What Autumn Teaches Us About Change: Helping Kids Embrace Seasonal Transitions Through Speech Therapy in NYC
I don’t know about you – but I find the transition from summer into fall both thrilling and nerve-racking all at the same time.
All these emotions wrapped up into one roller coaster of a season full of changes and transitions.
Maybe your little ones are also feeling the shifting energy of the season too?
In the autumn the air becomes cooler, sweaters get thrown over heads and bedtimes come a bit earlier.
There is both excitement and nervousness in the air.
Children’s minds are filled with thoughts of new and changing classrooms, teachers and friends.
For highly sensitive and neurodivergent children these seasonal shifts and changes can feel down right abrupt!
Oftentimes these moments of seasonal change can be overwhelming both physically and emotionally for highly sensitive children and people.
Children who are highly sensitive to sensory changes and temperature shifts can feel these seasonal transitions deeply on a physical, sensory and emotional level.
On a physical level these cooler temperature shifts can feel abrupt and jarring to one’s sensory system.
Cooler temperatures can often cause increased muscle tightness, increased sensitivity to pain, and reduced mobility and flexibility of the joints.
On an emotional level new schedules begin and old schedules fade away bringing many changes.
These seasonal changes can be challenging for those of us that prefer and thrive within a predictable routine and schedule.
As busy schedules resume it is important to be mindful that differently-abled people may need additional time to rest, restore and replenish their energy sources.
A new school year full of changes can create a perfect storm for sensory overload, emotional outbursts, and even total nervous system shut down.
So, what can we do as parents, therapists, teachers and caregivers to provide support for a smoother transition into autumn and the new school year?
I invite you to create sacred moments for your child to rest, reflect and restore during this transitional autumn season.
I invite you to create pockets of calm with grounding activities for the whole family – as we transition into this bountiful fall harvest season
Here are some suggestions for grounding activities to aid in the fall transition:
- Review any new teachers, classrooms, classes, routines or homework with your child as a daily routine.
- Set up a predictable and consistent bedtime and sleep schedule.
- Plan your morning, midday and evening meals with your child. Making sure to fill up the menu with nutritious protein, vegetables, fruits and high quality grains for increased energy!
- Allow for some unstructured downtime after school. This could include: video games, chilling in bed, coloring, watching a video or sensory play.
- Get some physical exercise and fresh air in – go for a walk in the park or a stroll around your neighborhood. Playing an I spy game.
- On the weekends consider exploring all the amazing fall activities around – like apple and pumpkin picking, finding a new hiking trail, or visiting a pop up museum. Soak up all the cultural events around this amazing – New York State!
These health and wellness cornerstones of adequate sleep, nutrition and exercise are crucial to maintain during this fall transition.
Finding creative activities to explore the fall wonderment within New York State is one of my favorite things to do!
I invite you to join me in pausing today to notice the changing colors of the leaves, the crisp fall air, and maybe even the delicious tang of a freshly picked apple!
If your child is struggling with the new academic school year – we can help!
Are you ready to experience the difference of bespoke, holistic, compassionate, personalized care at Chatty Child?
Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language skills treatment plan to address any areas of concern; while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.
To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Meet the Author: A Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her clinical background, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her personal and professional experiences deeply inform her approach to care.
Heather’s own journey as a differently-abled person led her to establish Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice dedicated to empowering children through individualized, compassionate support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that promotes confidence, learning, and friendship. The story includes a teaching guide designed for use by parents and educators alike.
Heather and her team offer services both in-person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtually throughout New York State, helping children grow in confidence, communication, and self-expression.
