As a parent intimately acquainted with this journey, I've come to cherish the significance of connection in our lives. Whether it's within the confines of our immediate family, amongst understanding friends, or within the embracing arms of our community, these connections serve as pillars of strength, fostering resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity.
Within the family unit, fostering connection begins with empathy, patience, and support. It's about creating a safe haven where each member feels heard, understood, and valued. From shared moments of triumph to comforting each other through the challenges, every interaction becomes an opportunity to deepen familial bonds and cultivate a sense of belonging.
Beyond the confines of our homes, the importance of forging connections with understanding community cannot be overstated. These are the individuals who walk alongside us, offering a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold during the turbulent times. Whether it's organizing inclusive playdates, lending a compassionate ear, or simply being present without judgment, these friendships enrich our lives immeasurably, infusing it with warmth and camaraderie.
The power of community should not be underestimated either. Finding a supportive network of individuals who share similar experiences can provide solace, guidance, and invaluable resources. Whether it's joining support groups, attending community events, or participating in advocacy efforts, these communal ties offer a sense of solidarity and empowerment, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey.
But amidst the chaos of daily life, how can we actively nurture these connections? Here are some practical ways to make it happen:
1. **Scheduled Family Time**: Set aside dedicated time for family activities that cater to each member's interests and sensory needs. Whether it's a nature walk, a sensory-friendly movie night, or a creative arts and crafts session, these shared experiences foster togetherness and create cherished memories.
2. **Open Communication**: Foster open, honest communication within the family unit, allowing each member to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs without fear of judgment. Create a safe space where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
3. **Seek Out Support**: Don't hesitate to reach out to local support groups, online communities, or specialized organizations catering to families with sensory disabilities. These networks offer invaluable support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
4. **Educate Others**: Take proactive steps to educate friends, extended family members, and the broader community about sensory disabilities. Foster understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, paving the way for genuine connections based on acceptance and respect.
5. **Celebrate Milestones**: Acknowledge and celebrate the unique milestones and achievements of each family member, no matter how small. These moments of triumph serve as powerful reminders of resilience and strength.
In essence, the journey of raising children with sensory challenges is filled with both challenges and triumphs. Yet, amidst the ebb and flow of life, one truth remains unwavering: connection is our greatest source of strength, anchoring us to love, support, and understanding. As we travel this path together, let us embrace the transformative power of connection, weaving a tapestry of love and resilience that sustains us through every twist and turn.
Much Love, Kelly xx
Comfort on the Spectrum
]]>The fashion world is growing up and so are we! Nowadays, clothes aren't just a statement of fashion, but also comfort and practicality. That's why we're pumped about sensory-friendly clothing – a game-changing idea that caters to the needs of those who are sensitive to certain materials, patterns, and designs.
🧦 FEATURES OF SENSORY-FRIENDLY CLOTHING
Get ready for a wardrobe revolution! Our line of sensory-friendly clothes is a dream come true for those who want both style and comfort in their outfits. With a range of unique features, our clothes are perfect for anyone looking for a functional, yet cozy wardrobe.
🔖 NO ITCHY TAGS
Say goodbye to pesky, scratchy tags with our sensory-friendly clothing! We know that tags can be a real pain in the neck, especially for those with sensitive skin. That's why we ditched them altogether, so you can enjoy a cozy, itch-free experience.
We know how annoying those rough seams can be, especially when you're sporting your clothes for hours on end. So, we've got you covered. Each & every sensory friendly item is made carefully using only flat seamed stitching (on a unique sewing machine). You will barely know the seams are there & they will keep you comfy as can be.
The clothes are designed with a flat waistband. This ensures that the clothing fits comfortably and does not cause any unnecessary pressure or discomfort around the waist area.
The clothes are made of soft bamboo fabric. Bamboo fabric is known for its softness and breathability. It is an excellent choice for sensory-friendly clothing as it is gentle on the skin and comfortable to wear.
Our sensory friendly clothing is designed to have a weightless feel. This means that when you wear our clothes, you won't feel weighed down or restricted in any way. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have sensory issues and prefer lightweight clothing.
Take a look at how comfy these kids appear in our products, all photos provided by our customers!
" The softest material to put on your body
Airy , light and super comfy .
Great for children with sensory needs !
You can’t go back to anything else after perfection ! "
Emily Nikolos-Papadimitriou⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can also check out the reviews here.
No plastic here! Our clothes are free from the icky "rubbery" feeling that most patterns, labels, and graphics come with. Plastic irritates the skin and can be a total party pooper. So, we've ditched the plastic and kept the comfort and softness of the fabric
Our super comfy sensory-friendly clothes boast eye-catching designs, all crafted with comfort as our top priority. But, here's the catch: We totally believe that being comfy doesn't mean you have to ditch the cool factor. That's why our collection is packed with stylish options that cater to everyone's taste.
Our comfy, sensory-friendly clothing is for everyone, big or small. We don't believe in leaving anyone out, so our designs work for all genders.
Our clothing collection is a fashion galore, boasting a smorgasbord of fun graphics, playful prints, and, of course, classic styles. We believe in showcasing your individuality through your wardrobe, so our gear is designed to keep you comfy, sassy, and fashion-forward.
Our name "Comfort on the Spectrum" was born from the realization that comfort is a spectrum! It's different for everybody, and we wanted to cater to those individual needs with our wide range of products. Our sensory-friendly clothing line is the perfect example of our attention to detail. We strive to create comfortable, stylish, and functional clothing options for everyone, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Our out-of-the-box designs and special features ensure that there's something for everyone. So, go ahead, pick your style, and join in the comfort!
Traveling with disability can be tricky and having a dual diagnosis of Blindness and Autism can have its challenges but with enough preparation & a positive attitude it is 100% achievable.
Traveling with disability can be tricky and having a dual diagnosis of Blindness and Autism can have its challenges, but with enough preparation & a positive attitude it is 100% achievable.
To prepare for our 9 Week Caravanning trip through the Red Centre, Top End and East Coast of Australia we tried to be as prepared as possible to make it an enjoyable and smooth experience for everyone.
To achieve this, we arranged our itinerary and locked in the journey! Next we transcribed it into Braille, had tactile maps made and prepared a social story to cover the time we are away from home & routine.
Doing this really helped to form concepts of what to expect during the trip. Max enjoys going over them all regularly. He also enjoys calculating the distance we are traveling, how long it takes to get there and what’s happening next. We voice record of all of the guided tours we go on so that he can listen to them and process the information as many times as he wants to in his spare time.
Sometimes it is difficult to see other families jump on their bikes, ride around effortlessly or easily walk /climb steep hills, while we compromise and do things at a slower pace. Fleeting feelings that we don’t dwell on, but exist nevertheless.
Not everything is accessible, always thinking / planning ahead and people can often be bit awkward… but, it is such a rewarding experience.
Inclusion and support are at the heart of every decision we make and that’s easy, because life is short, family is everything & making memories to last a lifetime is always worth it. 👨🦯 🚐 🌅
Talking the talk, walking the walk...
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Do you ever feel like rather than just being able to enjoy your child and spend quality time with him or her, you are in “teaching” mode, more than you want to be?
Like when sitting at a cafe, waiting for your coffee & bam!..it suddenly it becomes a lesson on social skills or manners or using cutlery......blah blah blah..
It’s so natural to do this, especially of you are a parent to a child with extra needs. We are conditioned to be “on” a lot of the time.
Since birth or diagnosis, you have probably been to so many therapies where every detail of your child’s development is examined under a microscope. We are often sent home with “homework” and try and find opportunities to fit teaching moments into the day.
It feels wonderful to pass our wisdom on, but doing this with special needs children can often feel different & can be exhausting. It is often a one sided conversation (with a non verbal child) or might be met by disinterest or lack of understanding or even be interrupted by the preferred topic your child would rather talk about.
It can also feel more urgent somehow, like there are so many things to teach. (The very thought of teaching the visual world to a child with a vision impairment can be really overwhelming!)
We have been working really hard on independent showering lately. It has been a long process but we are really making progress. So tonight when he got undressed, turned on the shower, rubbed the shampoo in and attempted to dry himself I was super proud! He then got himself dressed and accidentally put his top on inside out and the wrong way around.
In this moment I had to stop and think... Should I explain that the feeling of the printing on the neckline at the front meant that it was on wrong? Or do I just let it go? It is important to teach a blind person the tactile signs of clothing. But, it also felt wrong to correct him now that he had done so well.
So, I went against my instincts to “teach” said nothing. We sat on his bed, read some books & sang some songs instead.
And do you know what? When he woke up in the morning, the Pyjamas were the right way around. He had realised himself that they weren’t right and changed them around by himself.
So, give yourself a well earned break friends! Keep passing on your wisdom, but remind yourself that it’s ok to let the little things slide sometimes, for your own sake and your kids as well!
Love
Kelly xx
Lately I have been spending a lot of time searching for an online course to help develop & scale my small business.
It’s not that I’m new to entrepreneurship, or hard work. I’ve been doing it all my life! I remember a young teen I ran a stall at the local market doing nail art for money, then as young adult I completed a beautician course at night school, while I was working full time in an office, so that I could open & run my own Wedding Make-up business on the weekends. Both were successful, a lot of fun & filled my creative need.
I have run a household of four kids, including one with a disability for a long time now, while working as a support worker, and if that doesn’t teach you skills for life, then nothing will!
But this time it feels different. This business and “My Brand” is different.
This time my HEART is completely invested. It’s not about making a fortune or accumulating “followers” or success.
This time it is about helping, and that’s what makes it so special.
Helping people like you & I, to find something as simple as appropriate Sensory Friendly Clothing. For ourselves or the special people in our lives who deserve nothing less.
Helping people feel good, saving parents time & money, giving carers the release of having more relaxed & happy client, helping a therapist have an easy “go to” if their patient is struggling.
My Why is to provide quality products that do exactly what they promise to do & be available to us all, right here in our own country.
My Brand is honesty, integrity, kindness & passion for difference.
My Soul goes into every detail of the garments I design & they are the essence of all the sensitive souls around us. Kids, teens & adults. Inclusive not exclusive.
I don’t have the time or patience to be fake on social media or present my business as something its not. I just want to be real, to show up & give people awesome products that will make a difference, with a bit of fun along the way.
So, I will do my course & it will teach me all sorts of things about E-Commerce that I should know. I will do it because I am a tiny fish in a very big ocean & without the tools I need, I won't be able to spread the word that Comfort on the Spectrum is here!
Oh, and the end of each day I promise to remember that this isn’t about me at all. It’s actually all about you.
Love
Kelly xxx
]]>One of the most important lessons I have learned as a parent, particularly when raising a child with a disability, is the profound impact of acceptance. 🤍
]]>One of the most important lessons I have learned as a parent, particularly when raising a child with a disability, is the profound impact of acceptance. 🤍
If you're familiar with me, you've likely heard my heartfelt mantra, “Acceptance Sets You Free.” 🙌🏻
Undeniably challenging, it places a significant strain on the heart ♥️, demanding time, patience, and substantial energy. Navigating through the process of accepting what is beyond our control requires resilience and emotional strength.
Gee it’s tough though isn’t it? And it’s really hard on the heart ♥️
It also takes time & a lot of energy before you can accept what you can’t control.
A journey I believe is worth pursuing to live a happier life.
Embracing acceptance fosters a profound sense of peace and opens doors to a brighter future. 🪴
Enjoy ❤️
Stiff or scratchy fabrics can be very irritating so it’s best to try and avoid them if you can.
Try & choose pants with elastic waistbands if pants with zippers feel too tight, heavy or rough.
Pre-wash new clothes a few times to soften them!
Try to choose natural, soft fabrics.
Clothing made from synthetic materials can feel itchy or strange to someone with sensory sensitivities. (Think PJ's made of cheap fleece or acrylic leggings!)
Synthetic fabrics are not breathable, which can cause a “suffocating" feeling.
Instead of man-made blends, choose organic and naturally breathable fabrics, such as bamboo, cotton, silk or linen.
A scratchy shirt tag or a misaligned sock seam may feel unbearable to some.
Keep a look out for tagless, seamless clothes when you shop. Flat seams are a good option as well as they sit flat on the body causing less irritation.
Snipping the tag off as close as possible to the garment (try not to cut a hole!)
All of our products at Comfort on the Spectrum have been carefully designed & manufactured with a special focus on sensitivities by taking many the above points into careful consideration.
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