If you have an autistic child, you may understand the challenges of getting a haircut. For many autistic children, the sensory experience of getting their hair cut can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. This can make it difficult for parents and hair stylists alike to give the child a proper haircut. However, there are strategies and techniques that can make the experience more comfortable for the child and easier for everyone involved. One of the biggest challenges of getting a haircut for an autistic child is sensory overload. The sound of the clippers, the feeling of the scissors on the ..read more

Preschoolers' hands are not usually ready to hold a pencil just yet. But they may be ready to learn to write their letters with preschool writing practice! The fine motor skills required for pencil grip and control are still developing in young children. Their small hand muscles are not yet fully formed, and they may lack the coordination and strength needed for traditional writing tools. This early stage is crucial for developing the foundational skills that will support later writing abilities. As preschoolers grow and explore, it's important to encourage their writing skills in a variety ..read more

When I embarked on my journey as a pediatric occupational therapy mentor and coach, I faced uncertainty about the necessity of acquiring a life coaching certification. I also considered coaching parents (which was already part of my job as an early intervention OT) as a side hustle but wasn't confident in offering life coaching as a stand-alone offer. Through my journey, I encountered a steep learning curve and stumbled upon costly mistakes. My aim now is to guide you through this process, ensuring you avoid the financial pitfalls I encountered. This post may contain affiliate links, meani ..read more

I get so many questions about working online as a Virtual Telehealth Occupational Therapist. Today I am answering those questions! When I started as an online tele therapists in 2015 I had no idea what to expect. I interviewed with one company and actually told them I wasn't sure it was possible to do online OT! Then when I interviewed with the next company, I was much more prepared. What I have learned is the sessions are very similar to in-person OT. And the easiest sessions to move online are school based. What is Virtual Telehealth OT Exactly? Virtual occupational therapy (OT) is like ..read more

In my last post I explained WHY you would want to use affiliate marketing in your program. Go read it there, because I am hoping that if you are reading this article, you are all in on setting up your affiliate marketing program as a course creator and are ready to leverage other people's audiences to make more sales! In affiliate marketing, you engage with external promoters like influencers, content creators, or satisfied customers to recommend your products or services. These affiliates will use unique tracking links to promote your offerings, earning a commission for each sale they ini ..read more

Are you a rehab professional who's ventured into the online world with a course or digital product? If that is you, then you've probably heard the term “affiliate marketing”. But what's it really all about, and how can it work for you? The essence of affiliate marketing is where partnerships with trusted industry peers can significantly boost your product's exposure and sales. This strategic approach can be a game-changer for your business, mirroring the success strategies of large corporations using influencer marketing, yet tailored to the unique nuances of the rehab professional’s world ..read more

The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), alongside the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), plays a pivotal role in the early developmental stages of children, significantly influencing their learning and motor skills. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I prioritize the assessment and integration of these reflexes (along with the Moro reflex), recognizing their profound impact on developmental progress. Present from birth, these primitive reflexes naturally integrate as part of the child’s growth. These reflexes, automatic responses to stimuli, are foundational in the development of m ..read more

Do You Dream of Making Passive Income as a Physical or Occupational Therapist? And have considered starting a therapy blog? I would LOVE to write full-time (ideally from a condo on the beach!) and get paid for it. I know many other rehab therapists would love working from home too. While we may have gotten into the field to help people, things have changed, and working with people ALL DAY LONG can be exhausting. When the pandemic hit in 2020, so many people were able to go remote. And some of us were able to also, however many rehab therapists did have to return to in-person work (if they ev ..read more

DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE One of the most common questions I receive from new grad OTs is “How do I supervise a COTA?” For many new grads, it can be very daunting to supervise a COTA with a lot of experience. How to Supervise a COTA as a New Grad OTR all comes down to knowing your state laws, setting expectations, and respecting and forming a relationship with the COTA. In occupational therapy, the collaboration between the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is fundamental. Over the years I have supervised many C ..read more

DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE Selecting your first occupational therapy job is a significant milestone in your professional journey. It's the point where theory meets practice, and where you begin to shape the impact you'll have on the lives of those you serve. This decision can influence your career path, personal growth, and overall job satisfaction.  It is so important to select the first job! I have seen way too many new OTs not happy with their jobs and consider leaving the profession. Please select wisely! Here are seven essential tips to help you navigate this ..read more