From an early age, children love to help and be involved. This includes a desire to complete activities that us adults perceive as “mundane,” but are new and exciting for our children- chores. Sweeping, washing dishes, mopping, vacuuming- all of it can be so fun to a child! Now, of course children’s motor skills are … Continue reading The Benefits of Doing Chores  →

The easy slip on, slip off summer-shoe lifestyle has helped countless parents get out the door a little faster in the mornings. During Fall and Winter, we trade in our sandals for closed toe shoes. With that transition comes stylish warm boots, tennis shoes and ultimately shoe tying; a tricky skill that can be very challenging for children to learn.   Shoe … Continue reading Tricks and Tips for Shoe Tying  →

Though I enjoy writing educational articles for parents, every now and then I get inspired to write about something in the world of OT and therapy that moves me. This month, I’d like to share a story about my patient that we’ll call Jane, and the interaction between us that has rejuvenated my practice.   Jane is … Continue reading An OT’s Reflection   →

When I was in college, I heard Temple Grandin speak at The Autism SuperConference when it was in New Orleans. I remember being completely awestruck by her spunky personality and unrivaled perspective into the world of Autism.  At the time, I had been working as a shadow of a boy with autism at his New … Continue reading What I learned from Temple Grandin →

As I was treating a patient of mine with Autism last week, his Mom and I were talking “shop” and discussing the sensory items around her home that her son was currently using more than usual. During this conversation, she said these 7 beautiful words to me; “You know, Target sells sensory furniture now!” Target, … Continue reading What you need to know about Sensory Equipment for Home →

As an occupational therapist, I absolutely love dedicating my time and energy to my patients. Each day is filled with personal interaction; with children, their parents, families, doctors, and teachers just to name a few. My patients need and deserve my full attention as we move through intentionally planned activities that are both fun and … Continue reading What this OT has learned in making Self Care a Priority →

I would like to say that I am an occupational therapist who is fully prepared for anything 1000% of the time … but that was not the case one day. On this morning, I had left the house in a rush, forgetting my toy filled back pack that I usually bring when treating a client … Continue reading The Endless Possibilities of Simple Toys →

A toddler walked into my occupational therapy evaluation, avoiding eye contact and quickly moving towards the toys in the room. I watched him pick up a toy, deem it unacceptable, and move on to another. This process repeated itself for quite a while as I discussed concerns with his mother, until at last he found … Continue reading Learning to Play and Playing to Learn →

A toddler, his mother, and I are sitting around the table in feeding therapy, playing with crackers. The crackers were a new food we were introducing to the toddler. From the second we placed the crackers on the table, I could tell that he was interested in them. My work begins- the cracker turns into … Continue reading An OT, a Mom, and a Picky Toddler walk into a… feeding therapy session; A Quick Guide to Structuring Mealtime →