Occupational Therapy

Executive Function for Early Elementary 5–7 Games That Teach Brains to Plan What’s growing now Kids this age are ready for rules with real strategy. The sweet spot is games that are challenging but not overwhelming — and kids learn even more when they help remember and enforce rules themselves. Play ideas that work Remember-and-match […]

Executive Function for Preschoolers 3–5 Imagination, Movement, and Little Plans What’s growing now Preschoolers rapidly expand self-regulation. They can plan short play scenes, follow simple rules with fewer reminders, and switch between ideas with support. Your goal is to give structure, then step back as they’re ready. Play ideas that work High-level pretend playSet up

Why Integrating Reflexes Matters for Your Child’s Growth When children are little, their bodies rely on reflexes to survive and grow. Think of reflexes as automatic movements that babies are born with, like sucking or grasping. These movements are important in the early months of life, but as children develop, those reflexes are meant to

Executive Function for Toddlers 18–36 Months Play That Builds Focus and Flexibility What’s growing now Toddlers are exploding with language, which fuels planning, following rules, and talking about feelings. Using both home languages supports these skills. Play ideas that work Active start-and-stop gamesFreeze Dance, Ring Around the Rosie, and “Motorboat” invite movement, pausing, and starting

Understanding Sensory Processing: The Cup Analogy for Parents What Is Sensory Processing? Sensory processing is the way our brains receive, interpret, and respond to information from the world around us. Most people are familiar with the five basic senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, but we actually have eight sensory systems. The additional three

Executive Function for Babies 6–18 Months Simple Games That Build Big Skills What “executive function” means at this age Think of executive function as your baby’s early “brain manager.” It helps them notice what matters, remember simple patterns, and begin to pause before reacting. In the first year and a half, these skills grow through

A Parent’s Guide to the Self-Determination Program (SDP) The Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives families the freedom to design a plan that truly supports their child’s growth and goals. Here’s what you need to know to get started. What is the Self-Determination Program? The Self‑Determination Program is a California initiative launched in 2013. Since July 1,

When the World Feels Too Loud: Understanding Sensory Overload in Kids with ADHD Home / If your child has ADHD and seems to melt down in crowded places, gets upset at certain sounds, or refuses to wear certain clothes, you’re not alone. Many parents notice these patterns and wonder if something more is going on.