https://functionalfriendstherapy.com/

Functional Friends, 9095 Washington Church Road, Miamisburg, OH (2025)

12/25/2025

As we celebrate Christmas today, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful families; working with your children is the highlight of our year, and we’re deeply grateful for your trust.

We know the holidays can bring a mix of joy and unique challenges for many of our families. Routines shift, environments get louder, and expectations change, but we hope you still find moments of peace, connection, and genuine joy in whatever way feels right for your family.

Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. We cherish your children, we support you, and we’re cheering you on during the holidays and always.

12/19/2025

As pediatric therapists, one of the most valuable skills we teach families is co-regulation: the process of using your calm, steady presence to help your child manage big emotions. When a child is in meltdown mode, their nervous system is overwhelmed, and they cannot access reasoning or coping strategies. In these moments, they rely on the adult nearby to “lend” them calm until their brain and body can settle. Co-regulation is supporting your child’s nervous system so they can return to a sense of safety.

Co-regulation works because your tone of voice, body language, and breathing patterns actually influence your child’s physiological state. When you stay regulated, you send the message: “You’re safe. I’m here.” This helps reduce stress hormones, supports emotional development, and builds strong brain pathways for long-term self-regulation. Over time, children who consistently experience co-regulation tend to recover from meltdowns more quickly and develop better emotional control.

During a meltdown, start by regulating yourself. Slow your breathing, soften your shoulders, and use a calm, steady voice. Sit or kneel nearby so you’re at their level, and offer simple, supportive language like, “I’m right here,” or “You’re safe.” Your child may want deep pressure, a hug, or simply your quiet presence, but follow their cues. Gradually lead them toward calm by softening your voice and slowing your movements.

Once your child is fully calm, take a moment to reconnect. You might say, “That was really overwhelming, but you did a great job calming your body,” or “Breathing together really helped your body settle.” Moments like these strengthen trust, teach emotional awareness, and prepare your child for future challenges. Co-regulation isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways you can support your child’s development. Your calm truly helps shape theirs.

12/19/2025

▫️Sensory meltdowns are an inability to cope.

Meltdowns occur when the nervous system becomes overloaded by things like too much noise, bright or flashing lights, crowds, unpredictability, transitions that feel too fast or too big, and certain smells, textures or clothing.

During a meltdown, your child’s brain is in a stress response. They are trying to survive an experience that feels too overwhelming for them. You may see crying/screaming, eloping or hiding, covering ears/eyes, aggression toward themselves or others, dropping to the floor, shutting down or going quiet.

Meltdowns need support, safety, and compassion, not consequences.

You can support your child during a meltdown by moving them to a quiet space,
reducing their overall sensory input, having a calm presence, providing comfort items, deep pressure, and patience.

▫️Tantrums are goal driven.

A tantrum usually has a desired outcome like wanting a toy, a piece of candy, or getting upset after being told “no.” Your child is frustrated, and tantrums are their way of communicating what they want.

During a tantrum, a child will try to push boundaries in an attempt to change the outcome. In a true tantrum, a child will likely calm quickly if given the thing they wanted.

Tantrums respond to firm and consistent boundaries, giving choices, providing validation and staying calm.

Although the techniques to support your child might look different depending on if they are experiencing a meltdown or tantrum, the goal is always to validate your child's feelings and coregulate with them.

If you would like more support in understanding your child's sensory needs, more information on how to apply these techniques in real life, our therapists are here to help. Reach out to speak to a member of our team!

12/18/2025

We are so grateful that we were able to host so many families at our 2025 Christmas Party! We can't thank you all enough for joining us and letting us be a part of your holiday season festivities.
We look forward to seeing you all again when our next social group sessions kick off after the new year!

*Photography services generously donated by Hannah Dupreay Photography.

12/17/2025

The holidays can be magical, but they also bring a lot of unpredictability, changes in routine, and sensory overload. As pediatric therapists, we wanted to share some of our tips to help your family move through the season with more ease, connection, and calm:

✨ Keep a predictable routine when you can.
A little structure goes a long way. Consistent sleep, meals, and movement moments help your child feel grounded. Visual schedules with pictures of upcoming events and activities help the change in routine feel less overwhelming or scary.

✨ Pack a “sensory toolkit.”
Think headphones, fidgets, chewy snacks, sunglasses, weighted items, or anything that supports regulation when the environment gets overwhelming.

✨ Honor their sensory boundaries.
No forced hugs, no pressure to participate, no “just try it” if their body is saying no. Respecting their needs builds trust and regulation. Let them lead and empower them to let you know when they need a moment to recover.

✨ Create a space for breaks.
Whether you're at home or visiting family, designate a quiet place where your child can retreat, reset, and recharge without feeling pressured to socialize.

✨ Create a calm corner.
Create a welcoming and calming space where your child can be among the action but still stay regulated. Add cozy pillows, soften the lighting, provide a favorite toy or fidgets. Headphones can be very helpful too! It’s a simple way to help your child self-regulate during holiday excitement.

✨ Don’t overschedule.
It’s OK to say no. Fewer events often mean fewer meltdowns and a more enjoyable season for everyone.

✨ Remember YOU matter too.
Take breaks, breathe, hydrate, ask for support, and give yourself compassion. Your regulation helps your child regulate, and you deserve care just as much as they do.

As pediatric therapists, we are always here to support our families and work as a team to overcome the challenges you are facing. We wish you and your family a holiday season filled with comfort, connection, and moments of joy that feel right for your child.

12/16/2025

In the hustle and bustle of school days, therapy appointments, homework, schedules, and routines, kids still need time to simply play. Structure and goals have their place, but pure unfiltered play is so important.

Play is where kids decompress.
It’s where they explore, create, problem-solve, and reconnect with themselves.
It’s where social skills, sensory regulation, confidence, and imagination quietly grow in the background. Play is how kids make sense of the world around them.

And for neurodivergent kids especially, this unstructured time can be a huge part of helping their nervous systems reset after long days filled with demands.

We know the guilt that often creeps in when parents feel like they aren’t doing enough “work” with their child to meet their goals. But if today, all you do is give your child time to build, jump, draw, swing, run, imagine, or just be…that is enough. That is meaningful. That is supporting their development and working toward their goals.

12/12/2025

Holiday shopping can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to choose gifts that truly meet your child’s needs or suit their interests.
What sensory items or toys have been a win in your home this year?

12/11/2025

If getting dressed is a daily struggle or your child seems especially sensitive to certain fabrics, seams, or tags, know that you’re not alone. Here are a few of our recommended strategies to help make your mornings a bit smoother.

As pediatric occupational therapists, we work closely with families to understand what’s driving these sensitivities and to create practical, individualized approaches that make daily routines feel easier and more comfortable.

Have a question you'd love to see our OTs answer? Share it in the comments!

12/10/2025

Special interests are one of our favorite things to talk about. They are so unique and varied, and such a great way to build connection. We are constantly bringing in toys or activities that match a child's special interest to help them open up during therapy or social groups. They are also a magical bridge to regulation.
So, we would *love* to know, what is your child's special interest?

12/09/2025

As parents, it can be confusing or frustrating when your child sits down for schoolwork or therapy and suddenly melts down, shuts down, or can’t focus. But here’s what you need to know:

A child’s nervous system has to feel calm and organized before their brain can learn.

When a child is overwhelmed, anxious, overstimulated, tired, hungry, or thrown off by sensory input, their body goes into “survival mode.” In that state, their brain is focused on staying safe. They do not have the ability to learn, follow instructions, or focus.

It’s not that they won’t do the work.
It’s that they can’t... yet.

When your child is regulated, you’ll see:
✔️ Better attention
✔️ More emotional control
✔️ Greater patience and flexibility
✔️ More willingness to try hard things
✔️ Improved success with schoolwork and therapy tasks

This is why movement breaks, deep pressure, calming routines, and sensory tools aren’t extras, they’re essential. They help your child’s brain get to a place where learning is actually possible.

Supporting regulation isn’t spoiling your child or avoiding the work.
It’s preparing their brain for the work.

If you’re noticing that regulation is a daily challenge for your child or you’d like support creating strategies that truly work for them, we are here to help. Reach out to discuss how we can support your child's growth.

12/06/2025

For kids with disabilities and their families, finding spaces where they can feel a true sense of understanding and belonging can be really difficult.

Research shows that children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (like autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, etc.) are significantly more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation than their peers.

In fact, many such children go extended periods without meaningful social contact.

The impact of that isolation goes far beyond just “feeling left out.” It is strongly linked to poorer mental health, reduced well-being, and challenges with emotional or social development over time.

When children with special needs are included, and given opportunities to connect, friendships, and belong — amazing things happen. Inclusion helps build social skills, confidence, and a sense of identity. It helps families feel seen, supported, and less alone.

That’s why Functional Friends Foundation exists. We believe that connection matters. So, we provide free social groups and community events specifically for special-needs kids and their families. We create safe, welcoming spaces where everyone belongs. This is a space where kids can make friends, families can share experiences, and no one has to feel isolated.

Because every child deserves belonging. And every family deserves community.

12/05/2025

🎉 Now Accepting New Clients !!

Functional Friends Therapy is excited to share that we now have dedicated treating space — and with this expansion, we’re opening new spots for Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy in the new year!

We are no longer providing in-home treatment and will now be seeing clients at our new treament space at SouthBrook church in Miamisburg.

If you’re interested in services for your child, please fill out our contact form (link in comments!) so we can connect with you as soon as possible.
📩 You can also reach us anytime at functionalfriendstherapy@gmail.com

We can’t wait to support your family!

Functional Friends

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