OT for Kids

03/12/2026

03/12/2026

Activities you can try to help build a weak core and hand strength needed to for handwriting development...https://ilslearningcorner.com/why-handwriting-fails-without-core-strength-hand-strength/

03/12/2026

Sooo many dark circles pop up again this time of year and not just because of the time change.

How many children do you know with & , that have dark circles under their eyes? Do you know why? And its not because they're tired!

It's usually a good indicator the child is suffering from allergies and/or food sensitivities. Often linked to intestinal flora issues, a permeable gut wall, yeast overgrowth, and a leaky gut causing nutritional deficiencies.

Learn more about how you can heal your gut in my book 'Healing Without Hurting' - https://amzn.to/2Lwsu5d

03/11/2026

Helpful resource for your natural health journey

Genetic mutations influence so much, including mood and behavior! I know it’s small so copy it, and blow it up. A great book to read is “Dirty Genes” by Dr. Ben Lynch.

02/20/2026

02/12/2026

A great opportunity!

02/11/2026

I've referenced this pyramid of learning many times! And it's been recently updated to include the interoception system.

You can read more about each sensory system here > https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-sensory-processing.html?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Get your printable copy of the pyramid here > https://play-spark.com/products/pyramid-of-learning-informational-handout?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Reference: Pyramid of Learning (Taylor, Trott) 1991.

02/11/2026

The Best Vestibular-Friendly Brain Breaks for School!

Get a printable handout of these ideas here > https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/the-best-vestibular-brain-breaks-for-school.html?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

02/10/2026

SCREEN TIME vs. MOVEMENT . We pick MOVEMENT! Read and listen below...

02/08/2026

Why Chores Help Build Executive Functioning Skills
1. Planning & Organization
🧺 Figuring out what needs to be done, in what order, and gathering materials builds planning and organization skills.

Example: Cleaning a bathroom requires knowing the steps and having the right supplies.

2. Task Initiation
🛎️ Starting a chore, especially one that isn’t exciting, trains the brain to overcome procrastination and get moving.

Example: Beginning to fold laundry instead of putting it off.

3. Working Memory
🧠 Chores often involve remembering multi-step directions, routines, or sequences of actions.

Example: “Unload the dishwasher, then wipe the counters, then sweep.”

4. Time Management
⏰ Chores help kids estimate how long something will take and manage their time to get it done.

Example: Learning that folding clothes takes 15 minutes and needs to be fit into the day.

5. Attention & Focus
🎯 Staying with a task until it’s finished, especially when it’s boring, trains sustained attention.

Example: Dusting an entire room without getting distracted by every object.

6. Impulse Control
🚫 Chores teach kids to pause the urge to quit or rush through, and instead complete tasks properly.

7. Self-Monitoring & Responsibility
📋 Did I do it well? Did I miss a spot? Chores help kids check their work, take pride, and build independence.

Here is a printable chore list to help with keeping on task, planning, prioritization, working memory, and attention: https://www.theottoolbox.com/free-chores-checklist-for-kids/

02/08/2026

💩 Constipation and diarrhea are NOT just potty issues—they’re GI red flags.

GI issues are up to 4x more common in individuals with autism and can show up as constipation, diarrhea, belly pain, sleep disruption, or sudden behavior changes 😣➡️🧠

🚨 Many children are constipated even with daily bowel movements—and may not be able to tell you they’re in pain. Instead, it can look like:
✔️ Aggression or self-injury
✔️ Poor sleep
✔️ Bloating
✔️ P**p accidents or streaking
✔️ Difficulty toilet training

📘 TACA’s Constipation and Diarrhea in Autism (The P**p Page) helps families understand:
🧻 What “normal” bowel movements actually look like
🧠 How GI pain can drive behavior
🦠 Common causes like gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, meds, and supplements
⚠️ Important warnings families should know

💡 If your individual with autism struggles with chronic constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained behaviors, this resource is a MUST-READ during our February focus on GI health.

👉 Click here for TACA’s Constipation and Diarrhea in Autism (The P**p Page)
https://tacanow.org/family-resources/the-poop-page/