Creation of the calm down toolbox provides social-emotional skill development and connection with your child.

Players take turns asking others for cards with specific emotions (e.g., "Do you have any 'happy' cards?"). If the asked player has the card, they must give it up. If not, they say "Go fish!" and the asker draws from the pond. When a player gets a pair of matching emotion cards, they place it face up and describe a situation that might cause that feeling.

What kinds of thoughts does this holiday season bring to mind for you?

For families of children with special needs, the holidays can bring a very different list to mind.

November is a month we recognize caregivers of many types. It is hospice or palliative care month, when we focus on showing our appreciation for those who care for others.

Looking for a simple, spooky-themed fine motor activity that’s perfect for October? Try this Skeleton Hands Cotton Swab Craft! This fun, low-mess art project helps children develop hand-eye coordination, bilateral integration, and fine motor precision.

This printable board game focuses on gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and body awareness.

The Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapists states that “Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments.”

Make monster feet for a fun way to practice color recognition and get moving!

Build your own monster while engaging in developmental activities!

An effective tool for educators, parents, caregivers, and therapy providers, a calm down toolbox can help your child process emotions and reactions.

Make it a habit to check in with your engine to identify how your child is feeling and help them understand how others are feeling.

Work on gross motor skills, balance, coordination, endurance, stamina, and core strength with this spooky exercise!

Use tissue paper for this easy and festive fall craft! Download a free copy of this Candy Corn Craft.

Get creative with your stack of monsters to practice visual motor skills.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this slimy DIY sensory bin!

This sensory bin helps kids work on fine motor skills with pinching, pouring and scooping. Develop language skills by describing the items in the bin.

Set up a spooky canvas for your kids to make their own Halloween art!

This craft focuses on developing gross motor skills like crossing the midline, shoulder and elbow strength and stability, and wrist and pencil grasp.

Make these cards to add to your toolbox and aid your child’s emotional regulation. You can ask your child’s therapy professionals about any methods similar to this that might be in practice at school or in sessions.

Get active for the holiday season with this Pumpkin Exercise Game!

Make these cards to aid in your child’s emotional regulation and development.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month - when we take a closer look at some of the details about Down Syndrome (Down instead of Down’s).