Desert Babies Occupational Therapy, LLC

01/13/2024

A retained ATNR reflex may lead to difficulty with hand eye coordination, bilateral coordination, crossing midline, Balance, and visual tracking (needed for reading and writing). At Desertbabies OT, we incorporate fun ways to help integrate this reflex simply by changing the position in which the activity is performed as seen here while completing a puzzle😀

01/13/2024

01/13/2024

01/13/2024

01/13/2024

06/16/2023

One of the most common uses of adaptive grips is to help children with fine motor challenges grasp and manipulate utensils more effectively. They can also be utilized during self-care tasks such as toothbrushing, hair brushing, or dressing.

In each of these scenarios, we will assess your child's specific needs, goals, and challenges to determine the most appropriate type of adaptive handle.

We also provide guidance and training for your child and their caregivers on how to effectively use the handles in daily activities.

Ready to empower your child's independence and enhance their functional skills? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

06/10/2023

There are several myths or misconceptions about occupational therapy. Here are some common ones:

One common myth is that occupational therapy is exclusively for individuals with physical disabilities. In reality, occupational therapists work with people of all ages and with a wide range of conditions, including developmental delays, mental health disorders, neurological disorders, chronic illnesses, and more.

Another common myth is that Occupational Therapy is Just for Work-related Issues:

Occupational therapy is not solely focused on work-related issues or vocational rehabilitation. While occupational therapists can certainly address work-related challenges, their scope extends to all aspects of individuals' daily lives, including self-care, leisure activities, social participation, and overall well-being.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about occupational therapy and the evaluation process. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

06/09/2023

Developmental Playgroups offer a range of benefits for children, parents, and families. They are designed and facilitated by occupational therapists who have specialized training in working with children. Our playgroups provide a fun and engaging environment where your child can learn, explore, socialize and grow.

You’ll have the opportunity to not only participate with your child, but also learn and observe the other participants as well. Each session is different, focusing on gross motor play, such as climbing, jumping, and balancing exercises. Our facility is equipped to deliver an amazing experience for everyone in the group.

Make sure to follow us to find out when our next session will be scheduled!

06/03/2023

In the realm of pediatric occupational therapy, the focus goes beyond simply addressing physical impairments or developmental delays. It extends to the holistic well-being of the child, encompassing their emotional, social, and cognitive growth. One crucial aspect of this comprehensive approach is the promotion of self-care skills. By fostering self-care abilities in children, occupational therapists play a vital role in nurturing their independence, confidence, and overall development.

These are a just a few of the benefits of developing self care skills:
1. Enhances Independence and Autonomy:
2. Builds Motor Skills and Coordination
3. Enhances Social Skills and Peer Interactions
4. Establishes Healthy Habits for Lifelong Well-being

In pediatric occupational therapy, the promotion of self-care skills is crucial for nurturing children's independence, confidence, and overall development. By focusing on self-care activities, occupational therapists enhance children's autonomy, fine motor skills, emotional well-being, social interactions, and establish healthy habits. Embracing self-care empowers children to navigate daily life with confidence, setting the stage for a successful future.

05/29/2023

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in working with children to develop their skills through puzzles and play. Here are some ways in which occupational therapists can engage children in puzzle activities and play to support their development:

Cognitive Skills: Puzzles and play can enhance a child's cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, logical thinking, spatial awareness, and memory. Occupational therapists can select age-appropriate puzzles that challenge the child's cognitive skills and encourage them to strategize, plan, and solve problems independently.

Fine Motor Skills: Puzzles often involve manipulating small puzzle pieces, which helps in refining fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Occupational therapists can guide children in grasping, manipulating, and placing puzzle pieces correctly, promoting the development of precise finger movements and dexterity.

Visual Perception: Puzzles require visual discrimination and matching skills. Occupational therapists can work with children to improve their visual perception abilities by identifying shapes, colors, patterns, and spatial relationships. This can help enhance the child's visual processing skills and improve their ability to recognize and interpret visual information.

By tailoring activities to each child's individual needs, occupational therapists can make therapy engaging, enjoyable, and effective in promoting their overall development.

04/20/2023

Hey everyone! I wanted to take a moment to talk about the benefits of Sensory Integration Occupational Therapy for children. This type of therapy is designed to help children who may struggle with processing sensory information from their environment, which can have a negative impact on their ability to learn, play, and socialize with others.

One of the great things about Sensory Integration Occupational Therapy is that it uses a variety of tools and techniques to help children learn to regulate their responses to sensory input. Some of the tools commonly used in this type of therapy include weighted blankets, sensory swings, therapy balls, and tactile toys.

These tools can be incredibly helpful in providing children with the sensory input they need to feel calm and focused, and can also help them to build the skills they need to navigate their environment more effectively. By working with an occupational therapist, children can learn how to identify and manage their sensory processing challenges, which can have a positive impact on their overall development and well-being.

So if you know a child who may be struggling with sensory processing issues, contact us today, we are currently accepting new clients.

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova/Pexels