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In a futuristic steampunk world, humanity has rebuilt technology from scratch following a cataclysmic event called the Sixty Minute War. Cities like London have giant tracks that let them move at speeds of up to 100 miles an hour, catching smaller towns and stripping them for resources in a system called Municipal Darwinism.

Tom Natsworthy is a 15-year-old orphan and an apprentice at the Museum of Natural History in London. He idolizes the head Historian Thaddeus Valentine. One day a mysterious scavenger girl from the muddy area outside London boards the city and attempts to assassinate Valentine. Tom stops her at the last minute, chasing her when she flees. The girl has a large scar on her face and reveals that her name is Hester Shaw. Before jumping down a trash chute, Hester warns that Valentine isn't who he seems to be. When Tom brings up Hester Shaw to Valentine, he pushes Tom down the same trash chute, attempting to kill him.

Tom survives the fall and finds himself outside London, in the mud next to Hester. She curses him for stopping her assassination attempt, but since they're both trying to make it back to London, they agree to travel together. Meanwhile, back in London, Valentine's daughter, Katherine, slowly begins to learn that her admired father may have a dark side.

Tom and Hester struggle to catch up with London, traveling on foot across the muddy area known as the Hunting Ground. After some initial setbacks, they meet a helpful airship pilot named Miss Anna Fang who is willing to take them to London. Their journey gets interrupted, however, when Shrike catches up with them. Shrike is a Resurrected Man, meaning he is a soldier from a previous era whose dead human brain powers a robotic body. He took in Hester for a while after Hester's parents died, but now he seems to be a ruthless hunter. Lord Mayor Magnus Crome of London has sent him to kill both Tom and Hester.

To escape Shrike, Tom and Hester steal a hot air balloon while Miss Fang stays back to distract him. They can't evade him for long, however, because he has heat-seeking vision and can track Hester's scent. When he catches up with them, Shrike reveals that, while he does intend to kill Hester, Crome has promised Shrike that he will allow Hester to become Resurrected like him. Although Hester tentatively agrees to this, Tom intervenes, killing Shrike with a sword.

Meanwhile, back in London, Crome makes plans to use a super-powered weapon called MEDUSA that can obliterate whole cities. He wants to use it on the Shield-Wall, a giant barrier that protects the people in the Anti-Traction League from predatory moving Traction Cities like London, so that London can expand its hunting. Crome sends Valentine out in his airship on a secret mission.

After Shrike's death, Tom and Hester reunite with Miss Fang. She takes them in her airship to a settlement behind the Shield-Wall. Tom realizes that the stories he heard in London are wrong and that the people behind the Shield-Wall aren't evil. While Tom is exploring the settlement, he notices Valentine in disguise. Tom tries to catch him but can't stop Valentine from sabotaging the settlement's whole fleet of airships. Miss Fang confronts Valentine in the hangar and he tricks her during a sword fight, killing her.

Tom and Hester head back to London in Miss Fang's old airship to try to stop Crome from using MEDUSA. Tom drops Hester off so that she can finally get her revenge on Valentine. At the same time, Katherine, horrified by MEDUSA's destructive power, collaborates with some members of London's Guild of Historians to attempt to sabotage it.

While Tom is flying around above London, waiting to pick up Hester, another airship attacks his. Tom fires back, and the ship falls down to London, starting a fire. Meanwhile, Crome's guards catch Hester and bring her to Valentine. On her way to sabotage MEDUSA, Katherine sees Valentine and Hester. Before Valentine can kill Hester with his sword, Katherine leaps in the way, saving Hester but getting mortally wounded herself. As Katherine falls, she hits the controls from MEDUSA, causing it to malfunction. With no target entered, MEDUSA starts firing at London itself. Tom comes back in the airship and picks Hester up just in time to escape before London blows up. The two fly off to get their ship repaired, unsure what to do next but happy to at least have each other.

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Get all the key plot points of Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines on one page. From the creators of SparkNotes.

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The story of Sarah Harper

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Understanding the brain and art produced by schizophrenic artists giving ideas to our later devoloped chaotic visuals

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Produced to represents Sarahs emotions and thoughts, a colly collage made to visually represent the narrative

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Material sheet produced to showcase the materials utilised which presenting it's color scheme. Aditionally, the sheet shows materials picked up from the mental institute sarah is located in, therfore showing her creation of the gown.

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Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition. It causes a range of different psychological symptoms.
Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a type of psychosis. This means the person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.

Symptoms of schizophrenia can include:

hallucinations - hearing or seeing things that do not exist outside of the mind

delusions - unusual beliefs not based on reality

muddled thoughts and speech based on hallucinations or delusions

losing interest in everyday activities

not wanting to look after yourself and your needs, such as not caring about your personal hygiene

wanting to avoid people, including friends

feeling disconnected from your feelings or emotions

People with schizophrenia do not have a split personality. Schizophrenia does not usually cause someone to be violent.

When to get medical advice

If you're experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, see a GP as soon as possible. The earlier schizophrenia is treated, the better.

There's no single test for schizophrenia. It's usually diagnosed after an assessment by a mental health care professional, such as a psychiatrist.

Causes of schizophrenia

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. But most experts believe the condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

It's thought that some people are more vulnerable to developing schizophrenia, and certain situations can trigger the condition such as a stressful life event or drug misuse.

Treating schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of medicine and therapy tailored to each individual.

In most cases, this will be antipsychotic medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

People with schizophrenia usually receive help from a community mental health team, which can offer day-to-day support and treatment, depending on the needs of each individual.

Many people recover from schizophrenia, although they may have periods when symptoms return (relapses).

Support and treatment can help reduce the impact the condition has on daily life.

Living with schizophrenia

If schizophrenia is well managed, it's possible to reduce the chance of severe relapses.

This can include:

recognising the signs of an acute episode

taking medicine as prescribed

talking to others about the condition

There are many charities and support groups offering help and advice on living with schizophrenia.

Most people find it comforting talking to others with a similar condition.

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Find out about schizophrenia - a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms.

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Psycom.net - Mental Health Treatment Resource Since 1996

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You know the feeling when you walk through a doorway and you've forgotten why you're there? That's how it felt to walk through the hospital door and enter the psychiatric ward for the first time. A little bit surreal.

The first time I entered those doors was 14 years ago-I was just 16 and hiding under a very thin white blanket while seated in a wheelchair. My parents escorted through the doors. Now, you may be wondering why I was under a blanket. In the frame of mind I was in, it was hard to tell, but I've since learned that I was exhibiting the symptom of paranoia that many people with bipolar disorder experience. I was frightened out of my mind, and rightfully so. Only a few nights earlier I had heard demons chanting the name of my savior in my head: " Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ! "

On the day I was admitted, I remember waiting in the ER for what seemed like hours, beforehand. When I arrived, there was a whole new team of medical personnel wanting to see who was underneath the blanket. After hearing my Mom prompt me, I braved the new place and shyly stood up on my feet. A friendly aide greeted me.

"Hi - I'm Kim. You must be Katie." She was the first face of hope I met there. After taking me to the nurse's office to get my vitals, I met Holly, another aide, with a sparkling personality that also helped put me at ease for the remainder of my three weeks there.

It wasn't until my Mom and Dad left, though, that the experience of the psych ward began to envelop all my senses. Here are a few things to expect in the psych ward, based on my experience at 16 and again at 24, that I would have appreciated knowing in advance.

How is the day structured there?

There is a schedule that isn't necessarily the same every day. But you can be sure the staff will keep you on schedule. You are expected to go to bed at a reasonable hour, and sleep for at least 8 hours. There is order to the day. Mine often looked like this: time to prepare for the day (I got an hour in the morning), breakfast, quiet time, recess/physical activity, TV time, study time (for school-aged patients), recreation time and group therapy. After lunch, more of the same activities follow until a break for dinner which is often followed by visitor hours, movie time and lights out. The activities don't necessarily occur in that order but the schedule is typically posted in a visible place.

When can I see my doctor?

At least once a week I would see the doctor. Maybe not as often as I wanted, but at least as often as he could see me. I recommend being as honest and transparent as possible with the doctor. They want to know how you're doing, so tell them if you're having a cruddy day, or if your symptoms are bothering you. They are there to help you.

Wait a minute, can I change my mind?

Depending on the laws that govern the state where the facility is located, in the adult ward, may be able to petition your case, provided you voluntarily admitted yourself, and fill out the proper paperwork during the first 72 hours (3 days). In the adult ward I went to, the state of Florida had a law that allowed the patients who had voluntarily admitted themselves to petition the hospital administration in a court of law within the hospital to review and possibly repeal their case for earlier release.

I recommend visiting the Treatment Advocacy Center website for more information on laws concerning admission and release. They monitor the 46 United States that abide by a common set of laws for the treatment of patients and score them in their efficiency to abide by those laws. Also, if you were involuntarily committed, there are laws to keep you monitored and unable to be discharged for the first 72 hours (three days).

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Are patients violent?

I can't say there weren't times when patients got out of control and the staff had to intervene but if you follow the rules and avoid confrontation with others, you should have no problem. Try to keep your distance physically and emotionally from people who you think may have the potential to be violent. Also, remember that many people in the psych ward may just like you and you may even find a friend or two during your time there. I created a lifelong friendship at the psychiatric ward.

What kind of testing is performed?

They draw your blood upon admission. They also take your vitals regularly, usually morning and evening, but at least once a day.

What does the facility look like?

The three psych wards I've been in were pretty plain on the inside. Unfortunately, they don't seem to make interior design a priority. The first one had no pictures on the walls, and the second had about three abstract paintings, and 2 illustrations that reminded me of the Silence Of The Lambs movie poster (eerie, I know). Another adult ward I stayed in had vaulted ceilings with large photos of beautiful locations around the world. There are usually minimal decorations and "homey" items. It's easy to understand that it would be a risk to keep any home-like furnishings in the rooms, so it was pretty bare, needless to say.

Are the beds comfortable?

Honestly, all of the beds I had slept on were pretty stiff. They had plywood frames and no headboards, with a couple inches of mattress padding. But the sheets and linens were cleaned regularly, thankfully.

How long is the typical stay?

I do know that some people were out the next day. And some people stay longer. I was there for 3 weeks. Some people stay a few months. Doctors and staff regularly review the patients' behaviors. Their input in part dictates the length of treatment at the facility. The staff wants to ensure you're safe and not a harm to yourself or others before you are discharged.

What do you wear?

When I was in the juvenile ward, we wore scrubs. In the adult ward, we wore casual, comfortable everyday clothing. They confiscate any belts, hoodie strings, shoestrings, and the like so as to take away anything that may pose a safety risk.

What kind of physical activity goes on?

This may vary from place to place, but there was always a recreation time to either interact with others in a gym or outside in the enclosed courtyard. Take advantage of the physical activities, your brain needs it as much as your body. And you may end up passing on it during times you want to be alone to think or relax.

How can I avoid sensory overload?

It may be best that once in a while, during times that the patients congregate in a group, you may want to go to your room to rest, away from the noise and commotion. There were days it was hard for me to handle the day-to-day activities in my mental illness, and an even greater a struggle to deal with a blaring movie on TV or a crowd of people talking loudly waiting for their meds in the dayroom. Permit yourself to take breaks from the anxiety-inducing activities, know and identify your triggers, and learn coping skills.

A final note: be sure to make the most of it. Your time in the psych ward may be the darkest night of the soul, or a welcome reprieve from the lifestyle you lead that could help you get your bearings while you're away. In either case, know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may seem like the moments are going on forever, but just remember, "T his too shall pass." So, while you're waiting for discharge, cooperate, and work on you.

Being isolated within a hospital psychiatric unit may seem contrary to what you need when you're not in a stable frame of mind. You're not surrounded by friends or family inside those walls, though they should be more than welcome to come visit you. I would encourage you to seek professional help when deciphering whether or not you should be admitted to a psychiatric unit. I know I received the help I could not have gotten elsewhere had I not been committed. In the end, my mental health benefitted greatly from it.

For a wider breadth of understanding about hospitalizations and what questions to ask, I recommend reading the information on psychiatric hospitalization on the Mental Health America website.

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What a Psychiatric Ward Is Really Like Behind Closed Doors

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You know the feeling when you walk through a doorway and you've forgotten why you're there? That's how it felt to walk through the hospital door and enter the psychiatric ward for the first time. A little bit surreal.

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The foundation to finding my concept.

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Female, Male mental health comparison statistics

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Female, Male mental health comparison statistics

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Finding the colour scheme, intial section

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Landmark on Margate seafront, the former Sunshine Cafe, will open its doors again for the first time since 2011.

The 1930s Grade II* listed building is the venue for a five week long contemporary art exhibition featuring past Turner Prize winners and nominees.

Opening on Friday 13 September the exhibition 'We Must Cultivate our Garden' will raise funds for new arts and education charity The Sixteen Trust . As part of the exhibition, pieces created by members of the local community who have been attending weekly art workshops will be on display. They will be shown alongside the work from former Turner Prize winners and nominees including Margate's Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Jeremy Deller.

Cllr Bob Bayford, Leader of Thanet District Council said: "The Sunshine Cafe is an iconic building in Margate and has a rich history. Opening the space up as a gallery will give people the opportunity to see some outstanding contemporary art, as well as a chance to get up close to one of Margate's finest architectural gems.

"It's wonderful to see Margate's rising profile as a creative destination of choice, with the Turner Prize coming to the town to reinforce that view. This project is a fantastic example of how working in partnership we can harness, art, education and location to forge new connections and shift perspectives."

Lee Cavaliere, exhibition curator and founder of The Sixteen Trust said: "We are delighted to be bringing the work some of contemporary arts' greatest artistic talents to Margate. This project will raise money for the Sixteen Trust. The charity's core focus is on creating opportunities for young people with historically low engagement with the arts. Thanet Council has been supportive from the outset and we've really worked positively together to bring the exhibition to fruition."

Thanet District Council has worked in partnership with the exhibition organiser and founder of The Sixteen Trust to facilitate the reopening of the space which is usually closed to the public. As a Grade 2* listed building there have been few opportunities to access it in recent years. Restoration work to the windows was competed in 2017.

The Sunshine Cafe exhibition ' We Must Cultivate our Garden' will be open Friday to Sunday from 12pm until 5pm, Friday 13 September to Friday 18 October 2019.

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Margate's iconic Sunshine Cafe opens to the public for new contemporary art exhibition - Thanet

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Landmark on Margate seafront, the former Sunshine Cafe, will open its doors again for the first time since 2011. The 1930s Grade II* listed building is the venue for a five week long contemporary art exhibition featuring past Turner Prize winners and nominees. Opening on Friday 13 September the exhibition 'We Must Cultivate our Garden' [...]

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Restored Sunshine Cafe windows unveil panoramic views of Margate sands

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The Vintage Theme Park Extravaganza | Dreamland Margate

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Discover Our Vintage Style Rides, Mega Musical Acts, And More. Visit Dreamland Margate Today To See What's On And Book Your Tickets!

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Average High and Low Temperature in Margate

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SunCalc sun position- und sun phases calculator

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Application for determining the course of the sun at a desired time and place with interactive map.

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Overview

The aim of this app is to demonstrate the relationship between geographic location and solar position throughout the year. You can use the map to drag the location around and interactively see how the Sun-path diagram and shadow projections change. You can also directly relate the 3D Sun-path and day-length, as well as a range of different 2D Sun-path projections.

Background

This started out as an experiment to see just how responsive I could make the generation and display of 3D Sun-path diagrams and shadow projections using JavaScript and WebGL. I'm actually quite stunned as, even before any optimisation whatsoever, I found that I could build and rebuild the entire Sun-path mesh on every change in pretty well real time. Sure this was on an i7 processor, but it meant that the core technologies were not going to be the kind of bottleneck that I thought they'd be.

As it turned out, there was scope for some pretty fundamental optimisations, so now it's even quick enough on an iPad as well as most of my old Android tablets.

SVG and WebGL

The marriage of WebGL for 3D visualisation and SVG for 2D data presentation also turns out to be a pretty happy one. The core ideas when working in both are actually pretty similar - building up a set of visual components that are cached and rendered separately (OpenGL vertex buffer objects and SVG elements respectively). Any complex calculations in Javascript need only be done once to build up each visual component, or to rebuild if it physically changes. The actual rendering of that cached element is then done by a much faster lower-level process (OpenGL/GPU and the SVG engine respectively).

Optimsation Potential

Thus, for the kinds of animated 2D charts I need, SVG seems to have much more optimisation potential than using a HTML5 canvas element. As the canvas element is pixel-based, any content change usually requires a full redraw of all chart components, each being re-described and/or re-generated in your own Javascript code. If any components require complex calculation or involve detailed curves, you have to devise your own caching system as this all has to be redone for every redraw.

With SVG charts, you only need to re-describe and/or re-generate those components that actually change on each redraw. All other previously defined components are automatically re-rendered by the SVG engine, which is a core part of the browser itself (running as native code) so is significantly faster than working in Javascript.

Thus, the key to fast animations is to offload as much work as possible onto the SVG engine, or even the browser rendering engine. This can be done by, for example, transforming components instead of regenerating them, using CSS3 animations and transitions, interpolating between pre-built elements instead of regenerating new elements each time, etc. For me, this is the really fun bit as you often have to completely rethink how to do things before you finally get that vital Eureka moment.

© Dr. Andrew J. Marsh, 2014.

View Manipulation

You can interactively adjust the 3D view of the model using a mouse, pen or stylus, or by touch on a tablet or phone. You can also use the items in the 3D View Settings popup.

NOTE: You can use the Shift and Ctrl/Meta keys to adjust the increment of each scroll event or key press.

Keyboard Modifiers

The Shift and Ctrl/Meta keys are used pretty extensively to modify interactive data entry. This applies to all increment buttons, scroll wheel motion, slider controls and input elements.

Shift Key:

Increases input to larger values, usually by ten times or significantly larger increments such as 1 month for dates and 1 hour for times.

Ctrl or Meta Key:

Decreases input to smaller values, usually by one tenth or the smallest reasonable increment such as 1 day for dates or 1 minute for times.

NOTE: You can use the scroll wheel to edit a data value when hovering over any slider, numeric input or even table rows that indicate their editibility.

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Sensory & OT Toys and Supplies - National Autism Resources

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Check out our large selection of OT supplies, sensory integration products, educational toys and therapy equipment for autism and special needs.

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Westmead, Aylesford, Maidstone, England ME20 6XJ, United Kingdom

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All of the autism friendly listings on The Autism Directory

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Treetops Hospice’s mission is to make every day count for patients and families living with life-limiting illnesses or affected by death and dying.

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Resources, Clothing & School Trips | New School

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Kingborough Chronicle - Local News & Photos around the Kingborough and Channel Region

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Fields bloom purple delight in Margate

As you drive towards Margate it is hard not to miss the beautiful purple fields of lavender blooming brightly at Essential Oils Tasmania's (EOT), Brookfield Farm site.

A favourite with locals and tourists, there is always an admirer photographing the flowers.
This specialty crop is close to harvest, so time is running out to grab that snap.
Simon Wells EOT CEO said "Brookfield Farm is a stunning property and we have had incredible interest in our Tasmanian lavender crop this year from both locals and
visitors to Kingborough, it really has been overwhelming."
"We are about to commence harvesting our lavender and producing essential oil.
"It's always a bit sad to see the beautiful colour disappearing, but we have orders to fill."
At present the owners do not allow public access to the farm, but there may be future plans to change this.
Simon said, "At the end of the day we are a specialised agribusiness, not a tourism entity so our focus is always on oil quality and meeting the requirements of our clients who are seeking the world's best lavender oil".
"We understand that Brookfield Farm is a very special property and that people would like the opportunity to access and enjoy the farm and that is something we are working on for future seasons."
Established in 1983 EOT has been producing globally renowned large volume essential oils and plant extracts for the international flavour, fragrance and aromatherapy sectors.
The business has been headquartered in Kingborough and in 2016 moved from Firthside, Kingston to Brookfield Farm, Margate.
It employs 10 to 15 staff including chemists, logistic and specialised production staff as well as engaging experienced growers around Tasmania.
The business also grows a specialised boronia crop at Longley, which is also processed at the Brookfield farm manufacturing site for international export.
Although being native to Western Australia the brown boronia grows extremely well in the Tasmanian environment.
The perfume is in demand in the high-end stores of London and New York, and with the boronia being one of the most expensive perfume bases in the world it places the product in an exclusive market.
The EOT product range includes peppermint, fennel, parsley, lavender, boronia, kunzea oils, and other specialty Tasmanian native oils.
These are used in food products, fragrance and aromatherapy.
Oral hygiene products, toothpaste require thousands of kilograms of peppermint essence and parsley oil is found in many gut care and complementary medicines.
Simon said, "The global essential oil market is now worth US 6.13 billion and expanding quickly, our own business is growing in scale and so is the interest in what we are doing with the essential oils at Brookfield Farm."
With the industry expansion and future plan for the Brookfield Farm, the experience might become arguably one of Kingborough and Tasmania's most popular drawcards.

Kingborough Chronicle

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Franklin. TAS. 7113

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Kingston. TAS. 7051

P: (03) 6229 3655

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As you drive towards Margate it is hard not to miss the beautiful purple fields of lavender blooming brightly at Essential Oils Tasmania's (EOT),...

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ADHD & Autism-Friendly Sensory LED Lights & Sound Booth | Bluetooth | SMART applicance Compatible |3-10 Years

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Our multi-colour LED Sensory Corner light and sound booth is ideal for homes or pre-schools, where tots with ADHD or Autism can relax in their own space. With cushioned seating and curtains, it aids stabilising mood and concentration. Remote-controlled lighting system can synchronise to SMART devices to play music.

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Reviewed by Dr Lucy Russell DClinPsyc CPsychol AFBPsS

Author: Hayley Vaughan-Smith, Person-Centred Counsellor

I'm going to take you through the top calming ADHD bedroom ideas for kids, and the why's and how's of creating this space for them.

What sort of bedroom environment is best for children with ADHD?

For children with ADHD, those with special needs and for those who are neurodivergent, getting the environment right is really important.

Let's take a look at the specifics.

Why a Calming Bedroom Matters For Kids With ADHD

Using calming ADHD bedroom ideas so that a child's bedroom works for them is so important.

In my counselling practice, I hear children mostly describing their bedroom as their 'safe space'.

It's somewhere where they can 'chill', 'retreat to' or 'be calm and quiet'.

Is your child's room their safe space? Or does it need a bit of tweaking and rearranging?

ADHD symptoms in children vary but here are some of the most common signs and symptoms, including strengths.

* Disorganisation & poor time management
* Daydreaming & boredom
* Adventurous
* Forgetful
* Resourceful
* Difficulty staying 'on topic' or 'on track'
* Fidgeting
* Hyperfocused
* Multi-tasker
* Finishing tasks can be a challenge

Let's play detective...

A lot of these traits involve mental, physical and sensory responses. The nervous system of a child with ADHD is switched on most of the time.

As you might imagine this can be pretty tiring.

Having a bedroom that is a calm retreat can benefit your child's emotional wellbeing because it helps regulate their nervous system.

When children experience stress or are overstimulated, this calm space can be a sanctuary and great reset button for them.

A Bedroom is for Rest and Sleep

Primarily, your child's bedroom is a space for rest and sleep.

I recommend keeping multi-functional use to a minimum. If it needs to be a study space as well, try to separate the study and sleeping areas as much as you can.

If the bedroom is also for studying, gaming or socialising, it can actually confuse the brain.

Our brains need simple cues to wind down and produce the chemicals needed for sleep, such as melatonin.

Organised and Calm Bedrooms for Kids With ADHD

For kids with ADHD being organised can be really hard.

Giving them the tools to be organised in a calming bedroom supports your child's symptoms of ADHD by:

* Reducing their anxiety, as everything is ordered and familiar.
* Helping them feel secure and safe. (A brain that feels under threat cannot focus or learn because it focuses on survival responses.)
* Minimizing distractions.
* Organising personal belongings and work spaces for better productivity and less overwhelm.

Key Elements of Structure in ADHD Children's Bedrooms

Let's now look at practical ways to ensure your ADHD child's bedroom is the calming space it needs to be.

Furniture Choices

Below, I've considered some furniture choices and designs that could help your child with focus, organization and relaxation.

These are just some examples.

* Flexible furniture that's easy to rearrange. Modular furniture can help to accommodate different activities and mood. A good example is a high top bed with seating or desk and storage space beneath.
* Soft comfortable seating. Bean bags are great for spending time reading, or listening to music and can give regulating sensory feedback.
* Organizational furniture. For example, storage boxes with labels, bookshelves, drawers and shelving will reduce overwhelm.
* Built-in storage. A great use of space as it can fill floor to ceiling. Visual clutter in labelled storage boxes can be kept behind sliding doors

Effective Room Layouts: Calming Bedrooms For Kids With ADHD

What is the best bedroom layout for a child with ADHD?

Every child will have slightly different needs. Start by asking yourself 2 questions:

"How is the space going to be used?"

"What does my child need to support their ADHD profile?"

Here are some tips:

1) Ensure the bed is the dominant piece of furniture as your child needs to associate their bedroom primarily with sleep, not play.
2) Have an uncluttered, designated area for calming down and decompressing from a hectic day.
3) Provide plenty of storage solutions such as boxes, trays, shelves, totes, bins.
4) Include a study area (age dependant) . Ensure the desk can be cleared down after activities.
5) Minimize distractions in the room. Have just a few select toys or personal treasures on display. What items will be enough for your child to feel content and comfortable?
6) The bedroom is a great place to try the art of Feng Shui. It's the ancient Chinese art of arranging an environment to optimise the flow of energy and create a harmonious balanced space to promote well-being.
7) Include some artwork of interest to your child (perhaps they love cute baby animals), but avoid too much stimulating visual distractions.

Colour Choices for Calming ADHD Bedrooms

Calming ADHD bedroom ideas really start with colour. The walls, furniture and fabrics are a vital part of the sensory environment.

Colours can affect mood and our emotions.

So what is a good choice of color?

To promote a relaxing and calm environment try using a soothing colour commonly found in nature.

Bright and bold colours tend to be overstimulating and energising. However, your bedroom needs to be a place where your child can express their individuality too.

You could add a few 'pops' of a favourite intense colour especially if this makes your child happy!

Best Colours for Calm Bedrooms

Colours to Avoid in Bedrooms

Bright reds

Bright yellows

Intense blues

Bold purples

Bright oranges

Neon or electric colours

ADHD, The Senses, and Calming Bedrooms

Children with ADHD often have sensory processing differences or even SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder).

Some children experience sensory overload when they become overwhelmed by stimuli.

This can can trigger strong emotional responses such as anger, anxiety and frustration. It can also interfere with children's executive function (the ability to start, manage, plan and organise).

Think about which sensory input might calm your child in their bedroom. For example, fragrances such as essential oils, sounds and textures.

Calming Textiles

Choosing what to include in your child's bedroom design is easier if you think about what they already love.

For example, does your child like a silky feel, furry or tasselly?

It's best to steer away from busy patterns although repetitious patterns such as lines or circles can be comforting for some people.

Soft surfaces tend to be the most calming so think about what kind of chair your child needs at their desk that could offer this.

Specific Sensory Tools for Calming

Each child is as unique as their sensory preferences.

Creating an environment for calm might include some of the following. Or perhaps you have some ideas of your own?

1) Weighted blankets which provide deep touch pressure.
2) Sensory mats or carpets with different textures such as bobbles, tassles or deep pile soft fibres.
3) Glow in the dark stars on the ceiling can be soothing at sleep time.
4) Gentle visual timers can help your child to manage their transitions and activities (homework time, school preparation, wind-down hour, bed-time).
5) Tents or canopies create a cosy retreat zone for seclusion and relaxation.
6) Aromatherapy diffusers give off calming scents like lavender or basil and bergamot.
7) Fidget tools such as spinners, spinning rings, textured fidget toys, click and pop stress items (save bubble wrap from deliveries!).

Lighting and Sound

Lighting and sound can have a strong impact on how your child feels in their space.

It's just one of the ingredients that you can adjust and tailor to your child's individual needs.

My daughter has a diffuser and soft graded lighting in her bedroom which works really well especially during the wind-down phase of her evening.

Types of Lights

The very best source of light for the body and nervous system is natural light of course! We need natural light to regulate our sleep-wake cycle.

Maximise this during the day time and use light coloured curtains or blinds that can be pulled back or up to expose the optimum amount of window.

In the evenings, it's vital to dim lights so the body can wind down and prepare for sleep. Go for dimmer switches or lower wattage bulbs in lamps.

Low level sensory lights instead of bright main lights are perfect and might include fiber optics, fairy lights, lava lamps, kaleidoscope lamps and colour changing LED bubble tubes.

Avoid fluorescent lights and fluorescent bulbs as these are too bright and can flicker which is distracting.

Sound Options for A Calming Bedroom

ADHD kids need a calming haven they can retreat to. Their brains are typically busy and noisy and they often need help to wind down.

Sound can be a big part of this.

Certain sounds can have a super calming effect and will help with the evening wind down through to sleep.

Here are some ideas you might like to try. Remember though, every child is different so not all these ideas will be calming for your child.

White noise or soft music. There are lots of meditative apps that can provide consistent auditory input such as ocean waves, rainfall, the sound of a fan or soft instrumental music.

Brown noise for ADHD is thought to be particularly beneficial. The Newport Academy states that "Brown noise, like white noise, plays sound at all frequencies. However, brown noise plays lower frequencies louder and high frequencies softer. It's thought to be a better color of noise to fall asleep to, because it can support sleep and relaxation".

Noise-canceling headphones. These are great for when your child needs to focus such as when they are doing homework or need to focus. They work by cancelling out extraneous noise from the environment. Headphones may not suit everyone though. Some of the children I have supported report that they dislike them because it makes them hear their heart beating or the noise activity in their heads can actually become louder.

DIY Calming Corners

A calming corner can be your child's go-to place for recovering from stress, melt-downs, frustration, upset and anger.

Above all, a calming corner needs to feel 'safe', somewhere that your child feels able and comfortable to go to.

Ideally it needs to be a cosy corner or space which is quiet and has soft lighting. Add in some sensory elements such as beanbag chairs, blankets, fidget tools, a journaling notebook.

Why not get your child to design their own calming corner? Of course with a limited budget you may not be able to bring their full design to life, but it could be great fun to see what you can do together.

Encourage your child to use their calming corner as a tool for self-regulation, but make sure you check in with them regularly to see how they're doing.

Calming ADHD Bedroom Ideas: Final Thoughts

Thoughtful and intentional calming ADHD bedroom ideas can really support a child with their unique ADHD needs.

Providing your child with a safe, calm and sensory space will help them enormously with the challenges of focus, organisation, self-regulation and relaxation.

When supporting ADHD kids, one of the most important areas to manage is their environment. You will not always have control of the external environment.

However, if your child has a safe and calm base to which they can return, you will know that you have contributed to their overall well-being. So be proud.
Hayley Vaughan-Smith is a Person-Centred Counsellor accredited by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society. She is the founder and counsellor at The Ridge Practice in Buckinghamshire, and counsellor at Everlief Child Psychology.

Hayley has a special interest in bereavement counselling and worked as a bereavement volunteer with Cruse Bereavement Care for four years.

Hayley is mum to 3 grown up girls, and gardening and walking in nature is her own personal therapy. Hayley believes being in nature, whatever the weather, is incredibly beneficial for mental health well-being. Join They Are The Future's free Facebook group for regular tips and great ideas to support teens and pre-teens with their mental health! Join the group: Parent Tips for Positive Child Mental Health UK.

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Calming ADHD Bedroom Ideas: A Parent Guide - They Are The Future

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I'm going to take you through the top calming ADHD bedroom ideas for kids, and the why's and how's of creating this space for them.

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The Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning

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Autism is commonly accompanied by sensory issues. The American Psychiatric Association even added sensory sensitivities to the list of symptoms that help diagnose autism in 2013. If you have a child that is dealing with sensory issues, you might want to try bringing home some sensory toys for autism for them to play with.

Sensory toys are designed to stimulate a child's five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. They might include elements such as bright, contrasting colors, sounds, or different textures. These toys are meant to help children develop their senses in a safe and natural environment using play.

What Are Sensory Issues?

There are two types of sensory issues that might affect a child with autism: hyper-sensitivities and hypo-sensitivities. Both types of sensitivities affect how the child processes and reacts to different types of stimuli. According to Autism Speaks, these can include, but are not limited to:

Hyper-Sensitive Children

Children who are hypersensitive are overly responsive to stimulants. This is often called "sensory overload." Both regular and extreme stimuli, like bright lights or strong smells, can affect hyper-sensitive children, leaving them feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of strategies that can be used to help children with sensory hypersensitivity. Autism toys can help with sensory hypersensitivity, but they aren't the end-all. In order to ensure appropriate support is in place, in addition to autism toys, parents should consult with an occupational therapist or professional to determine the best way to support their child with hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli.

Hypo-Sensitive Children

As opposed to hyper-sensitivity, some children with autism are actually under-responsive to senses and stimulants. One example of this is a low sensitivity to pain. A child who has hypo-sensitivity also may be under-responsive to body signals that affect balance control and physical coordination. Some accommodations that can be made for children who are hypo-sensitive include weighted blankets, strong tasting or textured foods, and activities that practice physical skills such as dancing, jumping, running, and catching.

How do sensory toys help autism?

Sensory toys help children with autism relax, focus, and calm down to a scenario or event. It helps them grasp objects with decreased dear and discomfort, ultimately helping them play naturally. Futhermore, sensory toys help develop social learning skills like negotiating, planning, and sharing.

How Are Sensory Toys Used For Autism?

The use of sensory toys to help children with autism is becoming more and more common. There are many different types of sensory toys for autism available, appealing to one or more of the different senses. Sensory toys work to engage a child's senses in an enjoyable way.

Sensory toys used for autism can help children focus better, calm down, and relax, however, sensory toys do not replace formal and evidence-based treatment for autism spectrum disorders. In the end, sensory toys are meant to help a child learn more about their senses in a fun way. Through the use of play, a child with autism may better understand their senses and how to manage them.

The 10 Best Sensory Toys for Autism

You can find autism sensory toys and gifts online and in most stores. If you are trying to determine what the best types of sensory toys for autism are, here are a few options you might want to consider.

1. Sensory Mats

A great sensory toy for children with autism is a series of sensory mats. These are small mats that each utilize a different texture. Children can then use their hands or feet to feel and play with the different types of textures. You can even have your child close their eyes and go through the different mats while you ask them to describe what they feel.

2. Chew Toys

It's not uncommon for parents to use chew toys for an infant, especially while they may be teething, but another use of chew toys is for children with autism. Chew toys are made of a non-toxic silicone material and can be hand-held objects or jewelry-like pieces worn around the neck or wrist. They come in a variety of textures, from dots, ridges, and patterns, or they can be smooth as well. Chew toys are meant to develop biting and chewing skills, as well as provide sensory stimulation.

3. Sand, Slime, or Putty

Another one of the best sensory toys that might be beneficial for your child is sand, slime, or putty. These allow your child to play while also developing fine motor skills. Children can play with the substance alone or they can incorporate other objects as well. Also, the substances are often brightly colored, appealing to their visual senses.

4. Pin Art

Pin artboards are great for both kids and teens with autism. These toys feature steel pins that allow a child to make and look at imprints in the pins. You can use your hands and fingers to make imprints as well as other objects and toys. The unique feeling of the pins when touching the pin artboard makes it a great no-mess sensory toy for toddlers and teens with autism.

5. Rainmaker Toys

To appeal to a child's sense of hearing, try a rainmaker! A rainmaker is a fun toy and a great gift for autistic children . They can help a child with autism relax when playing and listening to the soothing sounds of "rain." The bright colors and cascade of falling beads are another bonus with this toy, allowing a child to engage with multiple senses at once without it being overwhelming.

6. Fidget Spinners

You have probably already encountered fidget spinners, as they became the latest craze a few years ago. These toys help a children focus by keeping their hands occupied. Not only great for children with autism but also children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). The smooth and fast rotation of the spinners are enjoyable for many children, and with many different designs available, you are sure to find one that your child loves.

7. Electric Dog Pet

Sounds can be a struggle for a child with autism. However, one study showed that the sounds from home appliances and common pets noises from toys actually helped desensitize children with autism who may be struggling with noise.

There is ongoing research on the benefits of using interactive robot toys for children with autism. The Electronic Pet Dog Interactive Puppy is a great way to get your child to interact with objects and get used to different sounds. This Electronic Pet Dog responds to your child's touch and presents cues. This may help with the auditory process and social interaction as your child adapts more to the toy.

8. Senseez Vibrating Cushion

This vibrating cushion is a great way to help calm your child by its smoothing motion and calm sound. Additionally, a recent study noted how vibrating sensory toys can help improve verbal initiations and responses in children- prompting them to engage in social interaction.

9. Body Sox

This interactive toy works by allowing the child to put themselves into a colorful, see-through and breathable lycra sock. Children with autism find that pressure helps to relieve anxiety and initiate relaxation .

10. Reflective Balls

These sensory reflective balls help children with autism by helping them develop a visual sense. Studies have shown that children with ADHD and autism have less of the ability to process visual sensory information. This is a great solution to help get your child started!

What kind of sensory toys are best for toddlers with autism

When it comes to picking out toys for children with autism, the same general toys that are played with amoung toddlers remains the same. Puzzles, blocks, balls, cars and books are all great for toddlers regardless of their condition.

Sensory Autism Toys & Gifts at Carmen B. Pingree

At Carmen B. Pingree, we understand the sensory difficulties children with autism may face, which is why we have occupational therapists that will guide children and parents through different options to support their children with hypersensitivity or hypo-sensitivity to sensory stimuli. We incorporate the use of sensory toys when appropriate to supplement our primary treatment modalities as well. The use of toys that help engage a child's various senses can help them learn and become more familiar with these senses in a safe and natural play environment.

If you have any questions about our autism programs, contact us today! We are dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment, education, and related services for children with autism and their families.

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10 Best Sensory Toys for Children with Autism | Carmen B. Pingree

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We've listed out the 10 best sensory toys for children with hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive autism to play with. Click the blog to learn more today!

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A Margate mum-of-three will be raising awareness and funds by joining the Walk for Autism 2022.

Abbie Small has a target of 10,000 steps a day to be walked between March 26 and April 2, raising funds for autism projects across the country.

Abbie, 28, says her motivation to take on the challenge comes from her eldest child George, 5, little sister Nicole, 9, and niece Summer,12, who are autistic.

Abbie said: "My eldest is autistic and we are looking to see what there is with my second child as well. My little sister and my niece are autistic and I just think there's not really much out there about it, especially fundraising.

"When you get a diagnosis you are just left on your own to get on with it.

"People do not see autism as a disability, they think you just have a naughty kid. And lots of people think that autism is just this one thing when it is different for different people. My eldest does have meltdowns but it is more that he is very outgoing, he literally speaks to everyone, he has no understanding of stranger danger. He doesn't see when people are being nasty to him or getting him to do things he shouldn't, which does happen, because he just wants to make people happy."

George was officially diagnosed when he was four although there was verbal confirmation prior to that but Abbie says there is a lack of support.

She said: "You get a call every so often to see how you are getting on but I was told I needed a referral for an education, health and care plan ( EHCP ) and we had to wait until George was five. And then I was told nothing can be done until he is 6. I'm told the school just has to learn how to deal with him and then I was told to get more help I had to do a sensory workshop. I did that but then was told to contact them again in 3 months in order to get help.

"They also think George has ADHD so gave medication to help him sleep but it just seems like you have to get on with it yourself.

"George is nearly six now and I've just learnt how to deal with it and learnt what works with him and what doesn't but people don't always understand and just think he is being a brat. They don't understand autism is an actual thing and it isn't that I have brought him up wrong.

"There are so many things that people fundraise for, like Cancer Research, and I am happy to do that too but you don't see much for autism which is why I want to do this, raising money to help spread information."

Abbie says she plans to take the children for the 10,000 steps each day, even though they are not keen on walking!

She said: "I'll take the kids for walks and be pushing them to get them out and doing things."

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.

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Margate mum to take on Walk for Autism 2022 challenge

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A Margate mum-of-three will be raising awareness and funds by joining the Walk for Autism 2022. Abbie Small has a target of 10,000 steps a day to be walked between March 26 and April 2, raising fun...

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Jeremy Clarkson kills some trees to save a forest

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Jeremy Clarkson has had to learn a lot of things over the course of his time as a farmer. Forestry is just one with which he is struggling as he adapts to life on Diddly Squat Farm.

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Cut out people - Free cutout people photos

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Jan 26, 2020 - Source of best cut out people for architectural visualisations. High resolution images in various light conditions. Every 2d people image comes with alpha channel for easy usage.

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A Margate mum-of-three will be raising awareness and funds by joining the Walk for Autism 2022.

Abbie Small has a target of 10,000 steps a day to be walked between March 26 and April 2, raising funds for autism projects across the country.

Abbie, 28, says her motivation to take on the challenge comes from her eldest child George, 5, little sister Nicole, 9, and niece Summer,12, who are autistic.

Abbie said: "My eldest is autistic and we are looking to see what there is with my second child as well. My little sister and my niece are autistic and I just think there's not really much out there about it, especially fundraising.

"When you get a diagnosis you are just left on your own to get on with it.

"People do not see autism as a disability, they think you just have a naughty kid. And lots of people think that autism is just this one thing when it is different for different people. My eldest does have meltdowns but it is more that he is very outgoing, he literally speaks to everyone, he has no understanding of stranger danger. He doesn't see when people are being nasty to him or getting him to do things he shouldn't, which does happen, because he just wants to make people happy."

George was officially diagnosed when he was four although there was verbal confirmation prior to that but Abbie says there is a lack of support.

She said: "You get a call every so often to see how you are getting on but I was told I needed a referral for an education, health and care plan ( EHCP ) and we had to wait until George was five. And then I was told nothing can be done until he is 6. I'm told the school just has to learn how to deal with him and then I was told to get more help I had to do a sensory workshop. I did that but then was told to contact them again in 3 months in order to get help.

"They also think George has ADHD so gave medication to help him sleep but it just seems like you have to get on with it yourself.

"George is nearly six now and I've just learnt how to deal with it and learnt what works with him and what doesn't but people don't always understand and just think he is being a brat. They don't understand autism is an actual thing and it isn't that I have brought him up wrong.

"There are so many things that people fundraise for, like Cancer Research, and I am happy to do that too but you don't see much for autism which is why I want to do this, raising money to help spread information."

Abbie says she plans to take the children for the 10,000 steps each day, even though they are not keen on walking!

She said: "I'll take the kids for walks and be pushing them to get them out and doing things."

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.

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Margate mum to take on Walk for Autism 2022 challenge

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Margate mum-of-three will be raising awareness and funds by joining the Walk for Autism 2022. Abbie Small has a target of 10,000 steps a day to be walked between March 26 and April 2, raising fun...