There are so many organizations in the Chicago area dedicated to helping children with special needs. Here are some great options listed in our latest issue of Special Parent that families […]
17 Special Needs Resources for Chicagoland Families
August, 2019
Chicago, IL | Source: Chicago Parent, Resource Guide
About The Sensory Kids® Store
November, 2016
Chicago, IL | Source: Jennifer Fortney, Cascade Communications
Opened in 2009 by Ellen Sternweiler, Bellybum® Boutique & The Sensory Kids® Stores were originally located in Chicago's Lincoln Square/ Northcenter neighborhoods. In 2014, Sternweiler decided to close Bellybum Boutique […]
Sensory Tips: Clip #1
October, 2016
Chicago, IL | Source: SPD Parent Zone
SPD Parent Zone, SPD Awareness Month Conference: Tip of the Day. To view the whole video and more, click the link below and register for the SPD Parent Zone, "SPD Awareness Month […]
TNPN Developmental Differences Resource Fair Information
March, 2016
Chicago, IL | Source: WGN Midday News Chicago
WGN News Chicago Interview with Ellen Sternweiler —Owner of The Sensory Kids® Store, Co-Chair of the Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) Developmental Differences Group and Resource Fair—and Sara Anderson from Erikson […]
The Sensory Kids Store: A Unique Store for Special Needs Families
May, 2013
Chicago, IL | Source: Anna Davlantes & Kori Chambers, FOX News Chicago
Fox News Chicago featured Ellen Sternweiler, mom and owner of The Sensory Kids® Store in Chicago; The segment featured products from the store’s extensive selection, a explanation of what it […]
Toys as Tools: Play is a Super Skill Builder & An Easy Sell for Kids
March, 2013
Los Angeles, CA | Source: Ellen Metrick, National Lekotek & L.A. Special Parent
Parents are busy, and parents of children with special needs often feel like they have even more to juggle in their lives than other parents do. One of the things […]
Designed for Kids with Developmental Differences
November, 2012
Chicago, IL | Source: Janet Davies, ABC News, 190North, Chicago
ABC7 News Chicago featured The Sensory Kids® Store at Bellybum Boutique on 190North; the only inclusive store in the U.S. for kids with developmental differences! Two stores in one, Bellybum […]
What's New? The Sensory Kids Store!
July, 2012
Westchester, NY | Source: Jean Sheff, Westchester Family Magazine
Parents with children who have developmental differences or special needs have enough to do without having to scour the country looking for the specific educational and therapeutic products they need […]
Out of Frustration Came Inspiration
May, 2012
Chicago, IL | Source: Dan Campana, Chicago Special
Ellen Sternweiler could tell the 8-year-old girl didn’t feel comfortable. The girl, with her younger sister and her parents, had come into The Sensory Kids® Store at Bellybum Boutique shortly […]
Boutique Offers Toys for Kids with Disabilities
May, 2012
Chicago, IL | Source: Karen Meyer, ABC News, Chicago
Bellybum Boutique is a store for mom and baby. Six months ago, they expanded to offer toys for children with different sensory disabilities. It's a place where both children and […]
New Sensory Kids® Store First of Its Kind
February, 2012
Chicago, IL | Source: Jennifer Fortney, Cascade Communications
Bellybum® Boutique Introduces The Sensory Kids® Store! Since its inception, Bellybum® Boutique focused on offering expectant and new parents top-of-the-line, eco-friendly products in an inclusive environment, and is now filling […]