Lisa H. Wister, Occupational Therapist

12/31/2025

https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/kids-wellness-matters/building-better-bedtime-habits/?fbclid=IwRlRTSAPBc2xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEescvZrksVhsqUWsHvAtws7ONMbG7JeQsVhhqQgT7xurGFJ8kBpAv5CX18zOg_aem_A2AxKpoKlIjqQ9vFQ3xqaA

Experts from Lurie Children's Sleep Medicine Center, Irina Trosman, MD, and Allison Clarke, PhD, talk about common sleep-related issues in kids and bust myths about good sleep practices, use of melatonin and more.

12/31/2025

12/26/2025

Two-handed play at home with a variety of toys and sensory opportunities. Working on visual scanning skills, finding items in the beans. Increasing flexibility with play. Multi-sensory play is more engaging and helps support sustained attention. Building play ideas.

12/23/2025

Just getting to know this little guy, usually one hand is in his mouth, but today with some coaching he engaged in many typical preschool play activities with both of his hands. Scissor hand position is not optimal, but he’s just started so we’ll work on this in the future. Just happy he’s engaging in the activity.

12/19/2025

*4 OT Recommended finds that help Families Function*

-Skylight Calendar https://amzn.to/48pCciA

-Magnetic Dry Erase Board https://amzn.to/4oCDuLP
-Magnetic Whiteboard Markers https://amzn.to/4q3WHYd

-Sunrise Alarm Clock https://amzn.to/3XLlXpX

This simple visual schedule works to reinforce what was discussed in the morning for executive function support. Practicing independence for self-care, organizing activities of daily living, and giving autonomy to build confidence in their ability to execute tasks. Digital or on Dry Erase the visual schedule makes a difference.


While these are affiliate links, the items I have purchased and used both in my own home and recommended to OT clients.

12/18/2025

Usually met at home, this was a special guest visit from OT Lisa for this preschooler. Family shared that he eats better at school than at home but still has room to grow. Lisa visited him at school to see the similarities and differences while providing strategies to the preschool teacher. This factfinding mission found that he has social motivation with peers eating the same food at the same time, a colorful food selection with just right portions, and he was sitting at a just right sized table and chair.

12/17/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/18SeHPBWps/?mibextid=wwXIfr

‼️ New open access research in Brain Sciences offers a clear decision guide to help primary care notice sensory integration needs early, and refer to Occupational Therapy with Ayres Sensory Integration training.

Impacts for practice:

⭐ Clearer referral criteria
⭐ Informed use of SP-2 or SPM-2 to support judgement
⭐ Co-produced plans centred on everyday participation
⭐ A shared pathway for GPs, Health Visitors and School Nurses to the right OT service

This complements co-produced tools like Sensory Ladders, Sensory Spiders and Sensory Grids used by therapists, parents and teachers.

Read the article: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/15/11/1184

12/13/2025

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1408688974178367&set=a.263209985392944&type=3

This preprint article highlight the prevalence of sensory differences in children with ADHD that impact on participation in daily activities. The authors suggest that sensory based interventions can make an important contribution in supporting these children to manage every day tasks they find difficult.

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6967784/v1

Follow us to keep up to date on the latest research in Sensory Integration and Neurodiversity.

To learn more about supporting individuals with sensory differences across the lifespan see the link below:
https://loom.ly/aZ6S86c

12/13/2025

9 OT Recommended Gift Ideas for Creating a Sensory Friendly Environment

What does an OT buy for sensory friendly gifts? 🎁 Here are a few favorite and

Squigz Starter Set https://amzn.to/44jN7YB

Sensory Tunnel https://amzn.to/48QEnLc

Wobble Disk https://amzn.to/3YiOGCA

Sensory Activity Cards https://amzn.to/4pZRDnz

Kids Noise Canceling Headphones https://amzn.to/44Nfqig

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs https://amzn.to/4a7pOoM

Bluetooth Speaker https://amzn.to/3MPaP95

Weighted Cow Plush https://amzn.to/48Dx74Z

Weighted Lap Pad https://amzn.to/4iURMGE

While these are affiliate links, the items I have purchased and used both in my OT practice and in my own home.

12/11/2025

We want eaters who listen to their bodies, not performative eaters who chase stickers. Internal motivation builds lifelong healthy eating habits! Let's support families in seeing the power of internal motivation.

12/11/2025

Apple season, 🍎, fine motor, visual motor, problem solving, communication, social interaction, learning to ask for help and accept help, these are so helpful to my practice, easy to modify, carry, clean