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.
These cups are great for toddler development. Problem solving skills for figuring out how to put them together, color recognition and understanding, counting, etc.
On this episode, I discuss the typical development of toddlers between the ages of 12-24 months (or 1-2 years). All areas of development are included such as: gross motor, fine motor, language, cognition, social/emotional, and self help.
Speaking Presentation October 21st in Overland Park, KS
Research Article: Toddler Persistence Study
Bober, Sally J., et al. “Toddlers’ Persistence in the Emerging Occupations of Functional Play and Self-Feeding.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, 1 July 2001, ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1869010&resultClick=3. Accessed 29 Sept. 2017.
In this episode, I talk about head lag in infant development. Head lag is where you pull the infant to a sitting position and watch to see if their head lags behind or lifts along with their body. I discuss potential red flags with head lag.
Research Study: https://ajot.aota.org
Flanagan, Joanne E., et al. “Head Lag in Infants at Risk for Autism: A Preliminary Study.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, 1 Sept. 2012, ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1851612&resultClick=3. Accessed 25 Sept. 2017.
Perfect for encouraging infants to lift their head up during tummy time to strengthen their head and neck muscles! Great for social play, language, and cognition too!
On this episode, I talk about Auditory Processing versus Typical Toddler “Ignoring”. This is a question so many parents of toddles with auditory processing issues have! It can be difficult to tell if kids are acting certain ways because of sensory issues or just typical toddler behaviors.
Research Article https://ajot.aota.org
Ahn, R. R., Miller, L. J., Milberger, S., & McIntosh, D. N. (2004). Prevalence of parents’ perceptions of sensory processing disorders among kindergarten children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58, 287–293.
On this episode, I talk about the criteria for receiving a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I am not qualified to diagnose anyone with Autism, but I can help you recognize some of the possible symptoms, and describe what the criteria for the diagnosis mean.
CDC Autism Diagnostic Criteria: https://www.cdc.gov
“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Apr. 2016, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-dsm.html. Accessed 12 Sept. 2017.
Autism Speaks Diagnostic Criteria for Autism: https://www.autismspeaks.org
“DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria.” Autism Speaks, 28 July 2013, www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis/dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria. Accessed 12 Sept. 2017.
Weighted lap pads are a great addition to your child’s sensory diet needs. It can help provide deep pressure / proprioceptive input to help them feel calm.