Technology can be a great thing. There are various options available for both adults and children; some for work, some for play, and some for entertainment. By design, technology is engaging and leaves you wanting more. Children and adults alike engage in phone and tablet use for various reasons, but is there actually a negative […]
Author: Danielle Shulman
The Impact of Electronic Devices on Fine Motor Skills
With technology and electronic devices being a prevalent part of day-to-day life, parents and teachers are becoming concerned as to what’s appropriate for young kids to use and do. Research does show both benefits and possible risks linked with technology use. A few health organizations have expressed concern about how much time kids spend using […]
Is There a Difference in the Brains of a Child With Sensory Processing Disorder Versus a Typical Child?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has difficulties receiving and responding to information their senses provide. Many wonder if there’s a difference in the brains of children with SPD versus typical children. According to a study, there just may be. UC San Francisco researchers have found children with SPD have altered […]
Why Is Cursive Such a Good Visual Motor Skill?
Handwriting can be a complex skill. It requires your child to be able to form letters with consistent proportions, size, and spacing so other people can read the sentences and words. It takes complex visual perceptual skills to produce legible handwriting as well as motor skill integration. A visual motor integration deficiency might be evident […]
Bad Behavioral Signs Your Child Could Benefit from Occupational Therapy
All kids go through emotional ups and downs. They feel angry, frustrated, or sad from time to time and this is completely normal. Life-changing situations can really take a toll on children and cause changes in their behavior. It’s essential you recognize the difference between normal behavior changes and behavioral problems and when it’s time […]
How Occupational Therapy Can Help With Aggressive Behavior in Children
Whether your child hits or bites because they’re angry or for other reasons you don’t fully understand, aggressive behavior in children can be a normal part of your child’s development. Typically, if any child receives constant negative consequences for their aggression and learns new skills for improving their behavior, aggression starts subsiding during their preschool […]
Home-Based Exercises to Improve Fine Motor Skills
If your child is in pediatric occupational therapy, their pediatric therapist will tell you how important fine motor skill development is. Whether it’s using school supplies, zipping up a backpack, or writing, efficient fine motor skills are needed. These days, you may want to have your child exercise their fine motor skills now more than ever at […]
Home Based Exercises to Improve Handwriting
Plenty of children struggle with messy handwriting and sometimes simply “practicing” doesn’t always help. And, while pediatric occupational therapy will definitely help, there are things you can do at home. Below are three home-based exercises you can try with your child to improve their handwriting skills. 1. Egg Carton and Beans This is an inexpensive activity you can […]
Ways Virtual Leaning Can Worsen Shortcomings in Fine Motor Skills
As kids grow, they are developing various abilities and skills over time and fine motor skills are one of the most essential. Fine motor skills allow kids to make fine (small) movements with their extremities (toes and fingers) as well as other body parts like their lips, tongue, feet, hands, and wrists. Kids use these […]
Consequences of Delaying Early Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Your child’s early years in life are very important because during these years their cognitive, physical, and social growth and development take place. The first three years are crucial since your child’s brain is evolving during this phase. Sadly, not all kids pass through these important developmental milestones successfully. Some don’t develop and mature as […]
What Is Self Regulation and How Can OTs Help?
Children experience ups and downs on a regular basis when they’re attempting to manage their frustrations and feelings. A child can experience discomfort or stress when responding to new environments and changes, but parents, teachers and occupational therapists can act as “emotional coaches” as they help kids respond to situations accordingly. They can help them […]
What Is Executive Functioning? How Can OTs Help With It?
Executive functioning is a fairly common term used in the neuropsychology and healthcare world. It’s the mental capacity to process information while you complete other activities, focus attention and to plan and remember instructions. It’s a skill that enables kids to filter out distractions, control impulses and prioritize action goals. The development of executive function […]
Benefits of Early Intervention for Fine Motor Delays
Your child’s fine motor skills involve them using their small muscles that control their fingers, hand and thumb. Fine motor skills help your child perform essential activities such as grasping toys, feeding themselves, writing, drawing, zipping up clothes and more. Being able to complete daily tasks and self-care helps with your child’s confidence and self-esteem. […]
The Underlying Causes of Why Kids Have Difficulty With Handwriting
An important focus in the elementary school years for any child is learning how to effectively write words and sentences. While all young children at one time or another might have some difficulty with handwriting, if your child’s handwriting is consistently unclear or distorted, it could indicate a learning disability known as dysgraphia. Dysgraphia is […]
Reasons to Keep Up With In-Person OT, Where Possible, During COVID-19
During this coronavirus pandemic, many healthcare appointments have shifted to telemedicine and telehealth, and pediatric occupational therapy is no different. Occupational, speech, and physical therapy appointments online are helpful during this time when visiting in-person is not possible. Teletherapy allows you and the therapist to continue helping your child progress toward their goals. It also […]
What are the Causes of Messy Handwriting?
Most individuals expect young children to have messy handwriting. It can be hard to learn how to write letters and place them in the right order to create words. It takes practice and time for children to do this neatly. However, as kids become older, their messy handwriting might appear to others as a sign […]