If you’ve heard of DIR/Floortime, you may be wondering what it actually looks like once you’re home with your child—no therapy room, no special toys, no therapist sitting next to you. Here’s the good news: DIR/Floortime isn’t something you add to your day. It’s something you layer into what you’re already doing. Let’s break it...
Occupational therapy (OT) is founded on the belief that meaningful engagement in everyday activities, known as “occupations,” supports health, well-being, and participation. Although many modern OT services are provided in clinics or medical settings, the profession began with holistic practices that frequently incorporated the natural environment. The integration of nature-based interventions, often referred to as...
Thanksgiving is supposed to feel warm and joyful, but if you’re parenting a toddler who struggles with new people, loud environments, or routine changes, the day can quickly become a lot. Instead of enjoying the holiday, you may find yourself managing meltdowns, skipping parts of the celebration, or feeling torn between family expectations and your...
Poll-Style Activity Guide Based on Your Toddler’s Preferences Not all toddlers love the same kind of play, and that’s what makes summer so fun! Whether your child is high-energy or prefers calm, cozy play, this blog gives you simple, engaging activities based on what your toddler loves most. Play along! Pick one from each “This...
Summer break is here, and with it comes sunshine, popsicles, and….chaos? If your toddler thrives on routine, the shift into summer can bring more than just pool days. It can also bring meltdowns, skipped naps, and a lot of overwhelm (for both of you). Finding a good summer routine for toddlers doesn’t have to mean...
Toddlers are known for their big emotions, and transitions can sometimes bring out the strongest reactions. Whether it’s leaving the playground, stopping their favorite show, or trying to get them ready for bed, it’s easy to see how quickly things can go south. These moments are tough for both parents and kids, but helping toddlers...
Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the California Floortime Coalition in an effort to collate “Options for Behavioral Health Treatment for Autism.” The effort was in response to the Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration Annual Report. This report is in response to Senate Report 114-49, pages 157-158, accompanying S.1376, the National Defense Authorization Act...
Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship Based (DIR) model DIR is the Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship Based (DIR) model. This evidenced based model is used to help autistic people and others with developmental challenges. Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, DIR considers the critical role of social emotional development starting at birth and continuing through a lifetime. The model...
Fall is here! When providing your child with developmentally appropriate activities, utilizing the natural materials around you is a great way to foster a love of nature and keep costs down. Fall leaves you find in your neighborhood are a great material with a variety of different uses. Here are some fun ideas for using...
What is deep pressure touch (DPT)? Deep pressure is the deep, touch pressure that results from stimulation of our touch receptors deep under our skin. When you touch the skin, the receptors send the information to the brain and or areas of the brain that process touch of a related or given body part. Deep...
