Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is the use of purposeful activity to maximize the independence of a child who is limited by a physical injury or illness, neurological or cognitive impairment, a developmental or learning disability, or sensory processing disorder.
For a child, purposeful activities such as playing, dressing, and writing are considered their “occupation.” Our occupational therapists help children develop the skills needed to perform everyday tasks by using engaging and evidence-based treatment methods so they can achieve their maximum potential.
Our services are provided by licensed and experienced pediatric occupational therapists who specialize in working with a wide range of conditions including:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Fine and gross motor delays
- Handwriting difficulties
- Sensory processing disorder
- Sensory feeding issues
- ADHD
- Auditory processing disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Visual impairments
- Developmental delay
- Genetic syndromes
- Dyspraxia
We offer the following services:
- Comprehensive evaluations
- Individual treatment sessions
- Individualized home programs
- Parent/caregiver education and training
- Co-treatments with Speech Therapy
- Collaboration with Pediatric Audiology
- Independent educational evaluations for local school systems
- Free 15 minute screenings
- Screenings completed at area preschools
Special programs offered include:
Sensory Integration Therapy
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder helps a child process all the senses so they can work together. This improves a child’s ability to produce adaptive behavior which leads to improved sensory processing. As a result improvements are seen in a child’s motor coordination, focus/attention, self-regulation, learning, social interaction and performance in school, home and within their community.
Interactive Metronome®
An evidence-based therapeutic program for adults and children that works on training your body and your brain to work better together using a computerized system. IM training helps clients in OT improve their coordination, balance, motor planning, sequencing, self-regulation, and cognitive skills.
SOS Approach to Feeding®
A program that integrates posture, sensory, oral motor, cognitive and behavioral strategies to comprehensively evaluate and treat children to promote developmentally appropriate feeding and mealtime skills.
Therapeutic Listening®
An evidence-based auditory intervention which uses electronically modified music to treat individuals who have difficulty with attention, processing sensory information, listening and communicating.
Astronaut Training - “A sound activated vestibular-visual protocol” by Vital Links
Astronaut Training: Astronaut Training is a therapeutic protocol that is designed to develop optimal vestibular function, an essential foundation for all sensory processing and movement control. If a child does not have good vestibular function their eyes and ears cannot participate efficiently in tasks such as copying from the promethean board at school, listening, reading, writing and catching a ball.
Handwriting Without Tears®
A multisensory handwriting program for children pre-k through grade 5. They also have a K-5 web-based keyboarding program.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Therapeutic intervention provided by a therapist incorporating a trainer and therapy dog from Heeling House to address a child’s goals. It is used to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy.
Our Occupational Therapists
Trisha Crawford, OTR/L, Therapeutic Services Director
Sarah Mabie , MS, OTR/L
Sarah Spicer, MS, OTR/L
Jeannine Buckland, COTA
Sam Smeltzer, COTA
