and wandering prevention.

This year's keynote speakers and special guests are NFL star and author of Not My Boy!, Rodney Peete and actress Holly Robinson Peete, whose recent record-breaking appearance on The Celebrity Apprentice inspired the nation.

Other presenters include Dr. Andrew Wakefield, Dr. Dan Rossignol, Soma Mukhopadhyay, Areva Martin, Dr. Jane El-Dahr,Chantal Sicile-Kira, Dr. Theoharis Theoharides and authors of the newly published book, The Age of Autism, Dan Olmsted and Mark Blaxill.

Oh, Canada!

We've heard your stories, listened to your requests, and taken your advice! Canada, Soft is slowly making it's way to you!

We are pleased to announce the launch of Sensory Store Canada , founded by Lori Brienesse-Frank. Lori is a mom of a son with autism. After searching high and low for the perfect sock for her son, Lori discovered Soft® Clothing. Her son loved them so much she realized she needed to share this discovery with other parents in Canada.

Lori is also the owner of Apples to Oranges Consulting - Special Diets for Special Kids. Lori has had her son on a Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet for over 3 years now. The results have been amazing in improving his symptoms of autism. Putting her experience and passion to work, Lori now helps other parents transition their child to the GFCF diet offering practical solutions for today's busy family.

Stay tuned for more expansion into Canada, and click here to read the 5 page spread on Soft and other adaptive clothing companies in Canada's Exceptional Parent Fall 2010 Issue!

Also, in case you missed it, founder Jessica Ralli was recently interviewed in an article on Sensory Sensitive clothing in Toronto's largest paper, the Globe and Mail.

Autism & Asperger's Super Conference!

Autism & Asperger's SuperConference
Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Jed Baker will be the featured speakers at this one-day-only SuperConference. If your life has been touched by autism, Asperger's, or any sensory processing disorder, you must plan on attending. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear two of the world's most leading authorities together in one place. Help spread the word. The more doctors, teachers, therapists, counselors, aides, and families work together, the more we improve the quality of life for those living with these disorders. For more information or to register call 1-800-489-0727 or go to www.fhautism.com. Hurry! These conferences are selling out quickly!

Date : Friday, October 01 2010, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Location : Evansville Airport Marriott - 7101 US Highway 41 N - Evansville, IN.
Contact Info : Teresa@fhautism.com

Editorial - Gating of sensory information differs in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

Interesting new research suggests that patients with interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome are associated with deficits in early stage information processing and specifically with ineffective gating of incoming sensory information. You have to register to see the article, I will just copy and paste it below! Shh!

BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) -

Do IC/BPS Patients Process Sensory Information Abnormally?

Altered sensory processing, including increased pain sensitivity and decreased habituation to non-noxious sensation has been suggested in some studies in patients with IC/BPS. Lisa Ann Kilpatrick and coworkers from Los Angeles sought to carry this observation further to determine whether sensory processing deficiency of the central nervous system manifested by an inability to adequately filter incoming visceral afferent information may be central to the disorder.

As measured in humans by the eye blink reflex, the acoustic startle response is a rapid defensive response to a sudden intense stimulus that is mediated by brainstem structures and modulated by higher brain structures. Acoustic startle response amplitude can be decreased by a weak nonstartling stimulus (prepulse) presented 30-300 milliseconds before the startle-eliciting stimulus. This phenomenon is referred to as PPI or prepulse inhibition. It is considered a neurophysiologic measure of the early pre-attentive stages of information processing and an operational measure of sensorimotor gating.

The researchers recruited 14 female patients with IC/BPS and 17 female controls. PPI was assessed at 60 and 120 millisecond prepulse-to-startle stimulus intervals. They looked at the relationships between prepulse inhibition, neuroticism and acute stress ratings.

In this, the first study to evaluate sensorimotor gating in patients diagnosed with IC/BPS, the data presented is interpreted to show that patients as a group have a significant deficit in PPI vs. controls, suggesting decreased ability to adequately filter incoming information and perform appropriate sensorimotor gating. The greatest PPI decrease (impaired sensorimotor gating) was reported in those whom increased stress was reported during the study procedures. Patients reported significantly greater stress after the procedure than controls. On the other hand, increased neuroticism was associated with a greater PPI, and thus had a moderating effect on the lowered PPI.

The authors conclude that this preliminary study suggests that IC/BPS is associated with deficits in early stage information processing and specifically with inefficient gating of incoming sensory information. Previous studies have shown that vigilance can increase PPI, perhaps explaining the mitigating effect of neuroticism/trait anxiety.

Kilpatrick LA, Ornitz E, Ibrahimovic H, Hubbard CS, Rodríguez LV, Mayer EA, Naliboff BD

Attention Washington state!

Construction begins on the new Progress Center in Longview! The Progress Center in Longview is adding a new building to increase therapy for infants and toddlers with sensory processing disorders. Check out the article and get involved!

Announcing the Winner of our Sensory Friendly Giveaway!

We had so much fun co-hosting our Sensory Friendly Back-to-School Giveaway with Hartley Steiner, author of HLW3B Blog and This is Gabriel Making Sense of School. We are so happy to announce that we have a winner! See pics below and a note from happy Mom--Rebecca Jolly!

Winner of our giveaway on his first day of school!

He can't wait to use all of his new soft, sensory friendly tools!! I am
sure that these items are going to be a big help toward school success!!

--Rebecca Jolly

Giveaway box is packed and ready to go!

ABC 7 Chicago Inventors Segment: Interview with Suzy Kogen Friedman

SPD and how it is related to Autism

Check out this article from Psychology Today about SPD and how it relates to Autism. Most people on the spectrum experience hypersensitiveness, but this does not mean people with SPD have Autism. Check out the article, it's a very quick read!

Check out the "Come to your Senses" Package!!!

October is National Sensory Awareness Month

Request your free "Come to your Senses" volunteer packet to be delivered to your inbox. Just e-mail us at:awareness@SIfocus.com and join thousands of parents, teachers, therapists across the country who will be helping raise awareness in their own communities regarding sensory issues. These packets will be going out mid-August, but you can give us your request right now!

We'll also send you a jpeg for an 18x24 poster that you can take to any Kinko's or local printer and print a full color poster for your school!

What's in the packet?

· SI/SPD Fact Sheet
· Ideas for Awareness Activities
· Media Outreach Guidelines
· Press Release
· Media Alert (sample template)
· Public Service Announcement Script
· Sample E-Mail Copy for Mass Distribution
· Establishing a Support Group in Your Area

Look out for special stuff from Soft for National Sensory Awareness Month!!!

1 Grand Prize worth over $250 will be given:

3 pack of Soft Sensory Tees in color/size of your choice

6 pairs of Soft Seamless Socks

"This is Gabriel Making Sense of School" by Hartley Steiner

Lands End Uniform Backpack

Classpack of Crayola Colored Pencils

Tactile Fidget

Desk Buddy Sensory Bar

6-Pack of Mead Sprial Wide Ruled Notebooks

4-BG Flash Drive

12-Pack of Crayola Washable Fine-Tip Markers

Peltor Junior Noise Proctector Headphones

Classic Pencil Grip Pencil Sharpener

4-Pack of Sharpie Highlighter Pens

3-Pack of Pink Paper-Mate Rubber Erasers

2 Mead Classic Composition Books

Plastic Hinged School Tool Box

Max's Mud-Natural Sculpting Dough

Pocket Stixx Oral Motor Tubes

Entry Rules: (you can enter up to 6 times by doing one or all of the below, and indicating on the entry form which you did!)

1. Follow Soft on Twitter and tweet about our giveaway. (twitter.com/softclothing)

2. Become a fan of Soft on Facebook

3. Become a follower of Hartley's Life with 3 Boys Blog

4. Follow the SPD Foundation on Twitter (twitter.com/spdfoundation)

5. Write a post about our giveaway on your blog (worth 2 entries!)

6. Sign up for the Soft Newsletter

Check out Sensory School!

Sensory School is a place where parents, professionals and kids can come to share and exchange helpful ideas for supporting their children with SPD, Autism, Aspergers and other Sensory Disorders in the classroom. Moderated by a Special Educator and Occupational Therapist, we seek to be an active and information rich community of supportive parents and professionals.

link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=122014394502697&v=app_2392950137#!/group.php?gid=122014394502697

Check em out ya'll!

DC Camp for kids with Special Needs! DC residents only!

Check out this awesome new camp in the Washington D.C. area...the enrollment is coming to an end and get this...it's free of charge! So check out this article and get the specifics for enrollment asap!!!

Children must be between the ages 7 and 10, verbal and have the ability to participate in group settings. There are currently 15 spaces available.

To enroll residents can visit the Fitness for Health web site, download an application, and email it to Camp@FitnessForHealth.org. Or residents can fax the application to 301-231-5434, or mail it to 11140 Rockville Pike, Suite 303, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

Sensory Sensitivities on the School Bus-pass along to your child's driver

Here's a great article to send along with your child to give to their bus driver! This might help your bus driver stop punishing your child for their "bad behavior," and instead help them understand your child. Check it out and print it out!

Two general articles on Autism & SPD

Here are links to two new articles that offer a good overall run down of SPD and Autism. Forward them to friends and family if you have someone in your family with sensory issues. The more people understand SPD and Autism, the more they will understand you or your child. Create awareness! Have a great weekend!

SPD:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/19/1572104/they-just-cant-stand-it.html

Autism:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/health/2010-07/21/c_13408503.htm