Understanding Occupational Therapy: Clinic Expectations and Sensory Approaches
Are you a homeschool parent who is seeking resources and guidance to help support your child’s development and well-being?
Today I’ve invited Kim Hazelton, a fellow occupational therapist and homeschool mom, to share her expertise on managing clinic expectations for occupational therapy. The insights and valuable information shared in our conversation are essential for any homeschool parent who is navigating the world of occupational therapy for their child.
Understanding Clinic Expectations
We dive deep into what parents can expect from occupational therapists (OTs) and the questions they should be asking when seeking therapy for their child. Kim Hazelton sheds light on the importance of finding a therapist who understands the interactions between the autonomic nervous system and sensory processing and how it impacts a child’s behavior and responses. She emphasizes the need for a therapist who prioritizes the child’s and family’s goals and understands the unique challenges faced in a homeschooling environment.
Collaborative Approach to Therapy
Our conversation focuses on collaboration and communication between the therapist, child, and parents. Kim shares her approach of involving parents in therapy sessions and providing them with techniques to continue at home. The emphasis on teamwork and the therapist’s involvement in educating and empowering parents aligns perfectly with the collaborative nature of homeschooling. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s therapy and are provided with the necessary tools and support to facilitate their child’s progress.
Resourceful Insights
As we talked, Kim mentioned two insightful books she has written that are valuable resources for parents. Calm Down, Child offers more than 50 strategies for calming a child, including techniques like yoga, essential oils, and breathing exercises. The second book, Neuro Roots, presents a neurodevelopmental approach to therapy for children with sensory processing disorder. These books serve as practical guides for parents, providing them with valuable techniques and explanations that can be incorporated into their child’s therapy and everyday life.
A Supportive Community
We also explored the role of the clinic in providing a supportive environment for children and families. Kim’s insights into accommodating the individual needs of each child and family highlight the importance of finding a therapist and clinic that resonates with the values and goals of homeschooling parents. The emphasis on individualized care, flexibility, and understanding of the challenges of homeschooling creates a sense of reassurance for parents seeking occupational therapy for their child.
Finding the Right Support for your Child is Essential
Homeschooling parents play a crucial role in their child’s development, and finding the right occupational therapy support is essential. Embrace the expertise and wisdom of those around you to gain the knowledge needed to support your child’s neurodevelopmental journey.
OT is IN #3: What to Expect at the OT Clinic: A Conversation on Sensory Therapy for Kids
In this episode, I welcome Kim Hazelton, an experienced occupational therapist and fellow homeschool mom, to discuss the expectations parents should have when seeking occupational therapy for their children. We discuss the importance of understanding sensory systems and autonomic nervous system behaviors, emphasize the need for personalized and collaborative therapy sessions, and share insights into carrying over therapy techniques at home.
Kim also introduces her books, Calm Down, Child, and Neuro Roots, offering valuable resources for parents. You will gain valuable insights into navigating the world of occupational therapy and building a collaborative support system for your children.
In this episode you’ll hear about:
- Discussion on Challenges Faced by Families in Occupational Therapy
- Sarah shares a story of a family and their struggles with occupational therapy for their son.
- Kim explains the impact of autonomic nervous system on sensory system and reflexes, particularly in children.
- Emphasis on understanding the child’s regulation struggles and the importance of not creating power struggles during therapy.
- Kim discusses the importance of understanding the parents’ concerns, struggles, and priorities.
- Emphasizes the need for collaboration and individualized approach in therapy sessions.
- Kim discusses the approach of addressing the child’s challenges and working on goals specific to the parents’ priorities.
- Emphasis on involving parents in the therapy sessions and providing them with techniques to use at home.
- Providing concrete proof of a child’s progress through videos and feedback.
- Kim highlights the importance of collaboration and communication with parents in therapy.
- The significance of parents being involved in the sessions and following up on the techniques at home.
- Being an educator for the parents and empowering them with techniques for immediate success.
- The Haller method and body mapping as therapeutic approaches.
- Body mapping in providing tactile and proprioceptive input to a child’s body.
Links and Resources From Today’s Show
- The Best Places to Find OT Services for Homeschool Families
- Calm Down Child
- Neuro Roots
- Learning about Interoception and Language Arts Together
Connect with our Guest
Kim Hazelton is that expert friend everyone wishes they had when they’re trying to figure out why their kid seems to hit the panic button over stuff that seems small to adults. She’s clued in on how kiddos’ inner alarm systems—the ones that tell them to fight, flee, or just freeze up—can get all tangled up with the stuff they see, hear, and feel. Kim, an occupational therapist and fellow homeschool mom working in Tampa, FL is passionate about helping parents understand the nervous system as well.
