Recently, I came across a compelling clip of Temple Grandin, a well-known author, scientist, and autism advocate, discussing her sensory experiences growing up. She described how, as a child, she would rock and let sand run through her hands to help block overwhelming sounds and sensations. She explained that she did this “to shut out [...]
As a pediatric occupational therapist, one of the most common problems I hear from parents is that their young child refuses to wear shoes. Getting out the door can turn into a daily battle. Some children pull their shoes off the minute they’re strapped into the car seat—finally out of their parents’ reach! For some [...]
In today’s world, screens are everywhere—from TVs to tablets to phones—and it can feel almost impossible to keep them away from young children. Yet, for infants and toddlers, limited screen exposure is one of the best ways to support healthy brain development. During the first few years of life, children’s brains grow rapidly, forming millions [...]
It’s child’s play! These words imply that something is fun, easy, creative, and motivating. As an occupational therapist these words have a different meaning. A child’s play is opportunity. It’s opportunity for growth in fine motor skills, gross motor skills, problem solving skills, attention, social, and emotional skills. Take this simple toy that this [...]
Transfer with stabilization After babies have become more skilled with reaching and grasping, they will start to explore the objects in their hands. You can see in this video how this sweet baby looks at the object, using her sense of sight to help her move the spoon in her hands. Using the developing fine [...]
In one of the previous posts the link was made between tummy time and the development of a strong connection between the eyes and the vestibular system. The eyes and vestibular system have a connection that allows our eyes to automatically adjust to movement. This process takes time and grows throughout the development years. Tummy [...]
Can a pencil grip improve handwriting? Improving handwriting is the reason to use a pencil grip in the first place right? Or is the reason because a grasp-pattern “looks non-typical” or maybe children were taught skills too early? Why is it that there are now so many different types of pencil grips available? One of [...]
“My daughter hates tummy time!” “Every time I put him on his stomach he cries within one minute.” “Oh, he does NOT like to be on his stomach.” Tummy time! Most parents have heard of it and pediatricians talk about it. What is it and why is it so important? As a pediatric occupational therapist [...]
Is child development evolving because of technology? One of the reasons for making a third edition of the DMG was to add an updated technology section. In 2006 when the first edition was started and in 2007 for the second edition, keyboarding was really the only skill a child was using in the area [...]
Children are expected to engage in academic performance at younger ages now than in the past 10 years. Attending preschool (ages 3 to 5 years) is now much more the norm. Preschool services in the public schools began with serving children with identified special learning needs that might make their entrance into kindergarten delayed or [...]
