Playdates are an important way for children to build connections, communication, and shared experiences. For children on the spectrum, initial playdates may look a little different, and that’s okay. Every child approaches social interaction in their own way. Some children may take time to warm up, prefer predictable routines, or feel more comfortable in familiar, smaller, and/or structured settings. With the right support, first playdates can become positive experiences that

Messy play is an essential part of early childhood development. Activities like finger painting, sand play, mud, shaving cream, and slime help children build the skills they need for feeding, dressing, fine motor development, and play. They are some of the most important ways young children learn to tolerate sensory input and use their hands skillfully to engage with the world around them. For many children with autism, messy play is also one of the clearest windows into how

When a child is diagnosed with autism, families are often introduced to multiple therapy recommendations at once. They invariably need to wrestle with how to balance ABA , occupational therapy, and speech therapy . That is an important question, because many parents are told to prioritize ABA and fit everything else around it, or at a later date. In practice, that often leads families to view occupational therapy as something optional or secondary. It is not secondary. Pediat

Schools are beginning the process of student placement for next fall. If your child's teacher has recommended grade retention, you're likely feeling overwhelmed, confused, and worried about making the right decision. As a pediatric occupational therapist with 50 years of experience working with children across various educational settings, and a parent and grandparent, I've walked alongside countless families as they navigate this difficult choice. Let me be clear from the st

A family gathering is about to start. Your well-meaning aunt reaches in for a big hug, and your child's body goes rigid. They pull away, maybe even push her hand off. The aunt looks hurt. Other relatives exchange glances. You feel the familiar tension rising as you try to explain - again - that your child isn't being rude. If your child stiffens during hugs, avoids kisses, shies away, or protests when relatives get close, you're dealing with something real and physiological.

Understanding emotions and developing emotional intelligence are vital skills for children's growth and development. Movies can be a powerful tool to spark discussions between parents and children, teach valuable lessons about emotions, and how to cope with them. Age recommendations by raisingchildren.net.au. Here are 4 OT-approved must-watch movies for kids: "Inside Out" (2015) Rated PG Set in the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, this Pixar gem personifies her emoti