Blooming Minds Therapy Centre

Learning environments can be overwhelming places, especially for children with sensory sensitivities or neurodivergence. Bright lights, loud noises, unexpected touches, and crowded spaces can make it hard for these children to focus, feel safe, and thrive. The good news? Making sensory-friendly changes in classrooms and at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive and the impact can be huge. Here’s how small adjustments can create a more welcoming and effective learning environment for all children. What Is Sensory-Friendly Learning? Sensory-friendly learning means designing spaces and routines that consider the sensory needs of learners whether those needs involve seeking more sensory input (like movement or deep pressure) or avoiding overwhelming sensations (like noise or bright lights). By understanding and accommodating these differences, we help children regulate their bodies and minds, which improves attention, behaviour, and overall well-being. Why Sensory-Friendly...

In recent years, the concept of masking has gained attention, particularly in conversations about autism and mental health. While masking can affect anyone, it often looks very different and can be much more common in girls and young women. Understanding girls masking is crucial for parents, educators, and mental health professionals because it helps explain why many girls with autism or other neurodivergent conditions are overlooked, misunderstood, or diagnosed late. What Is Masking? Masking is when a person consciously or unconsciously hides their natural behaviors, feelings, or traits in order to fit in, avoid judgment, or protect themselves from stigma and exclusion. For neurodivergent girls, masking often means: Copying social behaviours of peers Suppressing stimming (repetitive movements) Hiding sensory sensitivities Mimicking facial expressions or tone of voice Pretending to understand social cues even when confused Masking is exhausting. It takes consta...