Occupational Therapist Archives - The Ed Psych Practice Blog

What Is Life Like For Children With Sensory Processing Disorder

January 7, 2023 The Ed Psych Practice No Comments Referrals ASD, Developmental Delays, Motor Skills, Occupational Therapist, Over-Responsive System, Self Regulation, Sensory Diet, Sensory Integration Therapy, Sensory Processing Difficulties

Takeaway: We make sense of the world around us because our brains process a constant stream of sensory signals. But for some people, these signals get crossed and become like a traffic jam in their heads – an unsettling experience, especially for young children who can’t explain what they’re going through. Thankfully, we can tackle these difficulties using tools like sensory integration therapy, occupational therapy, and a sensory diet. Read More

Why Is Dyspraxia So Emotionally Draining For Your Child?

February 25, 2022 The Ed Psych Practice No Comments Referrals ADHD, DCD, Dyspraxia, Motor Skills Emotional Regulation, Occupational Therapist, Organisational Difficulties, Speech and Language Therapy, Working Memory

Takeaway: Dyspraxia makes every little task much harder. And this can leave your child feeling upset, frustrated, and demoralised about seeming so ‘limited.’ But you can help by showing her how to work around her difficulties and develop a growth mindset. Read More

What Are the Signs of ADHD? And What Can You Do About Them?

December 17, 2020 The Ed Psych Practice 1 Comment Referrals ADHD, Attention Span, Behavioural Issues, CBT, Cognitive Skills, Hyperactive, Impulsive, Learning Difficulties, Occupational Therapist, Paediatrician

Takeaway: With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), children are easily distracted, hyperactive, and impulsive. And this can make it harder for them to get things done, listen to the adults in their lives, make and keep friends, and generally ‘fit in.’ But if their ADHD is spotted early, there’s a lot we can do to help them live happier lives.
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Why Dysgraphia Is About More than Just Messy Handwriting

October 1, 2020 The Ed Psych Practice No Comments Referrals ADHD, ASD, Assistive Technology, Dysgraphia, Fine Motor Skills, Learning Difficulties, Occupational Therapist, Writing Abilities, Writing Accommodations

Takeaway: Dysgraphia is a learning difference that affects how a child writes. But it’s more than just that. It affects the way she processes information, thinks, and remembers, too. And these all subtly affect the way her classmates and teachers think of her. Luckily, educational psychologists and occupational therapists can help children work through these differences. Which is why making an early dysgraphia diagnosis is so important. Read More

How LEGO Therapy Uses ‘Play Time’ to Develop Your Child’s Social Skills

September 8, 2020 The Ed Psych Practice No Comments Speech Therapy Anxiety, ASD, Lego Therapy, Listening Skills, Occupational Therapist, Play Therapy, Problem Solving, Sharing and Collaboration, Social Communication Difficulties, Speech Therapist

Takeaway: LEGO therapy is a fun, multisensory type of group play therapy that can help your child develop her social (and other) skills. Sessions happen at regular intervals (ideally every week), a facilitator guides the group through a semi-structured LEGO play session, and the children take turns trying out different roles. These roles and the club rules help your child expand her type of play and teaches her important skills that carry over into her everyday life. Read More

Autism Evaluation – Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised

August 13, 2020 The Ed Psych Practice No Comments Referrals ADI-R, Autism, Communication & Language, Developmental Difference, Evaluation, Occupational Therapist, Paediatricians, Repetitive Behaviour, Social Interactions, Speech Therapist

Takeaway: Parents can spot the signs of autism long before anyone else. You just need an expert to help make sense of what you see. That’s what the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is all about. It’s a semi-structured interview where a specialist uses your observations to assess whether or not your child is in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It provides an opportunity to give your child the kind of care and support she needs.
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What You Need to Know About Dyspraxia (Or, Developmental Coordination Disorder)

June 27, 2020 The Ed Psych Practice No Comments Referrals Clumsy, Coordinating Physical Movements, DCD, Delayed Developmental Milestones, Dyspraxia, Occupational Therapist, Poor Coordination

Takeaway: Dyspraxia is a developmental difference where the brain has trouble coordinating physical movements. Children with dyspraxia appear ‘clumsy’ and have problems with everyday activities like self-care, writing, and playing sports. But with the right kind of help, they can learn to adapt and live fulfilling lives. Read More

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? And why is it often overlooked?

May 18, 2020 The Ed Psych Practice No Comments Referrals ADOS, ASD, Autism, Behaviour, Child With Autism, Development, Development Difference, Occupational Therapist, Paediatricians, Sensory Inputs, Sensory Processing, Social Communication Difficulties, Speech Therapist

Takeaway: Children with autism have problems with social interaction, get stuck with repetitive behaviour, and are overloaded by sensory stimuli. But there’s such a variation in autistic behaviour that even doctors misdiagnose it. For example, they might notice your child’s short attention span and assume that her challenge is ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). And once they’ve assumed this, they’ll likely ignore the underlying autism spectrum diagnosis. That’s why it’s important to take your child to an experienced multi-disciplinary team of specialists. Read More

Tag: Occupational Therapist