Helping children with neurodiverse needs who face challenges with communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation involves tailored interventions and strategies. Here are three practical steps to support them. 

1.Implement Visual Supports and Structured Routines

• Why it helps: Children with neurodivergent needs often benefit from clear and consistent visual cues and routines. Visual supports, such as schedules, charts, and pictograms, help with understanding expectations and transitions.

• Practical step: Create a visual schedule that outlines daily activities, using pictures or icons to indicate each task. This reduces anxiety by providing predictability and clarity.We have various free templates to help support your family. Find them in The Sanctuary section 

2.Use Social Stories and Role-Playing📚

• Why it helps: Social stories help children with neurodivergent needs understand social situations, expectations, and appropriate responses. These stories break down complex social interactions into simple, understandable steps.

• Practical step: Develop social stories that describe common social scenarios (e.g., how to greet a friend or how to ask for help). Use role-playing to practice these situations in a safe and supportive environment.Visit our Sancturay Page to find our Famlink Series of social stories that you can tailor for your family and its needs.

3.Provide Sensory Tools and Safe Spaces🔧

• Why it helps: Sensory processing issues are common among neurodivergent children, and sensory overload can lead to emotional dysregulation. Offering sensory tools and safe spaces can help children self-regulate when they feel overwhelmed.

• Practical step: Create a designated “calm down” space with sensory tools like fidget toys, weighted blankets, or noise-canceling headphones. Encourage children to use these tools when they need to manage stress or emotional outbursts.This is an area we specialize in have a look at some our products,vidoes and Sensory kits to assist you.

Balancing educational screen time with encouraging healthy, screen-free play can be challenging for parents, especially in today's digital age. Here are three practical tips to help parents navigate this balance: 

 Set Clear Time Limits for Screen Use

• Why it helps: Establishing a structured routine helps children understand the boundaries of screen time and ensures that digital devices are used for productive or educational purposes without overwhelming other activities.

• Practical step: Create a daily screen time schedule that includes time for learning and recreation. For example, set a limit of 30 minutes to an hour for educational content, followed by screen-free activities like outdoor play, reading, or crafting. Use timers or apps to help track time and provide gentle reminders when it's time to transition away from screens.

 Encourage Interactive and Creative Play

• Why it helps: Screen-free activities that promote physical movement, creativity, and social interaction help children develop important life skills and improve their cognitive, emotional, and physical health.

• Practical step: Offer a variety of engaging alternatives like building with blocks, playing board games, drawing, or outdoor activities such as biking or playing sports. Encourage imaginative play with toys or activities that require problem-solving and collaboration, such as role-playing or storytelling.

Model Healthy Technology Use

• Why it helps: Children often imitate the behaviors of their parents, so modeling balanced and intentional screen time can set a positive example for kids to follow.

• Practical step: Set aside designated "no-screen" times for family activities like meals or outdoor outings. When you do use digital devices, show the benefits of using technology for learning or communication, but also demonstrate the importance of unplugging and enjoying offline activities. Encourage family conversations or interactive games to foster connection without screens.

By setting boundaries, providing engaging alternatives, and modeling healthy behavior, parents can help children achieve a balanced relationship with digital devices while promoting screen-free activities that enhance overall development.