Assessment, Treatment, Consultation and Coaching for Children, Teens and Families
About - What We Treat
Picky Eaters and Problem Feeders
The complexity of what happens when a child sits down (hopefully) to eat cannot be overstated. I use my knowledge of sensory integration to explore oral and whole-body sensory issues impacting feeding, and a family systems approach to work towards mealtimes that are enjoyable for all. I consult with and refer to other professionals when needed - orofacial myofunctional therapists, nutritionists, mental health therapists, dentists, ENTs and other specialists.
Sensory Processing Disorders
Sensory integration underlies our most basic and most complicated functions as humans. A key to my approach to improving a child’s sensory processing is that the child must be internally motivated and the treatment area must offer the opportunity for the child to engage in a challenge that is “just-right” - not too easy, not too hard - to internalize success. My job as therapist is to engineer that environment, and interact with the child in the way that his sensory system needs.
Autism Spectrum
Sensory issues are a hallmark of the ASD . I promote neuro-affirming intervention with the goal of improving a child’s connection with the world. This involves meeting the sensory needs of clients, helping them improve their tolerance of sensory experiences, helping them identify their triggers and goals, and developing accommodations and strategies. I help parents understand and shape their child’s world in a way that is affirming and respectful of the needs of all family members.
ADHD
From developing sensory diets to identifying neuro-affirming ways to shape behavior, I can help you get through those childhood years without your child (or you!) wanting to run away and join the circus. I offer a vocabulary to identify levels of arousal and calming strategies, and help you organize space and time for your child’s benefit, and for yours.
Anxiety
Anxiety in all forms manifests itself in the body. I can help anxious kids and teens get to know their body signals of anxiety and work through their own unique sensory systems to calm and eventually change their response to triggers, and develop habits and routines that support their neuro diverse sensory needs.
Developmental Disorders
I take my deep experience as a pediatric OT and my sensory play approach and use it to meet your child where they are. In the context of a trusting relationship I help them develop the practical skills they need to grow in independence and to realize their full potential. My aim is to surprise parents with what their child can do and become!
Sensory-Based Self Care
I help teens with sensory processing issues realize their own unique sensory temperament and incorporate that into a more accurate and loving sense of self. They are empowered to create space and habits that are calming and nurturing. They learn strategies to manage the sensory challenges in their environments and their relationships. They learn to self-advocate for validation of their experience of dysregulation, sensory defensiveness, oversensitivity or craving for sensory input. With an understanding of their teen’s sensory profile as well as their own, families can explore, reframe and improve family dynamics driven by sensory needs.
Behavioral Issues
All behavior is communication. But what if your child is communicating ”I am not in control of myself right now!”? I explore with the child sensory causes that may contribute to out-of-control behavior, and develop both sensory self-regulation and cognitive strategies. I help parents identify sensory triggers and problem-solve practical approaches to touchpoints such as transitions, the morning routine, family mealtimes, and sleep issues. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your child’s behaviorist and/or mental health therapist.
Handwriting
Producing written communication by hand is becoming a lost art, but there is much more at stake than not being able to read grandma’s note on a graduation card. Handwriting stimulates the brain in ways that keyboarding doesn’t, allowing for thought development and self-correction not available when typing. Through the use of various protocols including Handwriting Without Tears and Mary Benbow’s Loops and Other Groups, I help your child develop writing that is legible, efficient and not tiring.
About — How We Treat
Strengths-Based
Providing neurodiverse-affirming intervention, I help each person discover and celebrate their unique gifts while addressing the challenges they face in roles, routines and settings that are important to them.
Culturally Sensitive
I am not just entering a child’s world, but their family’s culture and I must respect that as the bedrock of the child’s growth and development. Respecting the importance of family beliefs, roles and rituals are necessary in working with families to establish goals for treatment that are functional and meaningful.
Sensory Aware
With deep commitment to sensory integration treatment as developed by A. Jean Ayres, I let the child’s nervous system be the guide as I engineer an environment where the child and I become co-creators of a sensorimotor adventure that is fun and provides the just-right challenge. I also utilize sensory regulation curriculums such as The Alert Program and the Zones of Regulation.
Evidence-based
References for any treatment approach I use are available upon request and in the future will be listed under the Resources tab.
Common Senses Ambassador
Houdini is available upon request to greet and accept accolades from visitors. He is not allowed in the clinic space , though has been known to photo bomb Zoom meetings in my office. (Air purifier in use in clinic area.)
Eat, Drink and Be Family!
Through decades of learning from multidisciplinary feeding experts and experiences within my own family, I have come to appreciate and facilitate the gift of enjoying family meals together that nurture each person’s body and spirit.
Learning Without Tears
Handwriting Without Tears and other multisensory methods such as Mary Benbow’s Loops and Other Groups, help children learn the kinesthetic and spatial relationships to produce writing that is legible, efficient and sustainable. In all skill training I do there is a healthy dose of fun!
Play is the Way
All of my therapy is rooted in relational play and meeting the child on their level, entering their world and gently, persistently, inviting them into larger, more complex experiences. I particularly love using nature’s rich sensory opportunities to stimulate a child’s imagination and curiosity.
About - Speaking and Presentations
Speaking in Person
I am available to speak and/or conduct workshops with your parent group, staff or other gathering of any size. I enjoy sharing and facilitating discussion on a variety of topics related to child development, sensory integration, pediatric feeding, and family cohesion and resilience.
Speaking via Telehealth
I am happy to present to a remote audience on topics related to parenting a child with sensory issues. Simply call to discuss your needs!
Online Book Club
Join other caregivers as we read and reflect together on what leaders in their field say about topics that interest you. Coming up, help for picky eaters, and all of the reasons why outdoor play is the perfect sensory experience! See more on my Common Senses Facebook page.
Common Senses Parenting
6 weekly live online sessions to help you deeply understand your child’s sensory profile (and your own), identify the full impact that sensory differences have on the family, create a plan for changing behavior and getting feedback and support from other parents (and me!). Find out more on my Common Senses Facebook page
