Author Archives: Allison

About Allison

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, and went on to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. As soon as I graduated I began building my caseload by contracting with the state of Missouri infant and toddler program. Over the last 10 years I have worked with the infant and toddler program as well as private pay cases with children up to 15 years old. I work with families on practical ways to make positive changes to their lives. I provide hands on direct therapy as well as parent education and consultation. Therapy is individualized to each child and family's specific needs. I prefer to start out with direct in home services and decrease to face to face consultation or internet-based consultation via Skype.

Sensory Processing: Using the Sensory Profile Episode 55

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On this episode, I discuss the use of the Sensory Profile 2 in Occupational Therapy and other areas to assess a person’s sensory processing patterns. I also provide a research study where the Short Sensory Profile was used to help determine the differences between sensory processing patterns of kids with Autism versus kids who are typically developing.

Play With Your Food: How to Get Your Toddler to Eat

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Milestones Podcast Website:
https://mymidwesttherapy.com/

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com
Milestones on Instagram
Milestones on Twitter

Sensory Profile 2 Training

Reserach Article
Tomchek, Scott D., and Winnie Dunn. “Sensory Processing in Children With and Without Autism: A Comparative Study Using the Short Sensory Profile.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, 1 Mar. 2007, ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1866937.

Pearson Clinical Resources
Star Center Denver Info
Understanding SPD


Walking and Talking Toddlers – Episode 54

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On this episode, I talk about how some infants and toddlers stop learning new sounds and words while they are learning to crawl and walk – among other gross motor skills. I discuss the relationship between the vestibular sensory system, gross motor skills, and language development.

Research Article:
How Do You Learn to Walk? Thousands of Steps and Dozens of Falls per Day. Karen E. Adolph, Whitney G. Cole, Meghana Komati, Jessie S. Garciaguirre, Daryaneh Badaly, Jesse M. Lingeman, Gladys L. Y. Chan, Rachel B. Sotsky. Psychological Science, Vol 23, Issue 11, pp. 1387 – 1394. First Published October 19, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612446346
How Do You Learn to Walk

Play With Your Food: How to Get Your Toddler to Eat

50% off Autism Parenting Magazine

30% Off + Free Shipping at Learning Resources! Use code GIFT30. Limited Time Only. Shop Now!

Like Deals & Promotions? Shop ReallyGoodStuff.com! Click Here!

Enjoy Up To 15% Off At Melissa & Doug. 10% off $25-$74 | 15% off $75 or more. Use Code HOLIDAY17

Milestones Podcast Website:
https://mymidwesttherapy.com/

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com
Milestones on Instagram
Milestones on Twitter


Play With Your Food Book Now Available on Amazon!!!

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My book is now available on Amazon.com and Amazon Europe!! Click on the picture to take you to the Amazon store where you can purchase it for only $6.50 USD!! Free Shipping for Amazon Prime Members!
Contact me if you don’t have access to Amazon and I will help you get one. Send an email to [email protected] and let me know!


Tactile Sensitivities With Wearing Clothing Episode 53

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On this episode, I discuss why some kids won’t seem to leave their clothes on, and what some possible strategies are for helping them wear clothes!

Also, my new book published today on Amazon.com and Amazon Europe! My listing price is $6.50 USD.  At the time of this posting Amazon did not have my listing price updated yet, so check back later today or tomorrow to get it at that price.  3rd party sellers are listing it for much higher than that right now.

Book: Play With Your Food: How to Get Your Toddler to Eat

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Milestones Podcast Website:
https://mymidwesttherapy.com/

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com
Milestones on Instagram
Milestones on Twitter


Parents and Professionals Communication Episode 52

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On this episode, I discuss the importance of communication between parents and the professionals that are involved in the care of children with special needs and/or medical needs.

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Autism Parenting Magazine Black Friday Sale

Milestones Podcast Website:
https://mymidwesttherapy.com/

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com
Milestones on Instagram
Milestones on Twitter


Proprioception and Grading Movements Episode 51

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On this episode I discuss Proprioceptive Sensory Processing and how it works. I will give you some ideas about strategies and activities you can do with kids who have issues with this sense.

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Autism Parenting Magazine

Milestones Podcast Website:
https://mymidwesttherapy.com/

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com
Milestones on Instagram
Milestones on Twitter


10 Activities for your 2 year old Episode 50

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It’s a Milestone episode for the Milestones Podcast!! Episode 50!! Thank you all for listening and helping me get here.  I hope we can continue on for 50 more and then some!

In this episode I will talk about 10 activities that you can do with your 2 year old to not only enjoy with them, but work on developmental skills at the same time!

Lot of 6 PIONEER PHOTO FC146 Flex Cover Mini Album assorted colors

Radio Flyer Glide N Go Balance Bike with Air Tires

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Autism Parenting Magazine

Milestones Podcast Website:
https://mymidwesttherapy.com/

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com
Milestones on Instagram
Milestones on Twitter


Abilitations Handi-Writer Set on Amazon

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These are handy little items for kids with weak grasp or low endurance for writing activities.  They are also helpful for kids that have trouble closing their last 2-3 fingers to hold the pencil with only their thumb and first finger or thumb, index, and middle fingers.


Handwriting Activities and Considerations Episode 49

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On this episode, I will discuss things to consider when working with kids on handwriting activities and strategies.  These will mainly revolve around making sure they are set up for success!  Also, a special Halloween Treat: a short story written and read by my son!

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Milestones Podcast Website:
https://mymidwesttherapy.com/

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com
Milestones on Instagram
Milestones on Twitter

“Dysgraphia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Oct. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysgraphia.

AJOT Research Article
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2009, Vol. 63, 182-192. doi:10.5014/ajot.63.2.182

Engel-Yeger, Batya, et al. “Handwriting Performance, Self-Reports, and Perceived Self-Efficacy Among Children With Dysgraphia.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, 1 Mar. 2009, ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1865824&resultClick=3.


Ultimate Calming Multi-color Gravity Bubble Drop Liquid Motion

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One example of a visually stimulating toy that can be calming for kids with visual sensory processing issues.  It can give them something to focus on that will block out other types of stimulation temporarily.