Birth through Intervention, Support, and Services

10/11/2025

Sensory processing, executive function, and emotional regulation are deeply connected, especially in the children we see as occupational therapy providers.

When a child’s sensory system is either overwhelmed or under-stimulated, it can interfere with their ability to plan, focus, and control impulses, core components of executive functioning.

This sensory “traffic jam” can lead to frustration, shutdowns, or meltdowns, not because the child is being defiant, but because their brain is working overtime to manage input, organize thoughts, and regulate big feelings.

As OT practitioners, we support the foundation, helping kids process sensory input so they can better access higher-level thinking skills and emotional control throughout their day.
Here are resources:
🟢https://www.theottoolbox.com/emotional-regulation-and-executive-function/
🟢https://www.theottoolbox.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist/
🟢https://www.theottoolbox.com/lion-and-lamb-self-regulation-activity/
🟢https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/76/Supplement_1/7610505101p1/23472/Relationships-Among-Sensory-Processing-Behaviors

09/03/2025

I’m so excited for these sessions!! Reserve your spot now!

09/03/2025

After holding it together all day at school, many kids "crash" when they get home — overwhelmed by sensory input, social pressure, and emotional effort. These after-school meltdowns are more common than you think. As OTs, we can support students with proactive strategies during the school day and offer tools to families for the after-school transition.

Learn more about signs of dysregulation, what causes these meltdowns, and how to help:👉 https://www.theottoolbox.com/after-school-meltdowns-why-kids-fall-apart-at-home-and-how-to-help/

06/14/2025

OT supports sleep hygiene because sleep is an occupation! During the summer months, sleep hygiene is especially tricky for kids because of longer days and different routines. https://www.theottoolbox.com/sleep-hygiene-for-kids/

05/27/2025

The Gottman Institute 🌟

05/27/2025

Responsive Parenting Inspirations 💕
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When we say “regulated” we do not mean perfectly calm and collected. We’re talking about being attuned and connected, not suppressing and zoning out. ⁣
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Holding space and co-regulation is not about zoning out while your child rages. It’s actually the ability to tolerate your fluctuating nervous system, while attuning to theirs. No we cannot always attune to our child. Sometimes we need to zone out a bit simply to prevent going into a rage ourselves. But it’s important to be aware that attuning to your child does not usually happen while we’re zoned out. This is not to shame zoning out. I use it all the time, as a coping strategy but it’s not how we attune.
Lisa Dion from was talking about this today (ISTT): how “regulated” is often interpreted as being perfectly calm but that sometimes doesn’t convey empathy.

05/07/2025

This right here!!!!

When we find balance, they feel safer in the world.

When we face what’s hard, they learn that emotions aren’t something to fear.

When we grow, they get to grow too — without carrying what was never theirs. ❤️

05/07/2025