Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can Home Learning and Sensory Strategies and Occupational Therapy help me and my child?
A: Occupational Therapy (OT) is about function in everyday tasks and the ability to function as independently as possible. If your child struggles, for example, to use scissors, identify or form shapes and letters, sit for age-appropriate tasks, dress themselves, use utensils, or tie shoes, OT can help increase their level of independence. I can provide suggestions to modify your home learning environment or homework space to make school related tasks a calmer experience for everyone.
Q: How do sensory processing issues affect learning and every day activities and what can you do to help?
A: As we process enormous amounts of sensory input every day, some children develop aversions to that input or seek more than typical. Any maladaptive responses can affect daily function. Some examples include difficulty sitting in a chair and transitioning between tasks, holding a pencil and using it with the correct pressure, chewing on pencils or clothing, crying and throwing pencils during homework time, throwing socks while dressing, avoiding teeth brushing, refusal to wear various clothing textures….the list goes on! As an experienced pediatric occupational therapist, I evaluate your child with the use of a standardized questionnaire, interpret those results, and work closely with you to create a sensory treatment plan (sensory diet) to build up your sensory toolbox so that your child experiences more moments of regulation throughout the day to complete those necessary tasks.
Q: I’ve tried different sensory ideas in the past, but they don’t work long term and then I give up! How is this different?
A: The materials, education and support I provide are extremely detailed with an organized recording system to keep track of strategies utilized and their result. This is likely much more comprehensive than you’ve experienced prior. You will create a “sensory toolbox” which you can draw from under any circumstance and learn to implement sensory strategies before a problem occurs! Most importantly, you will learn to feel confident in doing so!
Q: I work all day; can you see my child at their daycare for OT? How will I know what you worked on?
A: I can work with your daycare facility to complete therapy there. I always provide a homework sheet reflecting what we did during the session so you can follow up with the same activities at home during the week. That’s how OT is the most successful! I will also call you within 24 hours with feedback about the session.
Q: My child is homeschooled and I need more support. Can you do OT with my child during the school day?
A: Absolutely! We have appointment slots to accommodate a variety of schedules. I encourage parents to observe when possible!
Q: I am a preschool director and I frequently have children in my program who have a hard time doing crafts or need much more help than others at snack time. Is OT a good referral?
A: OT is the perfect referral for these children! OT evaluates and treats the fine motor and visual motor skills required to complete craft projects and open snack containers. We also consider the strength and posture of the child as well as visual or visual processing components impacting tasks like these. I can come to your facility, complete an OT screening, and identify issues early. After screening, a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment (if needed) is offered.
Q: I see you don’t take insurance; why should I hire you?
A: I have 20+ years of experience in pediatric OT, and have seen hundreds of children in my career. HSA payments are accepted. No referral or Dr. script is required. I come to you or your child’s school, making this a very convenient situation. No crowded waiting rooms to sit in with siblings in tow and you bypass busy clinic waiting lists.