Why Does My Child React So Strongly to Everyday Things?
Does your child melt down over scratchy clothing, cover their ears at everyday sounds, or refuse to eat foods because of texture? These strong reactions to ordinary things can be confusing and stressful for parents. Often, the root of these challenges lies in how a child’s brain processes sensory information. My name is Patti Rutledge. […]
The Role of Sensory Play in Child Development
Your child learns about the world in two main ways: through their senses and through play. So it’s no surprise that sensory play is an important part of their development. From splashing in water to painting with their fingers, your child uses their senses to understand how things work. The direct input they get from […]
The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Children with Sensory Needs
How We Help Kids When Everyday Experiences Feel Overwhelming If your child covers their ears at the sound of a vacuum, cries when clothes feel “scratchy,” or avoids busy places like the grocery store, you may wonder why certain things seem so hard for them. These moments can be confusing, especially when one minute your […]
How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Home Environment
Home is your child’s safe place, and it’s where they spend most of their time. The information your child gathers from their home environment through their senses directly shapes how easily they can thrive in everyday routines. That’s why it’s so important for their environment to align with their sensory needs. Creating a sensory-friendly home […]
Handwriting Struggles? How Pediatric OT Can Help
Handwriting is more than neat letters on a page — it’s one of the first ways children learn to share their ideas with the world. Strong writing skills give kids a tangible way to communicate, show what they learn in school, and take pride in their work. Beyond making assignments easier, good handwriting supports reading […]
How Visual Skills Affect Your Kid’s Handwriting, Reading & More
Does your child struggle with handwriting, reading, or catching a ball? Sometimes these everyday tasks are more about visual skills than you might think. Understanding how children see and process the world can explain why they succeed (or struggle) in school, sports, and play. I am Sara Pereira. I’m an occupational therapist and co-owner of […]
Why Crawling Is More Important Than You Think
https://youtu.be/MWcGy0P8S7ECrawling is something that comes up very often with our early childhood population and our babies. But it also comes up in our older kiddos, too, when we do our intake history. It’s a common conversation, and as a mom of four, I also see it coming up very often amongst my peers and in […]
Core Strength and Coordination: Why It Matters for Child Development
Core strength is the foundation for so many of the skills children use every day. From sitting upright in the classroom to climbing on the playground, kids rely on their core muscles for stability and control. Strong coordination helps them run, jump, balance, and complete self-care tasks with ease. When these skills take extra effort, […]
What Is a “Sensory Diet,” and Does My Child Need One?
If your child struggles with big emotions, frequent meltdowns, or difficulty focusing, you may have heard the term “sensory diet.” Despite the name, it has nothing to do with food.
Can Your Child’s Vision Impact Their Behavior?
Does your child get frustrated with homework, avoid reading, or seem inattentive in class? Sometimes what looks like a focus or behavior problem is actually a vision challenge. Because kids can’t always explain how they see the world, it’s up to parents and teachers to spot the signs. My name is Sara Pereira, I’m an […]