Supporting Play, Parenthood & Neurodiversity
Learn more about autism, regulation & sensory processing, autistic learning styles, equity in pediatric therapy, and more!
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 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!…
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.
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….
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…
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!
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.
You go to the pediatrician check-up. They ask if your child is scribbling, or perhaps drawing basic shapes. “Yes”, may be the response for some families. Or perhaps you recall your child breaking or trying to eat the crayons. Or showing no interest in what you scribble on the paper. Maybe it seems like your…
Barriers for Black & Autistic children and families is a topic that should be discussed more often in pediatric therapies, with background and potential strategies. This is part 1/2.
Guess what? Yes, these pediatric OT goals are actually for us. Yes, I’m serious! This goes especially for autistic and neurodivergent populations, but honestly respect and advocating for autonomy applies for everyone. It’s important to remember that achieving goals takes time, and extend grace to ourselves, just like we do for our clients and families….
