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Recent research relating embodied cognition, emotional regulation, arousal levels, interoceptive awareness, sensory processing (Sung et al., 2024; Brown & Dunn, 2023; Aziz-Zadeh et al., 2018), mental health and learning is revitalizing school occupational therapy intervention (Jeon & Lee, 2018; Shapiro & Stolz, 2019). Embodied cognition research suggests that body-based movement, gestures, imitation, hands on activities […]

“Functionally Alert Behavior” FAB Strategies® are a trans-disciplinary, goal-directed curriculum that improves the functional behavior of children, adolescents and young adults who have mental health, developmental and sensory challenges their natural environments. The FAB Strategies® curriculum is individualized by occupational, physical, speech and mental health therapists for coordinated use in conjunction with the client, teachers,

New research supports the importance of addressing interoceptive body awareness as a component of the sensory processing frame-of-reference to promote behavior and learning in students with significant sensory differences and complex behavioral challenges (Mahler et al., 2022; Tancredi et al.,, 2022; Butera & Aziz-Zadeh, 2022). Interoception appears to overlap with and uniquely expand sensory processing interventions

The FAB Strategies for Learning Readiness Form (FAB Strategies Form) can be applied in a variety of ways by therapists and teachers. FAB Strategies Form Description Blog Although the FAB Strategies Form is copyrighted therapists and teachers have my permission to use it with their students. The FAB Strategies Form can be used as a

The FAB Strategies for Learning Readiness form enables school therapists and teachers to develop an individualized program for their students that improves behavior and learning. It guides the school team in being consistent and literally “on the same page”. Despite its copyright all therapists and teachers have my permission to copy and use my new

When I was 14 years old I passed a man on the street who had Downs Syndrome, and was momentarily bothered by his physical features. My reaction upset me because I had a sister who had Downs Syndrome who died as an infant from pneumonia. To confront my prejudice I volunteered at a home for

Though not extensively discussed sensory processing difficulties can negatively impact emotional regulation in individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). October 10th is both Sensory Processing Awareness month and World Mental Health Awareness day, making it a good time to consider the relationship between sensory processing disorders and PTSD.   Sensory processing disorders are more common

I was deeply moved by “the knitting brain” picture from Emily Balog. It instantly transported me to my experience as an OT student over 40 years ago during my affiliation in Mental Health OT at Johns Hopkins Hospital. It all started when a COTA who was part of my supervision team started teaching me to

Practical antecedent strategies are described that can be used by therapists and teachers to prevent inappropriate behavior in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Helpful antecedent strategies for regular use by therapists and teachers include: engaging favorite activities, giving choices, introducing students to the materials and people they will be interacting with before learning tasks,

Sensory modulation disorders are strongly associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder “PTSD”.  Research found over three quarters of youth with PTSD had sensory modulation disorders, compared to five percent in the general population.  Sensory modulation disorders significantly associated with childhood trauma are: hyperarousal (including auditory defensiveness, tactile defensiveness, as well as gravitational insecurity), hypoarousal, and sensory