Sensory Benefits Guide & Financial Funding Assistance

Sensory Benefits Guide & Financial Funding Assistance

Jeanette Loftus 

This is a basic guide to some financial benefits that may be available for your family and exploring some funding assistance options for families who have children with sensory processing disorder and other conditions. A child who has sensory differences may require sensory tools, therapies and accommodations to support them at school and at home and these tools and therapies can be expensive. 

A sensory diet are customized plans that include specific sensory activities throughout a child's day to help regulate their sensory input and help them feel calmer. Some children may benefit greatly from having access to a sensory room. This would be a dedicated space that is equipped with calming and stimulating sensory tools like swings, sensory lights, weighted blankets and comfortable sensory seating. 

Children who have sensory processing difficulties may require different adaptive equipment and sensory tools such as noise-canceling headphones, sensory fidgets or weighted vests. A child's occupational therapist may suggest specific tools for a child.

Occupational therapy is specialized therapy that can help children develop coping skills and strategies for managing their sensory sensitivities. Adjustments in a child's home and school could minimize sensory triggers and create a more supportive environment for a child who struggles with sensory processing disorder. 

There are different sensory tools and therapies available to help children with sensory processing disorder manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life but these sensory tools can be very expensive. It is important that some families receive financial funding or assistance.  

There are endless benefits for children accessing sensory processing disorder therapies and sensory tools. They can significantly improve a child's ability to function in their daily life. Therapy and tools can improve a child's behavior and emotional regulation. Sensory tools and toys can also help children with sensory differences manage the sensory input in their environment and reduce their sensory meltdowns significantly.  

Sensory tools can enhance academic performance and help children with sensory difficulties focus and concentrate in the classroom, improve their motor skills and physical coordination which can make it easier for them to participate in physical activities and sports.

Accessing financial funding assistance can be very time consuming and challenging. Fortunately there are several funding sources that are available to help offset some of the costs of sensory tools, therapies and accommodations that your child may require.  

Some insurance plans may cover the cost of sensory related therapies, sensory tools or equipment. It is important to review your policy carefully and work with your healthcare provider to provide the right documentation for claim submissions. 

Depending on your location and eligibility, there are different government programs like Medicaid and SSI that may provide different  funding for sensory related services, tools and equipment.

There are a lot of different charities and non-profit organizations that offer grants and financial assistance specifically for children with sensory processing disorder, autism and other conditions. Research different organizations within your community that align with your child's needs.

Some other possible options may include Ability Found, Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation, Autism Care Today, The Autistic People Of Color Fund, CARE Family Grant Program, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, Modest Needs Program, Music Movement Program, My Gym Foundation,  The Orange Affect Foundation and Special Angels Foundation. 

A child's school may offer some funding for sensory tools and accommodations. Talk to your child's school to explore possible resources that could be available. Online platforms such as GoFundMe and Kickstarter can be a great tool for raising funds from family, friends and your community. 

To successfully access sensory benefits and financial funding, it will require advocacy. Document your child's sensory needs. Keep detailed records of their sensory needs, behaviors and challenges . This could be very important when providing documentation for funding requests. Collaborate with doctors, therapists and educators to develop plans and get the  necessary documentation.

Connect with support groups and local advocacy organizations. Support groups can often provide important information and guidance to different funding in your community. 

There are some financial funding assistance options for sensory tools and therapy in Canada. The Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) program: The ACSD program provides financial assistance to families who have children with severe disabilities. The program may cover the cost of therapies and sensory tools.

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children. The benefit amount depends on the family's income and the number of children they have.

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit for children and adults with disabilities can claim to reduce their income tax payable. The credit can also be transferred to a supporting family member. 

If you are in Canada you could take a look at President's Choice Children's Charity, Variety BC, EAF Grant, Easter Seals Funding and the CKNW Fund. 

Some private health insurance plans cover sensory processing  therapy and sensory tools. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. 

Sensory processing difficulties can really impact the quality of life for children but with the right available resources and advocacy, children and families can access the support and funding necessary to help their children.