Working from home on a home-based craft business can be lonely. It’s great to link up with other home-based businesses, this is another one of my favourites! If you’re in the same boat as me… please ‘drop me a comment’ below to say ‘Hi!’…

Laurie Vande Kamp’s THERAPY THREADS – Tennessee.

Laurie and her husband are parents of three children (ages 7, 10, & 13), two of whom have Asperger Syndrome. She has been sewing all her life and has used her passion for sewing to produce range of Occupational Therapy Products for Kids that help children with Autism, Rett Syndrome, ADHD, and Sensory Integration Disorders (SID).

Laurie hopes to provide affordable products that will provide comfort and relief of symptoms for special needs children and their families. Her products came from the ideas of occupational therapists and most have been designed by herself.

Each category has a specific function –

WEIGHTS: weighted items provide a calming effect on children with Autism, Rett Syndrome, ADHD, or Sensory Integration difficulties.

COMPRESSION: compression (such as bear hugs or wrapping tightly in a blanket) has a calming effect on children who like a deep pressure sensory experience or are hyperactive.

RESISTANCE: Resistance provides increased muscle tone and improvement in large motor skills. Children with Autism, Sensory Integration difficulties or ADHD often have trouble feeling where their body is in relation to objects around them. Resistance helps children feel grounded and safe in their surroundings.

TEXTURE: helping children to engage in tactile exploration and manipulation, can decrease sensitivity in children with Sensory Integration difficulties or Autism. I was really excited when Laurie told me that she has used my Funky Friends Factory Cat Toys Pattern to create her textured toys.

***Laurie’s web site also provides a comprehensive list of Useful Links for parents and therapists.***

I have learnt a lot from Laurie and her amazing handmade business. I am also quite proud that my patterns have been used for such a wonderful use. : )

So please pop over and check out Laurie’s Therapy Threads website for lots of valuable information and have a look at her incredible occupational therapy products for kids.
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Bye for now,
Pauline