Sensory regulation and sensory strategies are a huge part of pediatric occupational therapy. The 5 books below are great resources that pediatric therapists swear by! They provide a thorough introduction to sensory processing and provide great tips for parents for home-based sensory strategies! 1. Tools for Tots By Diana Henry, MS, OTR/L, Maureen Kane-Wineland, Ph.D., OT/L, & Susan Swindeman, OTR/L …
The Game of Operation Helps Kids Reinforce Occupational Therapy Skills
Parents are always looking for the next best thing to help keep their child busy, but what’s even better is that you already have these activities at home. The game of operation has been a classic board game that is seen in most American homes. Since its invention in 1964, there has been over $40 million worth of games sold …
Top 8 Baby Toys Recommended by Occupational Therapists!
It can be overwhelming for parents when searching for the best toys to keep their babies entertained and motivated when there are so many options to choose from! Magazines, blogs, and ads tend to showcase the most extravagant battery operated toys. However, these may not always be the best option for your child’s developmental growth. When thinking about toy selection, …
Types of Equipment Used in a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic
Many different types of equipment are used in an occupational therapy clinic to increase strength, function, and independence in children. A lot of them are so fun and engaging, children don’t even know they’re working on developing skills! For safety reasons, equipment should always be recommended by and used with the ongoing support of an occupational therapist. Trampolines Trampolines are …
How To Use Resistive Putty, the Pediatric Occupational Therapy Way!
Resistive putty is a great therapeutic tool in pediatric occupational therapy. When used during fine motor activities, it helps children develop hand strength, grasp patterns, bilateral coordination, and problem-solving skills. There are also many places to buy resistive putty in stores or online, Amazon carries a good product, Purchase it here. Below are some easy theraputty fine motor activities that …
Equestrian Therapy and its role in Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Equestrian therapy, also known as Equine-Assisted Therapy or Horse therapy, is a form of therapy that utilizes horse-back riding to promote emotional and mental health. Equestrian therapy could be particularly helpful for patients with ADD, anxiety, ASD, delay in mental development, Down syndrome, and other genetic syndromes. Equestrian therapy is made up of several activities. Patients participate in grooming, feeding, …
How to Talk to your Pediatrician about Occupational Therapy Concerns
Pediatricians provide medical care to individuals ranging in age from newborns to young adults. They are responsible for examining, diagnosing, and treating children with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. Pediatricians facilitate routine check ups in order to monitor a child’s growth and development from birth to adulthood. Your child’s pediatrician can be a significant resource when you have …
Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy For Kids
People often wonder what the difference between physical and occupational therapy as their roles often overlap and they frequently collaborate with one another. Even though their roles can overlap within the pediatric setting there are major differences between occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) which is often why your child may be referred to both an OT and a …
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Evaluation
Occupational Therapists have a protocol, called an evaluation, to making sure they have enough information about the child completely before developing the proper treatment plans. Gathering information about the child before therapy helps tailor the treatment plans more effectively. So what might be some things that an occupational therapist might want to know during an evaluation? Background Information: Most occupational …
The Use of Compression & Weighted Vests in Occupational Therapy Treatments
Occupational therapists often use compression and weighted vests as a therapy tool with children with a variety of diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing difficulties. These vests provide proprioceptive (deep pressure) input to the child’s body to aid their overall regulation and attention. The deep pressure input these vests provide facilitates a physiological reaction by reducing heart …
