Categories
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Making Sensory-Motor Equipment Measurable and Meaningful(Post)
Sensory-motor equipment remains a staple in pediatric occupational therapy. Swings, scooter boards, bolsters, and other equipment create rich opportunities for play and provide a platform for examinin
Sensory Approach to Treatment(Post)The not-so-secret ingredient of Occupational Therapy is presenting the client with materials that are intrinsically motivating to explore. Using a sensory approach to treatment is common when wor
Putting "Play" on the Christmas List(Post)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
Watch Out!: Promoting Functional Vision(Post)Functional praxis, motor planning and visual processing are a few primary outcomes in sensory integrative intervention within pediatric occupational therapy. The visual sensory system significan
Obstacle Courses Address a Variety of Skills(Post)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
Sensory Strategies for Elementary Classroom Management(Post)While practicing in a school setting, there are many opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners to share OT techniques and strategies with classroom teachers. This collaboration ensures that
Sensory Labs as a Catalyst for Clinical Skill Development(Post)Many occupational therapy (OT) programs across the country are developing sensory labs that are innovative, hands-on spaces that immerse students in the world of pediatric practice. These labs are des
Proprioception and Precision: The Brain-Body Connection for Fine Motor Skill(Post)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
Starting With a Blank Canvas(Post)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
Emotional Regulation(Post)What is Emotional Regulation?Emotional regulation is “the ability of the individual to control one’s conscious and unconscious emotions in a way the meets the demand of the environment and the indiv
Permission to Play(Post)Play is widely recognized as the primary occupation of childhood, but what about play in adulthood? The American Occupational Therapy Association (2020) defines play as “activities that are intrinsical
Let Your Value Shine Through(Post)The other day, as I was in conversation with a friend who is preparing for her first year as a kindergarten teacher, we began to discuss how children are missing the development building blocks to