Joleen R. Fernald Pediatric Therapy Services

03/07/2026

In the landscape of autism support services, few topics generate as much debate as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) versus Occupational Therapy (OT). Both fields share a commitment to helping individuals thrive in their daily lives — but their conceptual foundations, methods, and professional prepa...

03/02/2026

📚✨ Happy Read Across America Day! ✨📚

Today we celebrate the power of stories, connection, imagination, and shared experiences — and that’s what we do every single day in our DIRFloortime world. 💛

Reading isn’t just about decoding words. It’s about:
🌈 Building emotional connection
🧠 Growing flexible thinking
💬 Expanding communication
❤️ Strengthening relationships

When we sit beside a child and enter their story world — whether it’s dinosaurs 🦖, princesses 👑, trucks 🚛, or a favorite repetitive page they want “AGAIN!” — we’re supporting regulation, engagement, and intentional communication.

For our kids with selective mutism, autism, or other neurodivergent profiles, reading together can be a low-demand, high-connection way to:
✨ Practice shared attention
✨ Build expressive language
✨ Increase initiation
✨ Explore feelings safely through characters

Today, read with wonder. Read with warmth. Read at their pace.
Let them turn the pages. Let them script it. Let them lead.

Because literacy grows best in relationship. 💫

What are you reading today? Drop your favorite children’s book below! 👇📖

03/01/2026

She did it. 💛

After completing her DIR-Selective Mutism journey with Miss Victoria, this brave girl is walking out with something far bigger than “talking.”

She built:
✨ Safety
✨ Trust
✨ Regulation
✨ Confidence
✨ Connection

Using the DIR-Selective Mutism model and our DIR-SM Card Deck, we followed her nervous system, not a script. We honored her sensory profile. We supported her FEDCs. We built capacity before expecting output.

Because communication isn’t about compliance.
It’s about connection.

Miss Victoria held the space.
This client did the courageous work.
And I am so proud of both of them. 💛

When we support regulation first, voices follow.

ChildLed CoRegulation TampaSLP

02/06/2026

🌞🎶 REConnections DIR® Summer Music Camp 🎶🌞

This summer, REConnections DIR® Center is offering a child-led, relationship-based Summer Music Camp for children ages 3–8. This therapeutic program is designed to support regulation, communication, and social engagement through music, movement, and play in a small group setting.
Our Summer Music Camp is led by Music Therapy, with Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy principles intentionally embedded throughout the day by our clinical team. Activities remain flexible and child-led while following a predictable rhythm to support safety, engagement, and smooth transitions.

📅 Designated week-long sessions available throughout June and July.

⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 REConnections DIR® Center
✨ Important Enrollment Information ✨
Cost : $600 per week

To maintain a supportive and successful group experience:
Families must commit to the full week for any week selected.

All families are required to call the center to begin the process.

A brief intake form will be completed
Our team will determine goodness of fit and the child’s ability to sustain participation in a small group setting.

This ensures the program is beneficial
for your child and the group as a whole.

📞 Call or text us at 727-279-5371
🌐 www.recdircenter.com

Spots are limited . We look forward to connecting with families interested in a thoughtful, therapeutic summer experience. 💛

02/06/2026

What an incredible journey in private practice! I began my practice pretty much the same time my youngest daughter was born and it’s been such a blessing! Don’t get me wrong, it’s been incredibly challenging, but definitely very rewarding!

02/05/2026

01/24/2026