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.

Big Berkey Water Filter and Purification System


INCLUDES: Big Berkey stainless steel housing (Upper, Lower & Lid), 2 Black Berkey Filters, 2 Fluoride Elements, 2 Hole Plugs, 1 knob, 1 easy flow spigot, and 1 set of easy to follow assembly instructions. When drinking water that’s been filtered using a Berkey purifier, you can rest assured that your water is clean and safe for consumption. In fact, Black Berkey purifier elements are far more powerful compared to competitors’ water filters. When tested Berkey water filter elements removed 100% of pathogens, allowing them to be classified as purifiers rather than simply filters. The included two (white) Berkey fluoride filters attach to the bottom of the Berkey Purifiers and hang in the lower chamber. Berkey fluoride filters reduce the amount of fluoride in your water UP TO 95%. Each Fluoride filter has a lifespan of 1,000 gallons and each purifier can filter up to 3,000 gallons. The Big Berkey is constructed from High Grade 304 Stainless Steel, and can accommodate up to four Berkey Purification elements and four Fluoride filters, however only two of each are included with this package.


Parents of Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders Episode 23

On this episode, I discuss possible issues parents of kids with sensory processing disorders face in finding a diagnosis and getting their pediatrician and others on board.

If you are in the Phoenix, AZ area a listener gave me the contact information for a place that can evaluate your child for sensory processing disorder. Here is the link for their website: https://www.kidzspottherapy.com

Website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/
email: allison@mymidwesttherapy.com

Research Study:
Hall, Leah, and Jane Case-Smith. “The Effect of Sound-Based Intervention on Children With Sensory Processing Disorders and Visual–Motor Delays.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, 1 Mar. 2007, ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1866939. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.
http://ajot.aota.org

SPD Debate:
http://www.slate.com
SPD Star Institute:
https://www.spdstar.org
AAP Pediatrician Guidelines:
https://www.medpagetoday.com

Child Development
Sensory Processing Disorder
Occupational Therapy
Therapeutic Listening Program


Cerebral Palsy in Premature Infants Episode 22 Child Development

On this episode I discuss the risk of developing Cerebral Palsy in infants that are born prematurely or preterm. How cerebral palsy occurs is explained, as well as, what to look for in infants who are at risk for developing cerebral palsy.

Research Article:
Thygesen SK, Olsen M, Østergaard JR, etal. Respiratory distress syndrome in moderately late and late preterm infants and risk of cerebral palsy: a population-based cohort study. BMJOpen 2016; 6 : e011643. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011643.
http://bmjopen.bmj.com

Respiratory Distress Syndrome of the Newborn
https://www.thoracic.org

Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy:
https://www.abclawcenters.com

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

Cerebral Palsy
Child Development
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Premature Infants


Table Top Scissors for One Handed Use


These table top scissors are great for kids who want to use scissors but have a difficult time holding both the paper and the scissors at the same time, and in a coordinated manner. The kids can hold the paper up in place at the scissors, and just push down on the lever to make them cut. A great tool which can help them be independent with a difficult fine motor task.


One handed button hook


These are handy little devices for those people who have trouble managing buttons on your clothing using two hands! It will help pull the buttons through each button hole in your shirt using only one hand to get it done.


Brachial Plexus Injuries at Birth Episode 21 Child Development

On this show I discuss the different types of brachial plexus injuries, what the brachial plexus is, and how the injuries can affect babies and toddlers.

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

Research Article: Kinesio Arm Taping as Prophylaxis Against the development of Erb’s Engram.
http://ac.els-cdn.com

“Kinesio arm taping as prophylaxis against the development of Erb’s Engram.” Kinesio arm taping as prophylaxis against the development of Erb’s Engram – ScienceDirect, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123212000641. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

Radwa S. ElKhatib. Emam H. ElNegmy. Amina H. Salem. AbdelAziz A. Sherief
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2012.08.006
http://www.sciencedirect.com/

Plexus Definition: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
Brachial Plexus injury information:
http://www.birthinjuryguide.org
Brachial Plexus Info
http://bcchr.ca/brachial-plexus

Special Needs
Occupational Therapy
Child Development


Occupational Therapy in Early Intervention Episode 20 Child Development

On this episode I discuss what Occupational Therapy means and how we work with infants and toddlers. Differences between OT and OTA are explained. The hopeful future of this podcast is laid out for you!

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

KU Occupational Therapy: http://www.kumc.edu

OT Practice Act – AOTA: https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/Advocacy/State/Resources/PracticeAct/Model Definition of OT Practice Adopted 41411.pdf

OT Statistics in Europe: http://www.coteceurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2016-COTEC-Summary-of-the-OT-profession-in-Europe.pdf
OT in Germany: https://www.dve.info/
OT in Norway: http://www.ergoterapeutene.org/
OT in Ireland: https://www.aoti.ie/Default.aspx
European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education: http://enothe.eu/
OT in Singapore: https://www.saot.org.sg/
OT in Japan: http://www.jaot.or.jp/
United Arab Emirates OT Statistics: http://www.payscale.com
OT Salaries: https://www.bls.gov/
OT Careers: http://money.usnews.com

Special Needs
Early Intervention
Child Development
Pediatric Occupational Therapy


Down Syndrome and Early Intervention Episode 19 Child Development

On this episode I discuss early intervention strategies and considerations for babies children with Down Syndrome. Information is presented about what low tone and laxity of joints are. Issues surrounding feeding, fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive skills are discussed.

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

Research Article:
International Journal of Science Culture and SportJune2016: 4(2)ISSN : 2148-1148Doi :10.14486/IntJSCS509
Sehmus ASLAN1, Ummuhan BAS ASLAN
http://www.iscsjournal.com

Down Syndrome
Occupational Therapy
Early Intervention
Child Development
Special Needs


Ark’s Honey Bear Straw Drinking Cup


This is a great tool for teaching toddlers how to drink from a straw. The straw will hold the liquid up in the straw so they can be more successful in getting the liquid out. You can adjust how far up the straw the liquid will go and stay depending on their skill level.
It also has a lip blocker attachment that helps keep their lips and tongue in the correct position for drinking and swallowing.