Occupational Therapy
Understanding Ear Tubes and Their Sensory Implications for Children
It seems like many of the children in my life are getting ear tubes. While getting ear tubes placed is a routine and common procedure for pediatricians and ENTs, there are important sensory implications that parents should be aware of. What Causes Frequent Ear Infections in Children? Ear infections can be caused by a myriad…
Read MoreInfant Tongue Tie- My Experience with Tongue Tie Release as a Mom and OT
What is a Tongue Tie? Tongue ties have become a hot-button issue lately, yet many remain unfamiliar with what they entail or how to recognize them. Essentially, a tongue tie occurs when excess tissue tethers the tongue to the floor of the mouth, either anteriorly (at the front) or posteriorly (in the middle). Typically, accompanying…
Read MoreOT Holiday Gift Ideas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are a great time to enhance your toy closets with fun toys that promote the most important developmental skills. Here are some great ideas from our OT department at PediaSpeech Services, Inc. Happy giving! Squigz- These are a favorite in the clinic! They are suction…
Read MoreHandwriting, Fine Motor Skills & Pencil Control Oh My!
By Cayla Woodburn As surprising as it might sound, fine motor skills impact nearly every aspect of life. Without fine motor skills, we wouldn’t be able to button our pants, brush our teeth, open our lunch, write our name, and so many more everyday activities. Many children struggle with their fine motor control, precision, grasp,…
Read MoreToe Walking: What Can I Do to Fix it?
Toe walking occurs for various reasons which could involve children with Autism who seek certain sensory input or can be caused by spasticity in the calf muscles in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Toe walking is often overlooked, however, it needs to be addressed due to the physical limitations the can come from it. Is…
Read MoreYour child’s handwriting — more to it than you realize!
As an occupational therapist, I get a lot of referrals to address handwriting. There are several factors that relate to handwriting success, many of which can be practiced and developed at home! Upper extremity support: Developing the scapular muscles and upper arm strength will allow the child to improve his or her posture and have…
Read MoreBe creative to get your kids moving!
Let’s Get Physical! As an occupational therapist, I endeavor each day is to address the whole person in each child. This includes engaging the whole body during every treatment session. I believe that engaging the whole body in fun physical play helps a child organize not only their body but their minds and emotions. Whether…
Read MoreIs it Sensory or Behavior?
This is the million-dollar question posed to every pediatric occupational therapist. The answer is as simple as why the chicken crossed the road. By nature, all behavior is sensory. Behavior is how one reacts to a stimulus.
Read MoreFine Motor Control
Fine motor control is often thought of due to its essential role in participating in school-based activities such as writing, cutting, coloring, and manipulating any small objects. This area of development is also needed for independence in dressing, self-feeding, hygiene, play, and almost any facet of life one is engaged.
Read MoreOccupational Therapy: Developing Scissor and Fine Motor Skills
Here are some activities for developing pre-scissor and fine motor skills! Crawling activities – through a tunnel or home made obstacle course. Balloon Volleyball – hit a balloon or light beach ball with your hands and see how long you can keep it up in the air Walking on hands, pretending to be different animals (e.g.…
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