Uplift Therapy Journal

Encouraging Utensil Use

By Christina Martinez, OTR/L As exciting as it may be for children to begin transitioning to solid foods, it can get messy! Little ones learning

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Social Stories

Social Stories 

By Christine Hemelians, MS, OTR/L Social Stories are used as a learning tool to explain and illustrate certain social situations and problems and how people

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Baby-Led Weaning

By Deborah Lee MS, OTR/L What is baby-led weaning? Is a popular approach to starting solid foods. It skips over purees and jumps into finger

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Pacifier use

By Madison Gwizdalski MS-CCC, SLP Oh, the controversial pacifier! You might also know it as a binky, nookie, pon-pon, or dummy… (amongst others). Some parents

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Core Activation Activities

By Erica Gliga MOT, OTR/L More core, please! Core strength is foundational for developing an upright posture and motor skill development. Here are some different

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Infant Oral Reflexes

Infant Oral Reflexes

By Rouzan Dishoian, MS, CF SLP  Reflexes are involuntary responses to certain stimuli that help us protect our body from things that can harm us.

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Play and language

By Madison Gwizdalski MS-CCC, SLP “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” ~ Mr. Rogers Flashcards, quizzing, educational television shows… it

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Screen Time 

By Deborah Lee MS, OTR/L Screen time is definitely an advantage for parents to keep their little ones occupied while they have to deal with

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Joint Attention

What is Joint Attention?

By ROUZAN DISHOIAN, MS, CF-SLP Joint attention or shared attention is a shared focus of two individuals on an object. It is achieved when two

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Emotional Intelligence

What is self-regulation?

By Nicole Tutaj MA, OTR/L Self-regulation is one’s ability to manage their behaviors, emotions, attention and adjust depending on the circumstances in the environment. It

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Sensory diets

Sensory Diets

Does your child having a difficult time focusing? Are they always on the go? Climbing furniture, seeking touch, crashing into objects, placing inedible items in

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Sound Machines

By Madison Gwizdalski MS, CCC-SLP  There’s been a lot of noise recently regarding whether the use of sounds machines is helpful or harmful to babies.

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Messy Play

By Erica Gliga MOT, OTR/L With the weather getting warmer, you may be getting outside more with your little ones. Whether inside or outside, messy

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Managing Screen Time

Managing Screen Time

Nicole Tutaj, MA, OTR/L Managing screen time in this digital age is something many of us struggle with. What’s the right amount of screen time

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Occupational Therapy Parent Coaching

Parent Coaching

By Ani Oganesyan OTR/L How can you make the most out of your occupational therapy sessions? Simple, get involved in sessions! Parent involvement leads to

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What is Motor Planning? 

By: Christine Hemelians, MSOT, OTR/L Most families that seek services are familiar with the terms fine and gross motor skills, or delayed receptive and expressive

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Explaining Meltdowns After School

By: Christine Hemelians, MSOT, OTR/L  Does your child have difficulty transitioning during school pick-up? Are pick-ups met with crying, screaming, yelling, pushing, hitting, and so

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The Power of Playdough

By Madison Gwizdalski MS-CCC, SLP Play-dough is an all-time favorite toy at Uplift Therapy Center. Curious about why this toy is a staple for our

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Sensory Strategies for Bedtime

By: Christine Hemelians, MSOT, OTR/L  Did you know that difficulties with sensory integration can negatively impact sleep? Close to 30% of children have trouble sleeping;

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Preparing for a Haircut 

By: Christine Hemelians, MSOT, OTR/L Sensory processing disorder affects participation in everyday self-care tasks such as grooming, feeding, and getting dressed. Children who have difficulty

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Benefits of Social Interaction

As children develop, they start using both verbal and nonverbal communication for a variety of purposes like requesting, commenting, and sharing. By observing and participating

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