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 even greater progress. Therapists can work with the parent and/or caregiver by using the parent coaching model. Occupational therapists are trained in using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, and providing interventions that […]
Autism and play: Why play skills are important and should be reinforced at home
By: Christine Hemelians, MS, OTR/L Play is an important part of a child’s development. However, in children presenting developmental delays or diagnosed with autism, play can be very limited. In fact, play in children on the spectrum can look very different than their neurotypical peers. In autistic children, play may be repetitive, like lining up […]
Early signs and characteristic traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder
By Deborah Lee MS, OTR/L In light of April being Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, here are some early signs and characteristic traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to be mindful of if and when you have a toddler. Being able to identify and notice some of these signs earlier on will only benefit your […]
Exploring Autism and Occupational Therapy
In honor of April being both Occupational Therapy and Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month we would like to highlight the importance of occupational therapy for autistic children. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability, and the Autism experience is different for everyone. The core characteristics look different from child to child and include differences in communication, […]
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 communication skills. However, fewer people understand motor planning and why it’s important. Motor planning is defined as “the ability to conceive, plan, and carry out a skilled, non-habitual motor act […]
Helping Children Establish a Healthy Relationship with Food
By Karnie Babikian, Nutrition Educator Many significant dietary changes occur in the first years of life as children transition from milk/formula to soft solids and eventually to a diet including various foods and beverages. In this period, children learn how to eat and explore what food really is- both of which play a significant role […]
How to Boost Your Child’s Development in Your Daily Routines
By Madison Gwizdalski MS-CCC, SLP Sometimes as adults it can feel almost impossible to find time to play with your child. Between rushing to get ready for work, chores, and getting dinner on the table you might not even have the energy to sit down and play on most days! Play is extremely important in […]
Sensitive to Loud Noises?
Erica Gliga MOT, OTR/L Let’s break down what it might look like if your child is sensitive to loud noises and how to support them Sensory Processing We each experience the world differently depending on how our brain and nervous system interpret all the information from our senses. Take a moment to think about how […]
When is the right time to transition away from bottle drinking?
By Nicole Tutaj, MA, OTR/L The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests getting rid of bottle drinking by 18 months, and sippy cups by age 2. Many parents ask why the bottle needs to go, here are a few reasons to transition to cup drinking: Bottles can interfere with appropriate oral development and alter palate […]
Making Mealtimes More Successful: The Division of Responsibility in Feeding – The Ellyn Satter Model
By Karnie Babikian, Nutrition Educator Parents play a big role in feeding their children and teaching them how to eat. It is important to recognize, however, that children need autonomy in this process. When parents take too much control during feeding, though with good intention, mealtimes become more stressful– parents feel the pressure of getting […]