Evidence Based Resources for Pediatric Therapists

01/31/2026

01/31/2026

Fires in the home are dangerous and can cause severe injuries, such as burns and breathing difficulties.

This JAMA Pediatrics Patient Page describes steps to promote fire safety, including fire prevention, the use of smoke alarms, and how to prepare a fire escape plan.

https://ja.ma/4qKSaua

01/31/2026

From our article on Preschool activities that support development: https://www.theottoolbox.com/preschool-activities/

01/31/2026

I still use The Sensory Profile by Winnie Dunn! When she taught this to professionals, she used to emphasize probing into the results with the caregiver/parent to foster further understanding.
As a PT, the greatest yield from The Sensory Profile is “Modulation”. That is, the right amount of force/pressure by the person for the task in a specific environment.
I like the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) as it too helps identify sensory system challenges. Again as a PT, I find the SPM most useful for social Participation in home and school.

Winnie Dunn’s sensory profile framework looks at the interplay between the neurological threshold and the self-regulation continuum to bring you four profiles. These profiles can be further divided into “under responsive” and “over responsive” but that information is for another day.

When a child responds much more than others in these profiles we see the following:
🫤The “bystander” may miss sensory cues, has a high threshold (takes a lot for them to notice) and passive response (may need help to interact with stimuli).
🫣The “sensor” reacts more quickly and more intensely to sensory cues, has a low threshold (high level of awareness of their environment (may need help to cope with stimuli).
🤗The “seeker” is busier and more engaged in sensory experiences, has a high threshold (manages more input than others but is difficult to satisfy) and actively pursues these experiences.
😳The “avoider” is more likely to retreat from unfamilar situations, has a low threshold (prefers activities or environments with limited sensory experiences) and may actively withdraw, be disruptive or try to control their environment.

We may also see a combination of these responses.

If you want a re-cap of the “sensory profile language” (thresholds and continuum), you can find this on my website - https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog/sensory-profile-language-thresholds-and-continuum and … would you love to have these graphics and summaries for yourself? The Sensory Profiling Guidebook is coming!

01/31/2026

I earned an Engaging Comment Award!
🎉
Occasionally I chime into Therapy (PT & OT) discussions on certain pages.

01/30/2026

Get ready for World Physiotherapy Congress 2027 in Guadalajara, Mexico! The congress website is now live - take a look and start planning! https://wp2027.world.physio

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

New From APTA
ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

01/27/2026

Children with Down syndrome often face challenges maintaining adequate levels of physical activity, which might be associated with their mobility performance. This study investigates the relationship between parent-reported physical activity levels and mobility performance in children with Down syndrome. Using the IPAQ-short version and the PEDI-CAT Mobility domain, data was analyzed from 48 children aged 6-17 years. Results showed a positive association: children who were more physically active also demonstrated better mobility in daily activities. These findings highlight the importance of promoting opportunities for physical activity and mobility to support functioning and participation in this population.

🌟 CanChild Co-Authors: Beatriz Helena Brugnaro Marques, Olaf Kraus de Camargo, Robert Palisano

🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/jvMp50XWntM

01/27/2026

Progressive decreases in joint range of motion (ROM) is a well-recognized complication in the natural history of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). How joint ROM evolves in children with SMA receiving disease-modifying treatment (DMT) needs to be documented. This study examines the longitudinal course of joint range of motion in young children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) receiving disease-modifying treatment. Findings showed an average yearly decline in knee extension mobility, while the range of motion for elbow and wrist joints remains stable, highlighting the need for regular monitoring of knee extension to maintain optimal mobility.

🌟 CanChild Co-Authors: Jan Willem Gorter

🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/biwm50XWp5t

01/23/2026

Join us on Monday, Jan. 26, at 1pm EST for a FREE parent support and discussion group led by Dr. Dan Shapiro, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician.

Our topic this week is “Disclosure of a Developmental Diagnosis: When, How, and Why.”

👉🏽 Register for this free discussion at http://shorturl.at/bemHZ .

💙 Deciding whether, when, and how to disclose a developmental diagnosis—to a child, extended family, schools, or the broader community—is a deeply personal and context-dependent decision, with no universal best practice.

Evidence suggests that thoughtful, developmentally appropriate disclosure can support identity formation, self-advocacy, and emotional understanding over time, particularly when framed through a strengths-based lens.

At the same time, parents rightly worry about labeling, stigma, lowered expectations, or a child defining themselves too narrowly by a diagnosis.

🥰 Some families prioritize openness as a form of empowerment; others value privacy as protection.

Both approaches can be grounded in love and intention.

What matters most, from a developmental perspective, is not rigid timing or wording, but ongoing dialogue that evolves as the child’s cognitive and emotional capacities grow—allowing space for questions, ambivalence, pride, and complexity.

Join other parents and Dr. Dan by Zoom for a participant-led discussion.

Different themes are selected by the group each week.

Share experiences and ideas. Support each other. Brainstorm solutions.

You are not alone.

01/19/2026