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Showing results for:"occupational therapy for kids"

  • What is occupational therapy?

    - Occupational therapy (OT) is a treatment to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination. - It helps kids and adults who struggle with everyday tasks like writing or getting dressed. - Kids with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) often need OT. Occupational therapy (OT) is a treatm

  • How occupational therapists help kids who struggle with motor skills

    Handwriting, cutting with scissors, and tying shoes are common tasks that occupational therapists (OTs) work on with kids. Learn more about the strategies OTs use to help kids build motor skills.

  • Treatment for kids with developmental coordination disorder

    - There are a number of ways specialists can help kids with DCD. - Occupational therapy and physical therapy are key treatments for kids with DCD. - There are no medications to treat DCD. Whether you suspect that your child has developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or you know for sure, its

  • Video: What happens in an occupational therapy evaluation

    Does your child struggle with motor skills? Are you considering an occupational therapy evaluation? Find out what occupational therapists look at in an OT evaluation, including gross motor skills, fine motor skills and sensory processing issues. Plus, learn what the evaluation results might include

  • What is sensory integration therapy

    Sensory integration therapy is a concept that began in the 1970s. The idea is to expose kids with sensory challenges to the sensations that upset them. Now, it’s part of a bigger approach to treatment.

  • Specialists who work with babies and toddlers

    Several types of early intervention specialists work with babies and toddlers on reaching developmental milestones. Find out what they do and how they can help. Speech-language pathologists Speech-language pathologists help with communication skills. They provide services to help with any delays in

  • Teacher tip: My “go to” calming technique for overstimulated kids

    Body resistance exercise, or “heavy work,” can help kids feel calm. It’s especially helpful for kids with sensory processing challenges.

  • Valentines made easier: Ideas from an occupational therapist

    As a mom, I love celebrating Valentines Day with my son. With a red marker, I can scribble I Love You on a piece of paper, add a few heart-shape stickers, and voil a valentine. The smile on his face is priceless. The enthusiasm isnt quite the same when its his turn to make one. Its common in school

  • In It

    Child psychologist explains how kids’ therapy works — and if your child needs it

    Wondering if therapy is right for your child? Dr. Andy Kahn joins us to bust myths, answer questions, and offer real, stigma-free insights. Theres a lot of talk these days on social media and in parenting circles about kids and therapy. But with all the noise, it can be hard to know whats true a

  • FAQs about tutoring for kids who learn and think differently

    - Tutors provide extra instruction outside of the classroom that can help your child work on different skills. - There are different kinds of tutoring. - Some tutoring centers offer specialized services for kids with dyslexia. If youre thinking about getting a tutor for your child, there are lot

  • I’m concerned about my child’s motor skills. Now what?

    Some kids are naturally coordinated. Some arent. Some kids can tie their shoesat 5. Others are still working on it at 7. And some kids struggle with motor skills and need more time and extra help getting there. Most kids develop certain motor skills at certain ages. But what if your child is lagging

  • Treatment for kids with dyslexia

    - There are lots of professionals who can help kids with dyslexia. - Schools can provide extra support and specialized instruction. - There are many ways you can help your child with dyslexia at home, too. Finding out your child has dyslexia can be difficult to take in. You may worry about what

  • 9 resources to find local specialists for kids who learn and think differently

    Are you looking for an occupational therapist for your child? Or another professional who works with kids who learn and think differently? We asked parents in our community to share where they found help for their child. Here are nine resources to find nearby specialists for your child. 1. Your chi

  • Vocational rehab: What you need to know

    - Every state has a vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency. - VR services can help your child transition from high school to work and independent living. - Qualifying for VR services is different from qualifying for special education. When high school students have an IEP, the Individuals with Di

  • Specialists who work with kids who learn and think differently

    - You may be referred to non-medical specialists to help your child with learning and thinking differences. - It helps to understand which services each type of specialist can provide. - These professionals work in public schools, private practice, and hospitals. Your childs teacher and doctor

  • Related services for kids who learn and think differently

    - Related services help kids meet educational goals, but these services arent necessarily specialized instruction. - Related services are typically part of a childs Individualized Education Program (IEP). - Some kids receive related services through a 504 plan. Does your child participate in a

  • 6 places to look for a therapist for your child

    How can you find a good therapist or counselor for your child with learning and thinking differences? We asked the Understood Community where theyve found help. And our experts added their advice, too. Check out our top tips. 1. Hospital or clinic listings Community tip: We live near a major academi

  • Teacher tip: A simple highlighter trick to help your child with writing

    When kids are struggling writers or have dysgraphia, they may have poor handwriting and trouble with spelling. They may also struggle with getting their thoughts down on paper. It may be hard for them to read back what theyve written. They may fatigue easily or avoid writing altogether. When writing

  • Can fish oil help kids with ADHD?

    Q. Ive heard a lot about fish oil being a treatment for ADHD. Does it really work, and if so, how can I get it for my child? A. I hear this question often from parents of kids with ADHD who are looking at different types of ADHD treatment. But its not really the fish oil that has a potential benefit

  • Heavy work and sensory processing challenges: What you need to know

    Learn how heavy work like carrying groceries and doing push-ups can help kids with sensory processing challenges. Also get tips for adding heavy work into your child’s daily routine.

  • The Opportunity Gap

    ADHD parenting tips from a Black clinical psychologist

    Kristin Carothers, PhD, joins the show to explain what families of color should know about ADHD, and shares her experiences as a Black doctor. What should families of color know about ADHD? The hosts welcome Kristin Carothers, PhD, a Black clinical psychologist who specializes in working with famil

  • 3 questions to ask yourself before your next IEP meeting

    As a longtime parent advocate, I talk to many parents who are worried about being prepared for IEP meetings. One of the most common questions I hear is: How do I make sure the school gives me what my child needs? I tend to answer with a couple questions of my own: What do you think your child needs

  • Take N.O.T.E. of the 1 in 5 children with learning and thinking differences

    Understood is on a mission to shape the world for difference with the goal that everyone especially the 1in5 children in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Today, many of these children are not getting the support they need and face an unfortunate reality. They are: - Thir

  • FAQs about tax deductions and kids with learning disabilities

    Learn ways you may be able to deduct costs related to your child’s learning and thinking differences.

  • ADHD alternative treatment

    Whether or not your child is taking ADHD medication, you may wonder what else might help reduce symptoms. Medication remains the most effective treatment for roughly 80 percent of kids with ADHD (also known as ADD). Behavior therapy can also be helpful. But there are alternative treatments you can t

  • Young child with ADHD? Online parent training classes could help, study shows

    Theres a new study out on behavioral parent training (BPT). This kind of training is for parents who want to learn how to use behavior strategies for young kids with ADHD. BPT is a form of behavioral therapy thats taught by professionals, typically in a group setting or one-on-one. Most experts agre

  • The Opportunity Gap

    Trauma, learning differences, and kids of color

    Learn about trauma and how it impacts kids of color with learning and thinking differences. Get tips on how to help kids after a traumatic event. Societal trauma, like school shootings and racial injustice, have become all too commonplace in our kids lives. Its tough for families to help any child

  • IEP or 504 snapshot for your child

    2018 Understood for All, Inc. Date: Name: My IEP / 504 plan snapshot My schoolwork accommodations My goals Strengths to help me with my goals My test accomm

  • My child was just diagnosed with dyscalculia. Now what?

    Here’s how to help your child with dyscalculia succeed in school and in life.

  • The Opportunity Gap

    Game on! Teaching kids sportsmanship

    What does it mean to be a good sport? Learn about the importance of teaching sportsmanship to kids with learning and thinking differences. Sportsmanship is not just about winning or losing. Its also about character, respect, and treating others well. Its an important skill to develop. But masteri