Cursive writing isn’t taught in today’s schools the way it has been in the past. That doesn’t mean it isn’t as important today as it has been throughout the centuries. The fact is, science is just now learning that cursive handwriting is more than a tool for communication, it is also a tool for cognitive […]
Author: Danielle Shulman
Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) the new catch phrase and is it being over diagnosed?
These are great questions and two that I am asked on many occasions by both parents and many different disciplines. First let me tell you a little background about what it is for many that do not know what it means. The term was first coined in the 1960’s by occupational therapist, psychologist, and neuroscientist […]
Successful Pediatric Occupational Therapy for Kids
Whether your child has been diagnosed with slight delay in motor skills or was left with a brain injury that has caused difficulty in cognition, coordination, and comprehension, occupational therapy can help him/her improve his physical, motor, sensory, and cognitive skills. This can enhance his self esteem, and give him/her heightened sense of accomplishment. […]
The Importance of Occupational Therapy Services
Occupational therapy for children plays an important role in helping kids achieve their maximum level of independence and function. Skilled therapists who have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to diagnose your child’s condition can help you determine the type of program that can truly help them function well in their home, school, and social environments. […]
Dealing with Sensory Processing Disorder Effectively
Sensory processing or sensory integration refers to the way that the body’s nervous system receives sensory messages and translates them into the appropriate behavioral and motor response. A disorder in this processing system—sometimes called sensory integration dysfunction or more commonly, sensory processing disorder—results when sensory signals are not organized or translated into the correct or […]
Handwriting Disorder for Children
Dysgraphia is a form of handwriting disorder and learning disability that is becoming increasingly common in children. It mainly affects the ability to write—an activity that requires a complex combination of information processing and motor skills—making writing extremely difficult for those that display it. Dysgraphia can lead to difficulty in putting thoughts on paper, poor […]
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy can help children and adults who find it difficult to participate in various activities because of emotional, cognitive, developmental, or physical difficulties. It can help a child become productive, play naturally, and learn to be more creative, independent, and lead satisfying lives as they grow older. In general, occupational therapy can help […]
Commercial Games that can help increase fine motor skills such as hand strength and dexterity
(Compiled by WriteSteps San Diego Pediatric Occupational Therapy) (Many of these activities should be used with supervision for young children or a child who is cognitively impaired in order to prevent mouthing objects or injury) 1. Don’t Break the Ice 2. Lite Brite 3. Bed Bugs 4. Pop Beads 5. Playdoh (can use toy rolling […]
Quick tips to improve handwriting over the summertime!
It’s summer time! The kids are at camp, playing with their friends, watching television, using the iPad, etc. As a parent you are probably thinking, this is great, they are happy and enjoying being free from school. However, you may also wonder what are some other activities they can be doing so they can be […]
Fun Ways to Learn Writing
Fun ways to learn writing letters and drawing shapes without holding a pencil 1. Allow for sensory experiences such as having a child use his/her finger to make letters in shapes in any of the following: a. in cornmeal b. sand c. pudding d. foam soap e. shaving cream f. colored sand […]