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New Interoceptive Awareness Strategies for School OT

Initial research supports the efficacy of improving interoceptive body awareness difficulties in a school setting to promote self-regulation and school participation (Mahler et al., 2022). Interoceptive body awareness provides foundational embodiment forming our felt sense of self. Interoceptive awareness carries information about our internal state through unmyelinated fibers that convey internal body signals (cuddling relational […]

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Using the FAB Strategies Form to help Students with Developmental & Behavior Challenges

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

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Managing Arousal Levels in PTSD

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

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Practical Behavioral Strategies for Therapists & Teachers

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,

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Occupational Therapy for Pediatric Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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

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Role of School OT in Addressing Behavior

Behavioral challenges significantly impact learning and occupational performance in school. Preventing and responding to behavioral problems is an important part of the school occupational therapists’ scope of practice. School occupational therapy practitioners can collaborate with school staff to increase the effectiveness of trauma-informed restraint and seclusion reduction efforts. This involves a 3-tiered approach including environmental

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Integrating Mindfulness & Sensory Modulation in Pediatric Therapy

  Mindfulness (breathing, movement, self-touch activities) and sensory  strategies (suspended swinging, massage, interoceptive awareness specific light touch, sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, as well as mechanical pressure touch through brushing, therapy ball rolling, or the Steam Roller Deluxe) can be extremely helpful interventions for youth with Post-Traumatic Stress, Autism Spectrum and developmental disorders. FAB Strategies lists

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