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.

Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD Episode 39

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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.

ReallyGoodStuff

milestoneswebsite
allison@mymidwesttherapy.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com
Instagram Link
Twitter Link


Grasp Development in Kids Episode 38

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Today I will discuss the development of grasp from infants to kids as it relates to preparing for handwriting activities.

Grasp Website:
http://www.growinghandsonkids.com
Greutman, Heather, et al. “Typical Pencil Grasp Development for Kids.” Growing Hands-On Kids, 21 June 2017, www.growinghandsonkids.com/pencil-grasp-development-for-writing.html. Accessed 5 Sept. 2017.

Grasp Development Website:
http://foreverychild.ca

Research Article:
https://ajot.aota.org
Dennis, Julie L; Swinth, Yvonne. “Pencil Grasp and Children’s Handwriting Legibility During Different-Length Writing Tasks”. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2001, Vol. 55, 175-183. doi:10.5014/ajot.55.2.175

Email: allison@mymidwesttherapy.com
Website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
Instagram: milestonespodcast


Weighted Lap Pad

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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.


Autism Engagement and Joint Attention Information Episode 37

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On this episode I talk about ways to make connections with kids who have Autism both at home and in clinic or school settings.

Email: allison@mymidwesttherapy.com
Website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
Instagram: milestonespodcast

Research Article:
https://ajot.aota.org
Kinnealey, M., Pfeiffer, B., Miller, J., Roan, C., Shoener, R., & Ellner, M. L. (2012). Effect of classroom modification on
attention and engagement of students with autism or dyspraxia. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66,
511–519. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2012.004010

Autism Teacher Tip Sheet:
https://www.aota.org


Fisher Price Bright Beginnings Activity Walker

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These walkers are perfect for the 7-18 month age range, where they are learning to pull to stand, and start taking some steps forward with assistance.


Typical Development 7 to 12 Months of Age Episode 36

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On this Episode I talk about the typical developmental milestones for the ages of 7-12 months.

Protective Extension of Arms Backward
https://farm9.staticflickr.com

Whole Hand Grasp Development
http://www.growinghandsonkids.com

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 – United States
http://www.eclipsewise.com

Email: allison@mymidwesttherapy.com
Instagram: #milestonespodcast
website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/


Infant Play Mat for Developmental Milestones

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These mats are great for 0-6 months age range. You can use them for gross motor, fine motor, vision, cognitive, and language skills.


Typical Developmental Milestones Birth to 6 months Old – Episode 35

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On this episode I discuss typical development for birth – 6 month old babies. What are developmental milestones, developmental delays, and what is typical development?

ATNR Reflex:
https://video.search.yahoo.com
See my Instagram page for Images of ATNR Reflex examples: #milestonespodcast

website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/
email: allison@mymidwesttherapy.com


Transition to School Episode 34

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On this episode I talk about the transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood, and the transition from summer to back to school for parents, teachers, and therapists.

Email: allison@mymidwesttherapy.com
Instagram: milestonespodcast
Website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/milestones
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Special Needs
Early Intervention
Early Childhood
Occupational Therapy


Hair Cut with Sensory Processing Disorder Episode 33

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On this episode, I discuss issues with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and hair cuts, styles, and overall tactile sensory issues related to the hair and head. I provide some suggestions for helping kids with sensory processing disorder try to get through a hair cut.

website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
email: allison@mymidwesttherapy.com
Instagram: milestonespodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/milestones

Sensory Processing Disorder
Tactile Sensory Processing
Developmental Milestones