Author Archives: Jeremy Schalski

How Occupational Therapy Supports Development

A female Occupational Therapist works with a young mixed race boy during a therapy session. She is using Play-Doh to work on the boys gross motor skills.

Building Independence Through Play  Many parents think of occupational therapy (OT) as handwriting practice or help with brushing teeth. But the truth is that OT can help with almost every part of a child’s growth and development. From the way they move their body and process new sensations, to how they handle big emotions or […]

The Importance of Early Intervention in Pediatric Therapy

Importance of Early Intervention in Pediatric Therapy

Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes progress toward milestones doesn’t come as easily as expected. A child may use fewer words than their peers, avoid certain foods or textures, or struggle with balance and coordination. These differences don’t mean a child cannot succeed,  but they may indicate a developmental delay or medical […]

How Physical Therapy Helps Children Develop Motion Skills

How Physical Therapy Helps Kids Build Motion Skills

Does your child stumble often when running, avoid playground activities, or seem uncertain on stairs? These everyday challenges are often linked to gross motor skills — the whole-body movements children rely on for walking, climbing, jumping, and balancing. When these skills don’t develop as expected, physical therapy can provide the targeted support children need to […]

Autism & Pacifiers: Understanding the Connection

Autism & Pacifiers: Understanding the Connection

As you walk through life beside your child with autism, you often find yourself seeing surroundings, experiences, and emotions in new ways as your child reminds you there is more than one way to process and engage with the world. Through those discoveries you make together, you also gain a deeper understanding of how to […]

Developmental Milestones for 5-Year-Olds: What Parents Need to Know

Developmental Milestones for 5-Year-Olds: What Parents Need to Know

Being five is a big deal for your child. They are likely starting kindergarten, forming stronger friendships, and showing more independence in day-to-day activities. At this time in their life, they are also experiencing a burst of growth in how they think, communicate, handle emotions, and move around. To track this exciting progress, you can […]

How Grasp Patterns Affect Children’s Fine Motor Skills

Young girl practicing a grasp activity to build fine motor skills

Many everyday tasks, like holding a crayon, buttoning a shirt or opening a snack, depend on something called “fine motor skills.” These are the small, precise movements our hands and fingers make to get things done. One key part of how these abilities develop is the way children learn to “grasp” objects. Known as “grasp […]

The Best Sensory Activities for Children with Autism

Young girl with autism engaging in a sensory activity during therapy

For children with autism spectrum disorder, everyday sensory experiences can sometimes feel overwhelming or unpredictable. Sounds, movements, textures or smells that might be soothing for one child can be overwhelming or distressing for another. These differences in sensory processing can affect how a child participates in daily life. Sensory play gives children a chance to […]

The Best Sensory Toys for Kids with Sensory Challenges

A colorful assortment of sensory toys designed for children with sensory processing challenges, including textured balls, chewable necklaces, and fidget tools.

Does your child crave movement, enjoy deep pressure, meaning a firm touch like tight hugs, or shy away from loud sounds and sticky textures? These preferences may be more than just likes and dislikes—they could reflect how your child processes sensory input. Learning to recognize and support your child’s sensory needs can transform everyday challenges […]