Running out of ideas to keep your little ones entertained? Here are some OT-approved fall activities! At Home: Apples & Oats Sensory Bin: This is a great way to combine two classic fall activities, apples and oats. Simply fill a bin with oats and add some dried apples, cinnamon sticks, and other fall-themed items. Kids will love feeling the different textures and smells. Pinecone Weaving: This activity is a great way…
Occupational therapy can be a valuable resource for children of all ages. By making occupational therapy a priority, you can help your child develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities and reach their full potential. However, as an OT practitioner (and especially as a new parent), I completely understand how going to therapy sessions can be difficult to prioritize around all of life’s other demands. Luckily, there…
The world can be a dangerous place, and it is important to teach kids how to protect themselves. By teaching them about safety, you can help them avoid dangerous situations and know what to do if they find themselves in one. When kids know how to stay safe, they feel more confident and empowered. This can help them to feel more comfortable in their surroundings and to make better decisions.…
Everyone has dealt with setbacks at some point in their life. They may have shown up as personal, professional, financial, educational, or even social setbacks. Maybe you missed a promotion, maybe you failed a class. The fact of the matter is, they are a normal part of life. Setbacks are also a normal part of occupational therapy (OT). They can happen for a variety of reasons, such as missed sessions,…
In my own childhood, I vividly recall experiencing both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in various aspects of my life. Extrinsic motivation often played a role in my academics, with the desire to earn good grades, praise from teachers, or even small rewards that were external incentives to complete assignments and do well in tests. While these external factors provided a temporary boost, I found that they did not always sustain…
Occupational therapy in high school and primary school settings serve different purposes and focus on distinct developmental stages. In primary school, occupational therapists primarily work with younger children to support the development of foundational skills necessary for academic success. This includes activities related to fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory integration, and socialization. They may also assist in identifying and addressing early signs of developmental delays or difficulties. In contrast, occupational…
Meet Billy. Billy has trouble with changes in routine. He likes things to be the same every day, and he gets upset when things are different. For example, if Billy’s parents have to take him to a new doctor’s office, he might cry or throw a tantrum. He might also have trouble sleeping or eating if his routine is disrupted. Meet Emma. Emma also struggles when faced with changes…
For neurodivergent children, going back to school can present unique challenges. The transition from the freedom of summer break to the structured environment of the classroom can be overwhelming. Neurodivergent kids may struggle with sensory overload, social interactions, changes in routine, and academic expectations. The noise, bright lights, crowded hallways, and unpredictable schedule can be particularly difficult for those with conditions like autism, ADHD, or anxiety disorders. Moreover, social interactions…
I’ve always been sensitive to touch in some capacity. As a child, I would cry when I had too much lotion on, when wearing certain fabrics, or when my hair was being brushed too lightly. I would also avoid touching certain textures, such as jelly, because I didn’t like the feeling of stickiness on my hands. As I got older, some of my tactile defensiveness went away, like not being…
Whether you are an occupational therapy student, a seasoned practitioner, or simply interested in learning more about the field, following occupational and speech therapist blogs can be an excellent way to stay up-to-date on the latest research, trends, and techniques. I’ve scoured the internet for you to find some of the most informative, engaging, and inspiring occupational therapist blogs that you should be following. The OT Toolbox: This website focuses…
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