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

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.

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Sensory Avoidance Vs. Sensory Seeking
Sarah Sidwell Sarah Sidwell

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.

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Bedtime Strategies To Help My Child Wind Down 
Sarah Sidwell Sarah Sidwell

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: 

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Fun Fall Gross Motor Activities For Kids With Sensory-Seeking Needs
Sarah Sidwell Sarah Sidwell

Fun Fall Gross Motor Activities For Kids With Sensory-Seeking Needs

Fall is here! That means crisp air, crunchy leaves, and the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy some fun, sensory-packed activities with your kiddos. If you have a child who loves to move and is constantly seeking sensory input, gross motor activities are an amazing way to help them release energy, develop coordination, and have a blast!

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