Sunny Day Therapy's Blog- Helping Children & Caregivers Shine, Do, and Thrive

Occupational therapy practitioners provide a holistic, function-based approach to helping clients thrive in their roles, routines, and environments.  

An occupation is a “job of living” – any activity of value to the client and their family.  These daily activities can include feeding, self care, socialization, school work, and more.  Occupational therapy practitioners are trained to look at the skills/deficits of the person (like coordination, fine/gross motor skills, executive functioning) as well as the context (environment and occupation).  

Each client with Autism is unique. My specialized trainings (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters, reflex trainings, Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, mental health training, sensory trainings) and certifications (Autism Certificate, Clinical Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist, Executive Certificate in Homestyle Modification, Lifestyle Redesign) make me prepared and inspired to serve you and your family in a way that celebrates strengths, ownership of spaces/routines, and strategies! I have completed training about the Ziggurat Model, CAPS (Comprehensive Autism Planning System), PLAY method, and the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale.

What I love about occupational therapy is that it looks at the mind-body connection.  I love that it sees the person as more than the sum of its parts, values context, and supports function through providing individualized tools and scaffolded supports. 

Plus, OT sensory motor gyms are super fun!  I started out wanting to be a brain doctor but when I entered an occupational therapy sensory clinic, I knew that OT was the career for me.  Brains and bodies change through play; just-the-right themed challenge connects with and motivates a client to complete exercise.  What looks like fun and games is actually a very intentionally designed space promoting very specific client-centered goals such as hand strength, self-calming, core strength, cross body movements, or upper limb coordination.  These goals are connected to a client’s actual function and roles in their daily life; yes, doing those super man poses will help you not slump during your handwriting.  Yes, with time, your fine motor olympics will help you hold your pencil and enjoy school more. 

We know that muscle tension is often held in the body; anxiety affects the fight-or-flight response leading to a cascade of negative chemicals that affect our sensory health and behavior (Sapolsky, 2004).  Many clients with Autism struggle with gut issues, feeding issues, and difficulty focusing. 

Some clients with Autism also struggle with socialization.  I firmly believe that self regulation is the key to promoting genuine communication and comfort/adaptability across settings.  There has been a lot of talking about the theme of masking- imposing certain scripts or emotions on people rather than just teaching them to be/express themselves.  When someone is calm and regulated, they are more able to find the tools, words, and visual supports to check in with their body and express themselves in an authentic way.  Therefore, promoting rapport, comfort circles of understanding, and a safe environment through a fun, playful, open environment of a sensory gym is key for helping the client understand their body, physically, socially, and emotionally.  Many clients who have neurodivergence (and even others) can become disconnected from their bodies when they are very much in their heads (lost in thought, hyper focused, etc.)  Movement specifically designed to promote body awareness, intereoception, sensory health, and reflex integration helps kids feel “at home” in their own bodies, empowered, and regulated.  

What if learning the tools for self-regulation and sensory integration could make it all better?  When we are more self-regulated, we are able to think more clearly and manage/calm our bodies to get our daily tasks done.  

From initiation to sustaining focus to task completion, there are so many struggles that can occur along the way.  

What if I could give you physical exercises, visual supports, and home exercise program tools to help you understand your body signs, calm your body, tap into your senses, and understand how to grow physically and mentally strong?

As an occupational therapy practitioner, I have spent over thirteen years refining my skills to strengthen the skills of the person, design the occupation (task), and facilitate the set up of supportive habits, routines, and environments.  I help clients find meaning through “doing, being, becoming, and belonging” (Wilcock,1998). 

OT is client-centered, family-centered, meaningful, and evidence-based. 

It supports the client where they are; while a traditional medical model might emphasize only deficits, OT understands the complexity and power of environments, habits, and social roles/contexts.  It provides tools to promote function and positive routines one-step-at-a-time, all while celebrating each person’s strengths and families’ progress.  

This past year, I have had the opportunity to design my very own clinical space to enhance sensory processing and promote strength (physical and mental) through play.  Through almost three years of post-professional doctoral work, I have also had the chance to design a structured, evidence-based, theory-driven program that empowers kids to understand their strengths and use positive language and tools to shine! 

Occupational therapy is a perfect fit for Autism!  It is not a one-size fits all approach; like each client with Autism, it is unique.  As an OTP, I love collaborating with teams of other professionals – therapists, teachers, parents, etc..  “It takes a village.”  Let me help you find your village.  Each practitioner brings a specialized lens and space to connect with you. Who knows what doors just the right person or space could unlock for your child?

Email kim@beewellot.com to learn more about specific programs and specialized therapy for clients with Autism and other neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety, etc.