Hi, I’m Grace  — a children’s occupational therapist, mum of two, and one of my little ones happens to be a sensory eater . I know firsthand how tricky mealtimes can feel when your child struggles with new foods, textures, or even the idea of food touching on the plate. One strategy that has truly transformed our family mealtimes — and that I often recommend to the families I support — is family-style dining . In this post, I’ll explain what family-style dining is, why  it’s

Last week, I had the pleasure of facilitating a Sensory Submarine Sleep Workshop  for the National Autistic Society Dungannon & Coalisland Branch. One of the most common concerns parents shared was sleep – falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking early. Sleep difficulties are common in neurodivergent and autistic children, but understanding why these challenges happen and how to address them can make a huge difference. Why Neurodivergent Kids May Struggle with Sleep Children

Halloween is meant to be exciting — costumes, friends, and a little bit of spooky fun. But for many children with sensory sensitivities, it can quickly shift from exciting to overwhelming. Flashing lights, noisy crowds, itchy costumes, and unfamiliar foods can all contribute to sensory overload  — when a child’s brain is flooded with more input than it can comfortably handle. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. With a few simple adjustments, you can make Halloween calm