It’s not uncommon for preschoolers and kindergartners to reverse their letters. However, by the time they reach seven years old, they should not make more than just an occasional reversal. If their reversal of letters persists after receiving handwriting help, it could be a sign of a learning disability, like dyslexia, and you may need […]
Author: Danielle Shulman
How to Create a Sensory Room in Your San Diego Home
If you’ve taken your child to any form of therapy outside your house, you’ve likely heard about sensory rooms. Sensory rooms are beneficial to kids with: Sensory processing disorder Autism ADHD Other conditions Sometimes due to busy schedules or issues with stimuli, attending sensory processing disorder therapy outside the house may be difficult. This is where creating […]
What is Therapeutic Listening?
Therapeutic listening is an evidence-based type of therapy for people of any age, particularly for those with a sensory processing disorder. It’s mostly targeted toward children, however. In this therapy, the patient listens to specialized music using headphones to help learn skills like: Sensory integration Attention Communication Social skills Navigating and perceiving space How People Experience […]
5 Benefits of Taking Your Child to a Sensory Gym
If you have a child with a sensory processing disorder (SPD), there are many challenges you face that other parents don’t. Children with SPD who is over-sensitive often aren’t accommodated with everyday settings. They may find stimuli overwhelming such as: Physical touch Light Noise Food For under-sensitive children, they may crave too much stimulation it’s difficult […]
Understanding Developmental Delays in Children
As children grow and develop, they learn different skills like smiling for the first time, taking their first step or waving goodbye. These skills are referred to as developmental milestones. Children don’t have a strict timetable on when they’ll develop these skills. For instance, some babies may start to walk as early as nine months, while […]
The Benefits of Therapeutic Putty
Therapeutic putty is a pediatric occupational therapist approved tool and provides an effective and simple resistance-based training that helps children develop strong grips. Just by forming and shaping the non-toxic, non-flammable putty, your child will be engaging their hands in an easy and safe exercise that will deliver good results. Occupational therapists have been favoring therapeutic for […]
5 Tips to Help Kids Learn to Hold Their Pencil Correctly
One essential skill necessary for preschoolers is holding a pencil correctly when handwriting. A lot of children enter first grade and still hold their pencils in their fists. This is fine for toddlers just learning to color, but preschoolers and kindergartners that don’t have fine motor skills delays should know hold to hold their pencil correctly — […]
What is Stimming?
The word “stimming” refers to self-stimulatory behavior. Some people call it “stereotypic” behavior. In people with autism, stimming typically refers to certain behaviors like: Twirling your hair around your fingers Biting your fingernails Jiggling your foot Drumming your fingers Tapping your pencil Whistling Cracking your joints or knuckles Autistic children (and adults) may: Rock back and forth Flick […]
Benefits of Music for Children with Developmental Delays
Music offers a lot of benefits for children with special needs. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is effective in numerous areas like: Facilitating movement Providing overall physical rehabilitation Providing emotional support Increasing motivation to engage in treatment Providing an outlet to express feelings Below are some benefits of music therapy for children with sensory […]
5 Fun Outdoor Toys That Strengthen Fine Motor Planning, Social Skills, Sensory Processing, and More
A pediatric occupational therapist who works with younger children have the in-depth knowledge and understanding of the type of skills children need to interact with their daily environment. Children need to be able to negotiate their school, home and outdoor play. Playing with outdoor toys is a great way to help children with sensory processing and other challenges improve […]
5 Tips to Ease the Transition to School
Beginning a new school year is often a stressful and chaotic time for both children and parents. Throw in fine motor skills or sensory processing challenges and it can be even more difficult and harder to manage. To help ease your child’s transition back to school, below are some tips you can try out. 1. Change their Bedtime Gradually […]
What is Adaptive Paper for Handwriting?
Messy handwriting is a common reason for pediatric occupational therapist referrals in a primary school setting. In many cases, children haven’t mastered or don’t have exposure to the basic prewriting skills required to move forward with handwriting development skills such as: Formation Sizing Alignment Spacing Construction Kids struggling with handwriting can benefit from adaptive paper. This type […]
Pediatric Yoga: Enhancing the Mind, Body and Soul
Yoga means “unite” and the practice itself unites the psychological, physical and spiritual components in people. It’s a mindful, dynamic and purposeful exercise that awakens the creative potential you have from within. In essence, it is a total being activity. A 2008 survey published in the journal Psychiatry estimated 15.8 million (6.9 percent) of individuals in the U.S. practiced […]
Sleep Tips for Kids with ADHD
Kids with ADHD usually have problems staying focused, sitting still and controlling their emotions and behavior. And, this can lead to dependence, lower social skills and poor school performance. Because of this, they often need special attention from their parents, school systems, teachers and health professionals. Some need a pediatric occupational therapist. But, forgetfulness, trouble paying attention […]
5 Tips to Ease Your Child’s Transition to Summer
Before you know it, another school year is closing out. Your child is no doubt already used to their regular routine, their daily schedule and structured school day. The start of summer vacation, like the start of a new school year, can bring on certain challenges for your child. Although your child is likely excited […]
How to Know My Child Might Need Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Does your child seem to have trouble with everyday activities at school, home or in the community? Are they experiencing challenges that most typically developing children don’t seem to struggle with? If so, a pediatric occupational therapist might be able to help your child. Pediatric occupational therapy can help children with various needs to improve […]