Alternatives to Withholding Toys in Therapy
It’s important to remember that a child’s attachment to a toy is not a sign of stubbornness, but often a reflection of their sensory and emotional needs.
Category: Autism
Learn more about autism, regulation & sensory processing, autistic learning styles, equity in pediatric therapy, and more!
Addressing Challenges in Play
Play is a critical part of childhood development, providing opportunities for social interaction, motor skill development, and emotional growth. However, for some children, certain sensory and motor challenges can make play more difficult.
Featured Podcasts: Want to Learn More?
These podcasts with Dr. Rashad all share a common theme of improving therapy practices, making them more inclusive, effective, and sensitive to cultural and individual needs. They focus on enhancing support for neurodivergent children and advocating for underrepresented groups.
Autism Acceptance Month
Resources during Autism Acceptance Month & understanding neurodiversity all year long! What is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity recognizes and accepts the value of brain diversity. This includes Autism too! Honoring and recognizing strengths, differences, and barriers. Why Autism Acceptance Month? It’s important to not just stop at awareness, but also continue to support acceptance and inclusion.Listening to…
Autism & Sensory Processing
Autism and sensory processing difficulties overlap but are not the same. Did you know this? It is common for Autistic individuals to have sensory processing differences that impact daily tasks and activities. However, not all children (and adults) with SPD (sensory processing disorder) are autistic. So there is some overlap, but it’s not the same!…
Evaluation Strategies for Neurodivergent Families
I don’t know about you, but many times I have to write down my concerns so I don’t forget when I see the doctor. Or I’m so grumpy from the waiting room I really just want to get the appointment over as soon as possible. It’s pretty similar for families, especially those with neurodivergent kids, and parents who are neurodivergent themselves.
Honoring All Play
Here’s the thing when it comes to honoring all play. Toys are designed for fun and development! And fun is subjective. Toys are meant for: LaughterJoyCreativityConnectionExploration There’s not just one way to honor play! If you’re ever stuck on where you fit into honoring all play, especially for neurodivergent children, look at these areas below….
When Children Are Not Engaged
Wait! Before we move into immediate action, or assume that it is behavior-based, can we figure the underlying reason why a kid is not engaged? Something to remember is that having a reason does not mean that it’s being used as an excuse. For example, if I don’t have my glasses on, I’m not going…
Special Interests Map
Interested in connecting more with clients through special interests? Looking for ideas to include strengths of your neurodivergent client into treatment sessions? Check this out!
Support During Meltdowns
This doesn’t mean that we never provide demands or requests. It just means that we may approach sensory overwhelm differently, with different strategies in mind.