NSU Occupational Therapy Program

04/03/2026

Have you ever seen a child that says it HURTS to color? Or one that picks up a new color way too often? Or an older kiddo that uses their whole arm/elbow/wrist to color? All of these are signs of hand weakness that impacts the functional task of coloring! 🖍

New on the website is a comprehensive resource on all things coloring. It includes:
•Reasons kids don’t like to color
•Skills needed for coloring
•Coloring skills by age
•How to set up a child for success from a young age
•Coloring skills for toddlers
•How to teach toddlers to color
•Coloring skills for preschoolers (3-4 years)
•How to teach preschoolers to color
•Coloring skills for preschool/Pre-K (4-5 years)
•How to teach coloring to Pre-K kids
•Coloring skills for elementary children
•How to teach coloring to older kids

Go check it out! https://www.theottoolbox.com/how-to-teach-coloring-skills/ 🖍

04/03/2026

🧦 Compression socks (sometimes called compression stockings) are a type of tall socks that fit more snugly than typical socks and can be worn for a variety of purposes. They are often long socks that go up over the calf and fit snugly from the toes all the way up to the knee. Compression socks can be helpful for a variety of conditions including swelling of the feet and lower legs, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and others.

Our Resource Library has an article on compression socks by Sarah Mann, PT, DPT, MBA, NSCA-CPT, from Mann Method PT and Fitness, PLLC, and Brian Chicoine, MD, from our clinic. It includes information about:
▪ When to wear compression socks
▪ What lengths and pressures are available
▪ Tips for finding compression socks that fit well
▪ And more!

🔗 https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/resources/compression-socks-for-people-with-down-syndrome/

04/03/2026

04/03/2026

Comment “VISION” and we’ll send you more information on visual development activities that can support eye tracking, focus, and reading skills.

Many children who struggle with reading, copying from the board, or eye fatigue may not have an eyesight problem at all. Sometimes the challenge is how the eyes work together.

This skill is called binocular vision, the ability for both eyes to coordinate and process what we see.

When binocular vision isn’t working efficiently, kids may experience:
👀 Blurred or double vision
👀 Headaches while reading
👀 Difficulty tracking words across a page
👀 Trouble judging distance
👀 Eye fatigue during schoolwork

In some children, retained primitive reflexes can interfere with the development of visual skills needed for reading and learning.

Reflexes that may impact binocular vision include:
🧠 Moro Reflex
🧠 ATNR Reflex
🧠 STNR Reflex
🧠 TLR Reflex

These reflexes can affect eye tracking, visual focus, and spatial awareness, making tasks like reading, writing, and sports more challenging.

Comment “VISION” and we’ll send you more information and activities that support visual development and reflex integration.

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

Vestibular processing is another area that occupational therapy professionals support and target in every therapy session. This sensory processing area is involved in practically everything we do! Here is information, activities, and resources: https://www.theottoolbox.com/vestibular-activities/

04/02/2026

Are you in search of easy, fine motor, occupational therapy activities at home that parents can do with their children? Activities that are simple to carry out should be short, use materials from around the house and be motivating to the kids. Ask your child’s Occupational Therapist what the best activity suggestions are for your child.

04/02/2026

Win a $450 Graduation Catering Package! Make their big day even more special with a FREE catering for your celebration from Duncan Catering Co. and the Stillwater News Press. To enter, just share a photo of your favorite May 2026 graduate. Entries are open April 1 through April 30.

https://stillwaternewspress.secondstreetapp.com/The-Great-Grad-Give-Away-2/