Sarah Sidwell 9/5/25 Sarah Sidwell 9/5/25

Unlocking Convenience: The Perks of Using Our Client Portal

In today’s fast-paced world, managing your health care shouldn’t be a hassle. That’s why we’re excited to highlight the benefits of using our client portal, designed to make your experience as seamless as possible. Once you log into the portal, you can access everything you will need from the home page. Here are some key features that you’ll love:

# 1. Easy Access to Appointment Details
No more flipping through papers or searching through emails! With our client portal, you can quickly check the date and time of all your upcoming appointments. This feature ensures you stay organized and never miss a visit.

# 2. Simplified Invoice Management
Keeping track of unpaid invoices is now a breeze. Our portal allows you to view any outstanding invoices and pay them directly through the platform. It’s secure, efficient, and saves you time—no more waiting for paper bills to arrive!

# 3. Streamlined Registration Process
Need to fill out registration documents? You can do that right in the portal! This feature allows you to complete necessary forms online, making your visits quicker and more efficient.

# 4. Direct Communication with Our Team
Have a question or need clarification? The client portal offers a convenient way to communicate directly with our clinic and providers. Whether it’s a quick question or a more detailed inquiry, you can connect with us easily, ensuring you get the support you need.

By utilizing our client portal, you gain greater control over your health care experience. We encourage you to take advantage of these features to enhance your interaction with our clinic. Sign in today and discover how easy managing your health care can be!

Sarah Sidwell 9/5/25 Sarah Sidwell 9/5/25

The Power of Two: How Co-Treatments Can Transform Your Child's Therapy

At Ability Innovations, our goal is to be interdisciplinary. We believe that by working together, we can provide better care and achieve greater success for the children we work with. According to Nick and Megan, co-treating offers several key benefits:

Better Outcomes: When two therapists from different specialties work together, a child often makes greater progress in both areas. The therapists can build on each other's work and augment the benefits of each session. For example, an OT might work on a child's core strength on a swing, while the SLP uses that regulated state to encourage communication and language skills.
Efficiency for Parents: Co-treating can significantly shorten the time a family has to spend at the clinic. Instead of attending two separate appointments, you can get two therapies in one session. This is a huge time-saver for busy families.
Holistic Care: Therapy isn't just about one specific skill; it's about helping a child function better in the world. By combining two disciplines, therapists can address multiple goals at once. Megan shared a great example of a scavenger hunt she did with an OT. While the child was working on fine motor skills and handwriting with the OT, Megan had them practice and write words that targeted their speech sounds.

Sarah Sidwell 9/3/25 Sarah Sidwell 9/3/25

Sensory Avoidance Vs. Sensory Seeking

In the world of occupational therapy, sensory processing plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate their daily lives. Two common sensory patterns—sensory avoidance and sensory seeking—represent opposite ends of the sensory spectrum. Sensory avoidance refers to individuals who are overwhelmed or distressed by certain sensory input, such as bright lights, loud noises, or specific textures. These individuals often withdraw from stimuli, preferring quiet, calm environments. In contrast, sensory seekers actively crave sensory input and may engage in behaviors like touching everything around them, making loud noises, or constantly moving.

Sarah Sidwell 8/27/25 Sarah Sidwell 8/27/25

Why Consistent Toe Walking Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Toe walking is exactly what it sounds like: a walking pattern where a child walks on the balls of their feet without letting their heels touch the ground. It can be habitual, neurological, or linked to developmental or sensory issues.

While it may look harmless, consistent toe walking can lead to several physical and developmental issues if not properly addressed.

Sarah Sidwell 8/21/25 Sarah Sidwell 8/21/25

Is Your Child Struggling? Here’s What to Know About Pediatric Speech Therapy

If you've ever wondered about the signs of a language delay in a child or the benefits of speech therapy, the video "What Is Pediatric Speech Therapy?" by Ability Innovations provides a helpful overview. The video focuses on pediatric speech therapy for children from birth to 21 years old and highlights a play-based approach to treatment.

Sarah Sidwell 8/15/25 Sarah Sidwell 8/15/25

Bedtime Strategies To Help My Child Wind Down

If you're a parent of a child who receives pediatric occupational therapy, chances are you've seen how sensory needs, emotional regulation challenges, or developmental differences can affect your child’s sleep. Bedtime can become a battleground—or a never-ending routine of delays, restlessness, and midnight wake-ups. The good news? There are strategies that can help. Occupational therapy often addresses not only daytime functioning but also nighttime routines, because sleep is foundational to your child's development, behavior, and overall well-being.

Here are some OT strategies you can try to help your child wind down and stay asleep:

Sarah Sidwell 8/1/25 Sarah Sidwell 8/1/25

Building Your Village: Why Parent Support Meetings Are Essential for Special Needs Families

Raising a child is a journey filled with unique joys and challenges. But for parents of children with autism and other disabilities, that journey often comes with an extra layer of complexity. From navigating specialized therapies to advocating for your child's needs in various settings, it's a marathon, not a sprint. And sometimes, the most challenging part isn't even within the home – it's the lack of understanding from those around us.