Play is an essential part of development. It’s where kids test boundaries and push themselves to grow. Pediatric occupational therapists are trained to foster play. A skilled therapist can set u

You may be familiar with the terms “sensory processing” or “sensory integration.” As occupational therapists this can be a large part of what we do, especially if we are treating in the world of ped

At a small rural university nestled in the heart of the community, master’s-level occupational therapy (OT) students at Saint Francis University are learning the art and science of pediatric OT throug

Whether at home or in school, children are nearly constantly using their arms, hands, and fingers to engage in everyday play and learning activities. From imaginary play with friends to zipping a jack

The research, education and awareness of neurodivergence, mental health, and sensory and emotional regulation challenges in individuals continue to be at the forefront of our profession. Most of the e

Feeding is a sensory experience. It involves tactile input as the hands touch food and grasp utensils. It involves visual input, since the way a food appears can shape our willingness to try it—think

When I launched Forward OT PLLC, my private practice, in 2012, creating a sensory gym that was both practical and functional was a top priority. It wasn't an easy task, but the sense of accomplis

A doctor named Stuart Brown has said, “Play leads to brain plasticity, adaptability and creativity. Nothing fires up the brain like play.” So, I ask, what are we doing as parents, teachers and ther

Rock Creek School in Walkersville, Maryland, provides individualized special education programs for students aged 3 to 21 with a wide range of severe disabilities. The school was very interested

My favorite pediatric occupational therapy intervention is, hands down, an obstacle course. Obstacle courses are versatile and can target various skills, including motor planning, body scheme, st

Frequently, conversations surrounding sensory integration and the design and implementation of a multi-sensory environment are centered around school-aged children. However, this conversation sho

Providing sensory integration therapy in the clinic requires lots of attention to the physical design of the space. This includes safety, hardware for hooks, options for suspension, play equipment