Do you remember learning the ABCs? I bet, even as an adult, you still sing them in your head. Or what about playing the “silent” game with your parents as a kid? You may have used that same game with your own kids when in need of a peaceful moment. Have you wondered why, years …
As an occupational therapist, I look at functional skills from a holistic view, starting with the skills most essential for day-to-day life. These skills include dressing, bathing, feeding, eating, and drinking (very different than feeding), grooming, sleeping, mobility, and toileting as well as managing our need to use the bathroom. These essential life-skills are called activities of …
Functional Skills in a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Environment Read More »
Social Skills for Children Introduction Welcome to the third and last installment of our “Social Skills” series. If you have not already, please check out our Social Skills and Social Skills & Autism articles to obtain a better understanding of social skills and overall child development in general! So far we have talked about how social skills provide the foundational building blocks …
Introduction Welcome to the third and last installment of our “Social Skills” series. If you have not already, please check out our Social Skills and Social Skills & Autism articles to obtain a better understanding of social skills and overall child development in general! So far we have talked about how social skills provide the foundational …
Introduction In my previous blog post, “Social Skills,” we discussed the importance of social skills on child development. We also covered how social awkwardness creates significant challenges for everyday interactions. In this article, we will discuss the link between autism and social skills. Autism vs. Social Awkwardness Autism is classically characterized by social skill deficits …
Overview April is Autism Awareness Month! We define autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterized by restricted and repetitive behaviors as well as differences in pragmatic skills (or social skills). Frequently, sensory processing differences are present as well. Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2016 data, about 1 …
The Essential Role of Speech Therapy in Children with Autism Read More »
Introduction Social skills provide the foundational building blocks to acquiring interpersonal and life skills. Whether you identify as an introvert or extrovert, all individuals have an innate desire for human interaction and a sense of belongingness. Upon receiving good news, you want to share and celebrate with those you care about. When tragedy strikes, or …
Introduction to Sensory Processing The study of sensory processing skills and the impact of sensory processing differences on child development was pioneered by A. Jean Ayres. Her research established the framework for sensory integration theory. Most pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) agree that sensory processing differences can have a significant impact on a child’s behavior and …
Introduction Parents searching for information on special education often have a child who’s teacher suggested they may benefit from additional educational supports. Wikipedia defines special education as: “the practice of educating students in a way that addresses their individual differences and special needs“. While you might ask if all children have individual differences that should be considered, …
What is Early Intervention? Early intervention (EI) services provide specific resources and professional help to families with children between 0-3 years of age. Services are provided based on concerns of developmental delay or signs of autism or for children with an identified conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome. EI services are similar to …
My Kids Place in San Diego, CA provides traditional therapy services to the special needs community. We also offer short-term, focused interventions by skilled OTs, PTs, and speech-language pathologists to parents seeking more for their children.
