Supporting Your Child's Development Through Early Intervention and Seasonal Changes

The holidays are a magical time, but for some, the change in routines and sensory overload can be overwhelming. How do we manage this with children, especially those with sensory processing needs, to ensure the festive season is enjoyable for everyone?

Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Allison Carter, an occupational therapist with extensive experience in early intervention. She shared many valuable insights and strategies to support parents during busy seasons.

Embracing Early Intervention

Early intervention targets children from birth to three years old. It focuses on providing family-centered services within the home environment. This approach is wonderful because it aligns closely with the principles of homeschooling – personalized, child-led learning within a familiar and comfortable setting. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, seeking early intervention could be a crucial step. In most states, the process is straightforward; you can often self-refer by simply making a phone call to your local early intervention program.Preparing for Seasonal Changes

As we head into this vibrant, albeit hectic, time of year, it’s essential to keep some strategies in mind:

Maintain Predictability: Even when routines change, try to keep some elements predictable. This can mean bringing along your child’s favorite blanket, a familiar snack, or their beloved toy. These familiar objects provide comfort and a sense of security in new environments.
Practice Calming Techniques: Before the need arises, practice breathing exercises or other calming strategies at home. For example, you can teach your child to breathe in for a count of five and out for a count of five. Make it a fun daily practice so that when you are in a new and potentially overwhelming setting, these techniques are second nature.
Observation is Key: Keep a keen eye on your child’s behavior for signs of overwhelm. If you notice your child becoming overstimulated, take a proactive approach. Step outside for a few minutes, go for a walk, or sit in the car and listen to their favorite song. These breaks can help them decompress and reset.

Think of it like how we prepare for a new school year or a significant change in our homeschooling co-op. Just as we plan activities that cater to various ages and abilities, we can make the holiday season enjoyable and manageable by paying attention to our children’s needs and behaviors.

Building a Support Network

Allison also emphasized the importance of building a supportive team around yourself and your child. Whether through early intervention services or finding occupational therapists who align with your homeschooling philosophy, having a team that understands and supports your approach is invaluable.

For those in mainstream schooling or other communities, remember, asking for help or reaching out to professionals who understand your unique situation is a sign of strength and dedication to your child’s well-being.

Navigating the holiday season with its many demands and altered routines doesn’t have to be daunting. By preparing, observing, and supporting our children – and ourselves – we can create a joyful and enriching time for everyone.

OT is IN #41 Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially During the Holiday Season

In this episode, we’re discussing the world of early intervention with our special guest, Allison Carter, a seasoned occupational therapist with over two decades of experience. Allison provides insightful strategies for maintaining routines and supporting sensory needs during the chaotic December holiday season, ensuring our children are set up for success.

We’ll discuss the unique challenges faced by homeschool families when accessing occupational therapy services and offer practical advice on navigating these obstacles. Plus, Allison shares her extensive background in working with infants and toddlers, and her steadfast dedication to early intervention.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

An Overview of Early Intervention
Qualification: Diagnosis or a half-age delay in development
Scope of OT’s Role: Customized to family needs, strategies for feeding, motor, language, etc.
Environment Impact: Homeschools are unique, similar to early intervention
Comfort and Familiarity: Working in the child’s own environment
Family Goals: Aligning professional expertise with family desires
Program Eligibility and State Differences for Early Intervention
Standardized Tests: Fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, speech and language, cognitive
State Requirements: Differences in qualification criteria (e.g., Maryland’s 25% vs. Missouri’s half-age delay)
Diagnosis-based Eligibility: Automatic qualification for certain diagnosed conditions
Referral and Enrollment in Early Intervention Programs
Self-Referral: Parents can call directly
Hospital Referrals: Children’s hospitals informing parents
Pediatrician Awareness: Variable knowledge among local pediatricians
Homeschool Community and Occupational Therapy
Challenges: Homeschool community’s distrust or lack of awareness about OT
Communication Barriers: Difficulty in accessing homeschool groups or co-ops
Mutual Understanding: Overcoming biases on both sides to find alignment
Tools and Resources
Interviewing OTs: Guidelines for ensuring compatibility between OTs and homeschool families
Homeschool OTs Listing: A guide for OTs to join and parents to find appropriate professionals
Changes in Routine During December
Predictability and Familiarity: Importance for comfort, especially for sensory needs
Emotional Responses: Excitement, distraction, overwhelm
Real-Life Parallel: Comparing to the experience of starting a new job
Strategies for Managing Changes
Predictability: Making situations predictable and familiar objects
Practicing Strategies: Calming techniques and breathing exercises at home
Early Signs: Observing for signs of overstimulation or overwhelm
Decompression: Taking breaks to calm down if needed

Links and Resources From Today’s Show

Connect with our Guest, Allison Carter

Allison Carter is an Occupational Therapist working in Early Intervention and Private Practice in the home and community settings. She is also the host of the Milestones Podcast which provides information about developmental milestones, sensory processing, feeding, and more.