Ruth Waldrop Occupational Therapist

04/22/2026

Good morning! Getting ready to listen to the Genetics of autism presentation here at

04/19/2026

How to help a dysregulated child.

Credit to the owner.

04/18/2026

🚽✨ Potty Training Tips for Children with Autism ✨

Potty training a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be challenging, but it’s also a rewarding milestone! 💙

Children with autism have unique needs, and with the right strategies, patience, and understanding, this journey can become a positive experience for both caregivers and kids. 🌟

Here are tips and strategies to support potty training for children with autism or other special needs. 💡✅

Here are some general tips and strategies to start with (read the rest on the blog - link in comments):

1. Delayed Readiness: Children with autism may show signs of readiness for potty training at an older age than neurotypical children. This may require additional time and a more gradual approach to introducing toilet training concepts.

2. Sensory Sensitivities: Be aware of sensory issues such as discomfort with the sound of flushing or the texture of toilet paper, which can impact the potty training experience. Accommodating these sensitivities by, for example, allowing the child to flush the toilet themselves, can make a significant difference.

3. Communication Barriers: Children on the autism spectrum might face communication challenges. Utilize non-verbal communication tools like picture cards or visual schedules to aid understanding, ensuring that these aids are consistently used across different settings.

04/15/2026

04/15/2026

Free OT Chart: Occupational Therapy Issues & Evidence-Based Recommendations [2026]

04/14/2026

What many people don’t realize about autism…

Autism isn’t just what’s visible.

It’s the sensory challenges, communication barriers, and daily adjustments families navigate behind the scenes.

For parents, it often means becoming advocates, educators, and full-time support systems, all at once.

At Apex Social, we believe families deserve support that truly understands these realities. That’s why our Apex Care Professionals are experienced to provide meaningful, in-home support for children with diverse needs.

Learn how we support families every day:
👉 www.apex-social.com

04/13/2026

Conor Mc Donagh noted that autistic girls are usually "very good at masking" so it's "not always obvious" that they have it. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/common-autism-signs-girls_uk_6866601ce4b0d0f8dcccafda?ref=bffbhuffpost&ncid_tag=fcbklnkushpmg00000063&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=us_main

04/12/2026

Another Successful Walk For Autism Event with Beginnings, LLC

04/11/2026

OT is OT, so why not just do it at school and make life easier, right? But here’s the scoop:

School-based OT is educationally driven.

It’s only provided if the child’s disability is impacting their ability to access or participate in their education. The OT’s job in this setting is to support function within the school environment, like:
• Holding a pencil to write
• Sensory supports
• Using scissors during class projects
• Organizing materials or managing transitions

It’s not about treating all developmental concerns, just the ones that interfere with educational access.

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Outpatient OT is medically based.

This focuses on overall development and function, not just how the child does at school. It covers:
• Sensory processing challenges at home and in the community
• Fine motor delays that may not affect schoolwork (yet)
• Feeding concerns, dressing, toileting, self-regulation, etc.

Even if a child doesn’t qualify for school OT (because their delays don’t impact school performance enough), they might still have real functional delays that need outpatient support.

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So why can’t school OT be used just for convenience?

Because it’s legally tied to educational necessity. It’s not meant to replace medical services, and schools aren’t allowed to provide therapy “just in case” or “to make life easier” even if we wish they could!