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.

Developmental Milestones with Babies who are Born Premature Episode 16

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On this episode I discuss developmental milestones in babies who are born premature or preterm, and how they could be affected by their premature birth. Medical complications are considered as well.

website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/
email: [email protected]

Research Article: Visual orienting and attention deficits in 5- and
10-month-old preterm infants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Ross-Sheehy, Shannon, et al. “The Infant Orienting With Attention task: Assessing the neural basis of spatial attention in infancy.” Infancy : the official journal of the International Society on Infant Studies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530987/. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

Child Development
Special Needs
Sensory Processing
Developmental Milestones


Classroom Considerations for Teachers and Kids with Special Needs Episode 15

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In this episode I discuss possible considerations for teachers to use with children in their classrooms. These ideas could benefit both kids with and without special needs. Strategies are given for ways to potentially increase their attention to tasks as well as help them be calm when being over active or “wound up”.

Research Article: http://ajot.aota.org
Fedewa, Alicia L., and Heather E. Erwin. “Stability Balls and Students With Attention and Hyperactivity Concerns: Implications for On-Task and In-Seat Behavior.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, 1 July 2011, ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1851485. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017

Wittfitt Website: https://www.wittfitt.com

email: [email protected]
website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Child Development
Sensory Processing
Occupational Therapy
Special Needs


Weighted Sensory Lap Pad

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Weighted lap pads can be a calming strategy to use with kids who are feeling fidgety and wound up or anxious. The weight on their lap can provide some deep pressure which could be enough to make them feel calm and ready to sit and learn.


Chew Stixx Pencil Toppers

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These chewable pencil toppers are great for those kids who feel the need to chew on things like pencils, pens, clothing, etc. These are meant for chewing and biting to help fulfill the sensory need. Use with supervision and discard at the first sign of wear and tear.


Gymnic Disc-O-Sit Inflatable Seat Cushion

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This inflatable disc seat cushion can be used with kids who have that need to keep moving while they are sitting in one place! The disc can be used at home or in school for kids to sit longer while eating meals or doing school work at their desk. Also, great for circle time with the younger kids who need their own space to sit during this group activity.
The discs are lightweight, durable, and very easy to use!


Bottles and Cups in Infant and Child Development Episode 14

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On this episode we take a look at a research study that determines what causes the most injuries to children under 3 years of age with regards to bottles, sippy cups, and pacifiers.
Then, you get an Occupational Therapists perspective on teaching kids to drink from an open cup or straw cup when transitioning from bottle drinking.

Research Study Information:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org
Keim, Sarah A., et al. “Injuries Associated With Bottles, Pacifiers, and Sippy Cups in the United States, 1991–2010.” Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 June 2012, pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/6/1104. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

See Amazon links for:
Reflo Cups: Reflo Smart Cup, Green
Take N Toss Cups: The First Years Straw Cup, Take and Toss, 10 Ounce,, 8-Count

email: [email protected]
website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Child Development
Infant Development
Sensory Processing
Oral Motor
Special Needs


Take N Toss Straw Cups

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Take N Toss straw cups are great for teaching kids how to drink from a straw. You can give the cup a little squeeze and some of the liquid will come up through the straw. It is not completely spill proof, but usually only a little will spill out if it gets tipped over. They are light weight and easy for little hands to hold as well.


Reflo Smart Cup

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This cup is a great way to start teaching children to drink from an open cup with potentially less spilling than with an open cup. You can allow them to have some independence without worrying about the entire drink spilling right away if the cup tips over.
The cup has a round piece that fits down inside the cup above the liquid. It has small spaces all around the edge of the round piece that will allow liquid to easily flow out when the cup is tipped up. However, the entire amount of liquid will not pour out at once. It will flow through the spaces into a smaller stream for drinking with a more controlled flow than with just an open cup.


“W” Sitting Effect in Child Development Episode 13

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On this show, I talk about the effects of “W” sitting in child development. Whether or not to correct kids who are “W” sitting is apparently a controversial topic! However, as an Occupational Therapist in early intervention, I work with kids who have special needs or developmental and motor delays so my perspective is pretty clear. When kids have developmental or motor delays for whatever reason, they often have weakness in their core muscles (tummy, sides, and back). “W” sitting can allow this weakness to continue which could make their school aged years more difficult than they have to be.

https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Research Article on W Sitting and Flatfoot
http://link.springer.com
Chen, Kun-Chung, et al. “Relevant factors influencing flatfoot in preschool-Aged children.” SpringerLink, Springer-Verlag, 22 Dec. 2010, link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00431-010-1380-7. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

https://consciousmovements.com
Owens, Buffy. The Brilliance of W Sitting. Conscious Movements. Web. 5/22/2017

http://ilslearningcorner.com
Primitive Reflexes: The Answer Behind W Sitting and How to Fix it. Integrated Learning Strategies Learning Corner. Web. 5/22/2017.

Flat Foot (Pes Planus)
http://www.webmd.com
Web MD. Flatfoot Pes Planus Topic Overview. Web. 5/22/2017.

Femoral Anteversion
http://www.childrenshospital.org
Boston Children’s Hospital. Femoral Anteversion Overview. Web. 5/22/2017.

Today News Story on W Sitting
http://www.today.com/
Pawlowski, A. Today. Why W Sitting is Really Not So Bad for Kids After All. Web. 5/22/2017.

Child Development
Sensory Processing
Special Needs


Gymnic Physio Balance Therapy Gym Ball 12 inch (30 cm)

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These therapy balls can be used with kids to increase their core muscle strength and endurance for sitting. 12″ size is good for toddlers, but you may want 25″(65 cm) or 36″ (75 cm) for slightly older kids. It depends on if you want their feet to be able to touch the ground or not when they are sitting on the ball. They will be able to use their feet for stability if they touch the ground, but if their feet do not touch the ground they will need to use more of their core muscles (tummy and back muscles).