The Difference Between Private and In-School Therapy
A common question we hear from parents is why their child should receive clinic-based therapy if they are already receiving school-based treatment. There are several reasons why private care outside of school might be beneficial for your child, which is what we’ll cover here. At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our mission is to support children in overcoming their developmental challenges and reaching their full potential. Today, I want to explore the differences between private and in-school therapy and why private care might be the best option for your child. Private Care Can Offer Much More Intensive Therapy School-based therapy is often limited in scope and duration. Many children receive limited time per month, and this may not always be provided one-on-one. This limit on how much time your child can even receive therapy makes it difficult for them to build their skills effectively, as they might not have enough time to practice. Now, that’s not on the school-based therapists at all, that’s how therapy programming works in most public school systems in the United States. But because of that time limitation, many children struggle to achieve their developmental milestones even with school-based therapy. Private care, on the other hand, has less limitations. We can see your child outside of school as often as they need in order to help them build their developmental skills for success in life. The Private Clinic Approach Is Much More Holistic School-based therapy focuses on equipping children with the skills they need to participate in their education. This means that the school’s therapist can only help your child with the specific skills necessary to a classroom environment like focusing, handwriting, or navigating their school environment. But private care is able to adopt a more holistic approach. Clinic-based pediatric therapy is personalized to address all areas of a child’s life. This includes not only academic skills but also self-care, social skills, play, and much more. By considering the whole child, we can provide a comprehensive treatment plan that helps them thrive in all aspects of their daily life, not just in the classroom. Private Therapy and School Therapy Can Be Complementary It’s important to recognize the value of school-based therapy in helping children participate in their education. School-based therapists do their best to support each child within the constraints of the school environment and their respective program rules. However, for children who need more intensive support, complementing school-based therapy with private care can make a significant difference. This dual approach can help children succeed both at school and at home by providing them with the tools they need to grow in all areas of life. Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation If you’re curious to find out if private therapy can benefit your child, reach out to our team at No Limits Pediatric Therapies. We offer a free 15-minute developmental consultation to help determine if therapy is the right step for your child. Call us today at (479) 250-9838 to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards helping your child achieve with no limits. About Terrica Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
Baby Seats and Toys: Which Are Best for Your Baby?
Parents are constantly inundated with ads and recommendations for the latest and greatest baby gear and toys. There’s so much out there that it can be difficult to know what is good for your baby, what’s just okay, and what can actually be harmful to their development. At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our goal is to help children reach their full potential through expert care and personalized treatment plans. In this blog post, I want to talk about the best practices for using baby seats and toys to support your baby’s development based on my experiences as a pediatric occupational therapist. The Drawbacks of Baby Seats and Walkers Many parents rely on carriers, swings, bouncers, and walkers to safely hold their child while handling other tasks. While these containers can be convenient, spending too much time in them can negatively affect your baby’s development. Common conditions that can arise from excessive use of baby seats and walkers include toe-walking, poor coordination, and torticollis. These issues occur because the containers restrict natural movement and limit the baby’s ability to explore and develop their motor skills. Babies Benefit from Exploring Their Environments Without Being Contained We don’t want to restrict a baby’s movements because that prevents them from experiencing the full range of sensations in their environment. Instead, we recommend parents provide ample tummy time and ensure they have a safe space for babies to move around and explore. Not only is this more interesting for the baby, but it can lead to significant developmental benefits. Free movement helps babies process more sensory input, improve foot and arch development, and gain better control and awareness of their bodies. These foundational skills are crucial for many other developmental milestones. Choose Safe, Non-Toxic Toys and Household Objects While baby seats and walkers may seem like a safe option, baby-proofing your home (or specific areas of your home) is a better choice for promoting exploration and development. Think of it this way: would you rather be stuck sitting in a chair all day, or would you prefer to move around and find something to do? Another common question I hear from parents is what types of toys are best for baby’s development. I always recommend you consider the materials and safety of the items. Many plastic toys can be made with unsafe materials, which can post a risk when babies inevitably put them in their mouths. I recommend parents choose toys made from cloth and/or wood, which are generally safer and less likely to contain harmful chemicals. Ensuring that the toys are non-toxic and free from small parts that can be swallowed is essential for your baby’s safety and overall wellbeing. Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation If you have concerns about your baby’s development or want to ensure they are on the right track, reach out to No Limits Pediatric Therapies. Our team of skilled therapists is here to help your child grow beyond their limitations. Call us at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation to find out if your child might benefit from pediatric therapy. Together, we can support your baby’s growth and development so they can reach their fullest potential. About Terrica Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
Kids & Trauma: Specialized Care Improves Trauma Recovery
It’s an unfortunate truth that some children have experienced trauma early in their lives. But with the help of expert pediatric therapists, your child can get the developmental support they need in a way that respects what they have experienced and how that can impact their life. At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our mission is to support children in overcoming their developmental challenges and reaching their full potential. Today, I want to discuss the importance of specialized care for children who have experienced trauma and how trauma-informed care can significantly improve their recovery. What Is Trauma-Informed Care? Trauma-informed care in pediatric therapy refers to an approach that considers the unique needs of children who have experienced physical or emotional trauma. It involves recognizing and properly responding to the effects that trauma can have on a child’s development. Trauma-informed care focuses on the physical and emotional safety of children who have experienced a traumatic event. The goal is to create opportunities for children to rebuild a sense of control over their lives while working on their developmental goals. Many Children in Foster Care or Who Have Been Adopted Have a Special Need for Trauma-Informed Care Children who have been in the foster care system or those who have been adopted often have histories of physical or emotional trauma. These children can greatly benefit from pediatric therapy delivered by experts who are trained in trauma-informed care. This is because children who have experienced trauma face specific challenges beyond any developmental delays or other disabilities. By understanding these challenges, trauma-informed therapists can help children achieve their developmental goals in a supportive and safe environment. Making Children Feel Safe and Respected Is Vital Providing trauma-informed care means creating an environment where children feel safe and respected. This involves earning the child’s trust to effectively push them toward achieving their developmental goals. Key aspects of trauma-informed care include: Respecting your child’s bodily autonomy and individual choices Addressing any food insecurity by creating a safe environment around food Being mindful of the language used, as certain words or phrases can be triggering Ensuring that the child feels a sense of safety and security in all interactions with their therapist Trauma-Informed Care Can Be an Essential Part of a Child’s Pediatric Therapy Journey Children who have experienced trauma but who also need pediatric therapy to address developmental delays or disabilities can benefit immensely from working with a therapist who is well-versed in trauma-informed care. Whether your child needs physical, occupational, speech, or feeding therapy, our team can help with trauma-informed care. This specialized approach helps address the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, supports their recovery, and empowers them to achieve their developmental goals. Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation At No Limits Pediatric Therapies, our therapists have specialized training in trauma recovery. If you believe your child could benefit from our services, call us at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation. Let us help your child grow beyond their limitations and reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment. About Terrica Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
Why Play-Based Therapy Can Result in Improved Outcomes
If your child has ever attended pediatric therapy, you’ve probably noticed that it looks a lot like playtime. But even though play-based therapy is a lot of fun, it is also a proven way to help children achieve their developmental goals. At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, we provide comprehensive pediatric physical, speech, occupational, and feeding therapy to help children reach their full potential. Today, I want to discuss the benefits of play-based therapy and how it can lead to improved outcomes for children with developmental challenges. What Is a Sensory Processing Disorder? A sensory processing disorder (SPD) happens when the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Children with SPD may be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to sensory input. Over-sensitivity can result in extreme reactions to everyday stimuli, like loud noises or bright lights. Under-sensitivity may lead to a lack of response to these same stimuli. Both types of sensitivity are signs of a sensory processing disorder and can significantly impact a child’s daily life. How Does a Sensory Processing Disorder Affect a Child’s Life? Children with sensory processing disorders can face a variety of challenges, including: Difficulty with motor skills and coordination Struggles with academic performance Trouble engaging in social interactions Behavioral issues such as meltdowns or aggression Difficulty with self-care activities like dressing and eating Challenges in adapting to new environments or routines Play-Based Therapy Helps Children Learn to Tolerate Different Types of Sensory Input Play-based therapy uses play activities to help children learn to tolerate and respond appropriately to different types of sensory input. By integrating sensory experiences into play, therapists can create a fun and engaging environment that encourages children to explore and adapt to sensory input in a positive way. Pediatric therapists work to improve a child’s tolerance for many different sensations, such as: Touch – We introduce different textures and materials to help children become more comfortable with tactile sensations. Proprioception – Proprioception is the sense that tells us where our body parts are in space. We engage in activities that provide deep pressure input to help children understand their body position and movement. Visual Input – We use visual stimuli such as lights, colors, and patterns to help children adapt to visual changes in their environment. Taste – We can introduce a variety of flavors and textures to help children with feeding issues become more comfortable with different foods. Many Children Benefit from Sensory Processing Therapy as Part of Their Pediatric Therapy Plan Children with sensory processing disorders often struggle with other developmental skills that can be addressed by occupational, physical, speech, or feeding therapy. Pediatric therapists can incorporate sensory processing therapy into your child’s overall treatment plan to address all of their needs fully. This approach can help children improve their ability to function in everyday activities and enhance their overall development. Plus, because our treatments are play-based, your child will have a ton of fun while learning new skills and achieving their goals. Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation If you’re concerned about your child’s sensory processing or developmental progress, give us a call at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation. Our experienced therapists can help determine if pediatric therapy is recommended for your child, and we’ll provide the support they need to grow with no limits. About Terrica Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
What an Autism Diagnosis Really Means for Your Child
Many parents worry that if their child is formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it will change everything in their day-to-day lives. While a diagnosis can bring about change, many parents don’t realize that it will be a positive change for their child and their family as a whole. At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our mission is to support children in reaching their full potential. Today, I want to address what an autism diagnosis really means for your child and how it can be a positive step towards their growth and development. Should You Hesitate to Get Your Child Diagnosed? I’ve heard from many parents who are worried that getting an autism diagnosis will make it “real” that their child has something “wrong” with them. They worry that the label will follow their child around for the rest of their life. What I tell them is, that is not the case. An autism diagnosis does not change who your child is or what they are capable of achieving. It is simply a tool to help you and your child get the support they need. Think of it like getting a diagnosis of nearsightedness from your optometrist—that doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to see clearly, it just means you’ll need to get glasses to help you see clearly. An autism diagnosis helps identify the specific ways in which your child experiences the world and gives you access to support that will ultimately help them thrive. An Autism Diagnosis Opens the Door to More Support Once your child has an official autism diagnosis, accessing services and support becomes much easier. Schools, pediatricians, and pediatric therapists can better tailor their approaches to meet your child’s needs. The diagnosis helps educational and healthcare teams understand how to support your child’s growth and development effectively. With this knowledge, they can create an individualized plan that addresses your child’s unique strengths and challenges. The label isn’t the goal. The goal is to understand how best to help your child, and the label brings more understanding. The Label “Autistic” Does Not Have to Be Permanent It’s also important to know that the label “autistic” does not have to be permanent. Children can be re-tested if they are no longer showing signs or symptoms of autism in the future. The diagnosis is not meant to limit your child’s opportunities but to provide them with the necessary tools and support. It’s a dynamic process that can change as your child grows and develops. The Right Therapy Can Make a World of Difference Pediatric therapy is designed to help children achieve their developmental goals. With a proper diagnosis, our team can better adjust our approach to meet your child’s specific needs. Whether it’s physical, speech, occupational, or feeding therapy, having a clear understanding of your child’s diagnosis allows us to provide the most effective interventions. The right therapy, expertly applied, can make a significant difference in your child’s ability to reach their milestones and succeed in all aspects of their life. Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation If you’re concerned about your child’s development, or if they’ve been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, our team at No Limits Pediatric Therapies is here to help. Give us a call at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation. Our experienced therapists are here to provide the support your child needs to succeed with no limits. About Terrica Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
Concerned You Waited Too Long to Get Your Child to Therapy?
Many parents don’t realize that their child needs developmental support until they start having trouble in school. But by that point, they often worry that they are too late to get their child the help they need to thrive. At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our goal is to support children in reaching their fullest potential, no matter when they begin their therapy journey. Today, we want to address a common concern many parents have: “Is it too late to start therapy for my child?” Every Family’s Journey Is Unique No two families are the same, and each child’s therapy journey is unique. Pediatric therapists understand that the needs of each family and child differ when they start care. There is no “one size fits all” approach, and most importantly, there is no deadline to receive therapy. Our approach is to meet each family where they are by addressing their specific concerns. No matter how young or old your child is, pediatric therapy is tailored to fit their unique circumstances and help them achieve their developmental milestones. Treatment Begins with an Assessment of Current Developmental Progress and Delays The first step of treatment at any pediatric therapy clinic is a thorough assessment of your child’s current abilities and areas for improvement. Our job is to evaluate your child’s skills compared to the common developmental milestones for their age. This process allows us to gather essential information so we can fully understand and meet your child’s needs. The initial assessment is a crucial part of your child’s therapy journey, as it lays the foundation for creating an effective treatment plan tailored to their specific developmental challenges. A Therapeutic Program Is Customized to Each Child’s Needs Based on the initial assessment, our pediatric therapists will develop a customized therapeutic program designed to meet your child where they are developmentally. This individualized treatment plan aims to help your child gradually build up their skills so they can achieve greater developmental milestones. By focusing on your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth, we can provide targeted interventions that empower their development. With pediatric therapy, you can help your child overcome any challenges they may face in daily life. The Right Time to Start Is as Soon as Developmental Problems Surface Parents know their children best and have invaluable insights into their child’s development. If you have any concerns about your child’s development or notice any struggles they have in daily life, we do recommend that you get a pediatric therapy evaluation as soon as possible. This is because the earlier developmental delays are addressed, the easier they are to manage. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s ever “too late” for your child to receive support. Parents, like all of us, are only human, and sometimes we miss things. Or sometimes we take a “wait and see” approach in hopes that the delay will improve with time. The important thing to remember is that there is not a limited window of time where your child can benefit from pediatric therapy. The best time to seek pediatric therapy is as soon as you notice something is not quite right. The second-best time is now. Our advice to you is to trust your instincts and reach out for help, no matter how young or old your child is. Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation If you are concerned about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at No Limits Pediatric Therapies. We offer a free 15-minute developmental consultation to help you determine if therapy is the right step for your child. Call us today at (479) 250-9838 to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards helping your child grow beyond their limitations. About Terrica Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
Activity Level vs. Arousal Level? What does it All Mean?
If you have been around No Limits Pediatric Therapies long, you have probably heard the terms AROUSAL level and ACTIVITY level; but what do these terms really mean? Let’s go to one of No Limit’s OT teams favorite sensory gurus named Dr. Julia Harper for some more information. Dr. Julie Harper, PhD, MS, OTR/L is a wife, mother, occupational therapist, business owner, psychologist, life coach & mentor, speaker and writer. She holds a BS in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Health Science Center (Downstate), Brooklyn, NY, a MS in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, Boston, MA and a PhD in Psychology from Capella University, Minneapolis, MN. She brings all of these roles together to serve her mission of helping people-all people to live their lives beyond limitations. For over 20 years, Julia has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist focusing on creating brain-based therapeutic programs that tap into neural-plasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change. Her world-renowned therapy center offers a W.A.Y. to H.O.P.E.™ which merges her two models: HOPE (Harper’s Optimal Protocols for Enrichment), which focuses on re-wiring the brain of those with physiological, learning and limitations in attention and W.A.Y.™ (What About You), which retrains the brain to move beyond emotional and thought limitations. Creating change is at the center of her work, as she knows that to best serve the world, she needs to be an agent of change. This begins with the work she has done to change her own life, from becoming a Certified Master Life Coach, a Master Clinician, a Certified Daring Way Facilitator and Master Practitioner of MER. She hopes that through her change, she can change her clients and have the ripple effect of changing the world. She is a firm believer that all change begins with her. Daily, she lives this change to be the change. (http://therapeeds.com/en/about-us/julia-s-story) Now you know a little background on one of our favorite resources when it comes to sensory processing, arousal level, and activity level, but what does it all mean? Activity level can be broken down into two categories: high activity and low activity. When speaking about activity level, we are referring to physical activity. The World Health Organization defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity refers to all movement including during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work. Both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity improve health (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity). This is leading to the idea that a child or adult who demonstrates a high activity level demonstrates significant physical activity and seeking of movement. It then leads us to an idea of a child or adult who demonstrates a low activity level demonstrates minimal physical activity at any given time. Activity level is visible, fluid and changing. You can move from high to low activity level or low to high activity level at any point in the day and it usually changes multiple times during a day. It can even change hour to hour or in shorter time spans. Remember, activity level is seen and is changing; although you may have a child who typically demonstrates either a high or low activity level. Now, let’s move on to arousal level. This can easily be confused with activity level, but it is different and cannot be used interchangeably. Your arousal level tends to remain unchanging and can be considered more as your state of being. With that said, according to Julia Harper, a child or an adult can be considered high arousal or low arousal. She describes the different neuro-chemicals and brain wave patterns within the body that determine arousal level, but that will be left for another day. What we will discuss today is that depending on your child’s arousal level, the occupational therapy team can better serve your child’s sensory needs by meeting their specific sensory input needs. This is based on neuro-chemical needs and we can then help create a protocol to meet those needs based off of Julia Harper’s research. Moving forward, let’s discuss how we determine if your child is high arousal or low arousal. We can typically describe a high arousal child as a child who thrives on routine, structure, and predictability. A high arousal child is unable to start off their day with intense sensory input such as spinning and participating in inverted activities, because intense vestibular input is only going to dysregulate your child even more. This would be working against the whole goal of working with your child to build a toolbox to help improve attention, participation and overall regulation based on their individual arousal level. They tend to benefit from deep pressure touch and passive proprioceptive input which is calming and regulating. Now on the other hand, you have a low arousal child. A low arousal child is a child who tends to be unpredictable, constantly changing, and unrhythmical. You can usually see this in everything they do. A low arousal child may always be on the go because they are seeking input to help regulate, but they do not need to start the day off with calming activities. Instead, they need to start off with intense vestibular input that is constantly changing, unrhythmical and unpredictable. Starting with intense input followed by deep pressure and tactile input will help set your low arousal child up for success. Now, here is where it gets tricky! Is my child high or low arousal? Or are we just looking at if they have a high or low activity level? This is where your OT comes in. We at No Limits want to work with you as a family and complete a variety of clinical observations to help determine if your child is high or low arousal. We can then work with you to see how their activity level usually runs at different points in the day. After determining your child’s arousal level and gaining a better idea of how their activity
What is Torticollis?
You may have heard of the term “torticollis,” also known as wryneck. Torticollis is the twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an angle. The twisting of the neck occurs when the large muscle running on both sides of the neck, from the back of the ear to the collarbone, is too tight and/or shortened. In newborns, torticollis can happen due to the baby’s position in the womb or from consistent positioning following birth. The following are the most common symptoms of torticollis; however, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Inability to turn the head (rotation) Spasm of the neck muscles The top of their head may be tilted to one side and their chin may be tilted to the other side. Difficulties visually tracking Difficulties holding the head in an upright position Preference among breast-fed and bottle-fed babies to eat on one side over the other or problems latching onto the breast or bottle. Physical therapy helps prevent permanent shortening, head and neck pain, and helps prevent developmental delays that could occur secondarily. Early physical therapy for torticollis is very helpful and effective. The physical therapists’ focus includes passive range of motion, active range of motion, stretching, muscle strengthening, and parent education for positioning, stretching and activities that they can incorporate into their daily lives in order to increase the child’s ability to turn and move their head and continue to make gains towards their developmental milestones. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to torticollis, please reach out to your doctor or your child’s physical therapist.
Occupational Therapy and the Adolescent Years
Adolescent years bring about many changes including taking on responsibilities in the home, more demands at school, employment, driving, bodily changes, relationships, money management, increasing independence as they prepare for adulthood, and more. Occupational therapists come alongside adolescents to help support and increase their independence in these daily occupations, or everyday activities one engages in. More specifically, within the OT Practice Framework (AOTA, 2014), daily occupations consist of ADLs and IADLs. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are considered to be nine activities: bathing/showering, toileting and toilet hygiene, dressing, swallowing/eating, feeding, functional mobility, personal device care, personal hygiene and grooming, and sexual activity; whereas, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) encompass 12 activities that “require more complex interactions than those used in ADLs” including care of others, care of pets, child rearing, communication management, driving and community mobility, financial management, health management and maintenance, home establishment and management, meal preparation and cleanup, religious and spiritual expression, safety and emergency maintenance, and shopping (AOTA, 2014, p. S19). An occupational therapy session with this age group can include so many functional, important skills, while keeping the session fun! When working with adolescents, a treatment session might include activities such as hygiene tasks including brushing teeth, applying deodorant, nail trimming, and combing hair, dressing skills, simple household chores such as separating and completing laundry, bed making, loading and emptying a dishwasher, sweeping, or vacuuming, meal prep and cleanup, and kitchen and food safety. Other sessions might include walking to a nearby restaurant or store to complete a point of service transaction to purchase items, going for a walk outside to address environmental safety awareness, or completing simulated work tasks such as sorting, stocking, and typing for vocation/job-related skills. Moreover, when addressing ADL and IADL skills, the occupational therapist is also incorporating skills such as problem solving, organization, planning and ideation, initiation, flexibility and regulation. These skills are important and are used regularly throughout our daily activities. Regulation is also an essential skill during the adolescent years with the various changes these individuals experience. Self regulation can help work through emotional regulation, self consciousness and negative self-talk that is often difficult during these years. Ultimately, it is the occupational therapist’s goal for each child to be as successful and independent as possible in order to participate in their daily activities and fulfill their dreams and aspirations!
Multisensory Approach to Handwriting
Handwriting is a valuable skill that doesn’t have to be taught and practiced strictly with pencil and paper! A multisensory approach to handwriting can help take away fear, pressure and the rigidness of typical handwriting practice. But what does multisensory mean? A multisensory approach to handwriting provides children with the opportunity to use their various senses (touch, visual, auditory, smell, and muscle movement) to engage in handwriting activities. How much more fun learning can be when we can incorporate a variety of textures, sounds, sights and movements to writing activities! Check out some examples of multisensory activities for handwriting below! Finger Writing in Shaving cream Painting Building letters with popsicle sticks, playdoh, clay, pipe cleaners, stickers Finger Writing in Salt, Sand, Rice or Glitter trays Finger painting Finger writing on Dry Erase markers on a window Writing with Smelly Markers Acting out the letters/big arm movements Singing letter formation during writing Writing letters in the air Chalk Writing on Bright paper, textured paper Writing to music Trace letters with a favorite toy (ex: cars, animals, small blocks, dot paint) A multisensory approach to handwriting can be helpful for all children as they all have different learning styles. Reach out to your therapist today to explore more sensory-rich experiences for your child as they practice their handwriting skills! Woodward, S., & Swinth, Y. (2002). Multisensory approach to handwriting remediation: Perceptions of school-based occupational therapists. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 305–312.