
Are You Worried About Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a neurological condition that affects a child’s ability to write legibly and make it readable. It basically impacts handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper, often making writing tasks more challenging than their peers, despite normal intelligence and adequate instruction. Common signs include illegible handwriting, inconsistent letter formation, floating letters, spacing issues, difficulty with grammar and punctuation, and/or slow writing speed. It may also involve trouble with fine motor skills needed for writing, like the grasp on a pencil, small movements of the hand while writing, and eye-hand coordination.

Is Picky Eating A Problem?
Picky eating can be a normal part of childhood, but it becomes a problem when it leads to nutritional deficiencies, developmental delays, or emotional distress. If a child consistently avoids essential food groups, there is a risk of not receiving adequate vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for growth and overall well-being. In more severe cases, picky eating can lead to conditions like malnutrition or failure to thrive. Long-term avoidance of certain foods can result in gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and weakened immunity. Picky eating can also be linked to psychological conditions such as anxiety, OCD, or eating disorders like ARFID. If picky eating is causing significant distress or impacting overall health, it's essential to seek professional help. Signs that it might be time to seek help include noticeable weight loss, chronic fatigue, growth delays, or frequent gastrointestinal problems. Emotional signs such as anxiety around meals, extreme fussiness, or feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of trying new foods are also important to note.

The Power of Two: How Co-Treatments Can Transform Your Child's Therapy
At Ability Innovations, our goal is to be interdisciplinary. We believe that by working together, we can provide better care and achieve greater success for the children we work with. According to Nick and Megan, co-treating offers several key benefits:
Better Outcomes: When two therapists from different specialties work together, a child often makes greater progress in both areas. The therapists can build on each other's work and augment the benefits of each session. For example, an OT might work on a child's core strength on a swing, while the SLP uses that regulated state to encourage communication and language skills.
Efficiency for Parents: Co-treating can significantly shorten the time a family has to spend at the clinic. Instead of attending two separate appointments, you can get two therapies in one session. This is a huge time-saver for busy families.
Holistic Care: Therapy isn't just about one specific skill; it's about helping a child function better in the world. By combining two disciplines, therapists can address multiple goals at once. Megan shared a great example of a scavenger hunt she did with an OT. While the child was working on fine motor skills and handwriting with the OT, Megan had them practice and write words that targeted their speech sounds.

Sensory Avoidance Vs. Sensory Seeking
In the world of occupational therapy, sensory processing plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate their daily lives. Two common sensory patterns—sensory avoidance and sensory seeking—represent opposite ends of the sensory spectrum. Sensory avoidance refers to individuals who are overwhelmed or distressed by certain sensory input, such as bright lights, loud noises, or specific textures. These individuals often withdraw from stimuli, preferring quiet, calm environments. In contrast, sensory seekers actively crave sensory input and may engage in behaviors like touching everything around them, making loud noises, or constantly moving.

Bedtime Strategies To Help My Child Wind Down
If you're a parent of a child who receives pediatric occupational therapy, chances are you've seen how sensory needs, emotional regulation challenges, or developmental differences can affect your child’s sleep. Bedtime can become a battleground—or a never-ending routine of delays, restlessness, and midnight wake-ups. The good news? There are strategies that can help. Occupational therapy often addresses not only daytime functioning but also nighttime routines, because sleep is foundational to your child's development, behavior, and overall well-being.
Here are some OT strategies you can try to help your child wind down and stay asleep:

Empowering Self-Care: Occupational Therapy Tips for Neurodivergent Kids

Picky Eating, Sensory Aversion, or Something More? Understanding ARFID

How to Help Kids Handle Frustration in the Moment: Using Coping Strategies When They Matter Most

The Power of Presence: Understanding the Therapeutic Use of Self in Therapy

Climbing Rocks And Beyond

Cooking with a Purpose: How to Include Kids in Meal Prep to Support Feeding Therapy

🌟 From Engineer to Empoweree: Angela’s Journey in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Parenting Styles In Feeding

Toilet training Children with Special needs

Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach: What is it and How Can it Support Your Child(ren)?

Helping Your Child Understand Their Emotions: A Guide for Parents

The Unique Role of Child-Led Occupational Therapy in Emotional Regulation

Fun Fall Gross Motor Activities For Kids With Sensory-Seeking Needs
Fall is here! That means crisp air, crunchy leaves, and the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy some fun, sensory-packed activities with your kiddos. If you have a child who loves to move and is constantly seeking sensory input, gross motor activities are an amazing way to help them release energy, develop coordination, and have a blast!

Toilet Training Tips for Children with ASD, ADHD, and Neurodivergent Needs
