Tag Archives: parent resources

Child development resources for parents are essential for supporting learning, behavior, and everyday routines at home. This tag offers practical tools, expert tips, and trusted information to help parents navigate motor skills, communication, sensory needs, and more.

Tools to Build Self-Regulation: Ready, Set, Learn! Seminar Recap

Events & Conferences, Sensory Regulation, , , , ,

A captive audience representing a broad range of disciplines attended Therapro’s September Saturday Seminar featuring Lise Gerard Faulise, MS, OTR/L, BCP. Lise is the founder of Rehab New England, a private sensory integration-oriented practice in Rhode Island, and co-founder of the Wolf School in East Providence, Rhode Island, designed for K-8 children with learning differences. Her presentation, Ready, Set, Learn: Tools to Build Self Regulation, provided a clear view of how self regulation develops from in utero and beyond, how dysregulation might occur, and how treatment can affect function.

Lise’s discussion of foundational skills that impact somatosensory experiences of a child before, during, and after birth was comprehensive. She led us through the developmental process where sensory and motor development are intimately linked, and showed how they help develop cognitive skills efficiently from the “bottom up.” She referred to the “Pyramid of Learning,” developed by Occupational Therapists MarySue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger, authors of the Alert Program – How Does Your Engine Run?, which teaches children how to identify and change self regulation using the analogy of an engine.

When there is a problem with self regulation, where the child either seeks or avoids sensory input, we may see behavioral changes in the child, which should raise red flags and further questions. Lise recommended the book, Is It Sensory or Is It Behavior? to help us examine if the behavior is intentional or whether it is a by-product. She suggested observing the timing of the behavior and whether it is limited to specific environments. For a child who experiences sensory modulation issues, Lise suggested providing the child with a large dose of sensory input activities so that behaviors don’t escalate and/or the child doesn’t feel threatened. For a child who experiences sensory overload, she suggested a quiet area or space at home and in the classroom that has things available that comfort the child, like a Cozy Caterpillar Sock, and comfortable clothing like Compression Clothing. She noted that oral or hand fidgets can help with self regulation as well. In addition, Lise identified somatosensory activities that involve deep tactile pressure, heavy work, rhythmical movement, music, breathing, and mindfulness as research-supported activities that are calming. Treatment materials to use may include scooter boards, Deluxe Peanut Balls, Rainy Day Playground: 2 in 1 Rotary Platform Swing, Heavy Work Bands, to name a few. When a child is self-regulated he/she is ready to tackle higher-level function.

We were engaged fully in Lise’s seminar and wanted to hear more as the two hours of her presentation evaporated. Her skills as a clinician, researcher, and lecturer in the area of sensory processing disorders were evident from her solid and inspiring presentation.

Attendees offered these positive remarks:

“What a pleasure! Great presenter and excellent information.” – Beth B., Occupational Therapist

“So much information that I can really use in my classroom. Clarified a lot! Could have been 2-3 classes!” – R. B., Teacher

“All educators should be equipped with tools to help children with self-regulation.” – Anonymous, Teacher

“Very informative and relatable to all disciplines.” – Amanda S., Behavior Analyst (ABA)

“Great seminar – loved the specific examples, backed by evidence-based practice.” – Marianne T., Occupational Therapist

Thank you, Lise!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
September 9, 2017

Self-Care with Flair: A Curriculum

Daily Living, Life Skills and Transition Planning, , ,

Creative authors, Bhanu Raghavan, MS, OTR/L and Ginger McDonald, OTR/L developed a unique curriculum for increasing independence with self-care skills. The program instructs how to teach the skills of dressing, grooming, toilet training, and eating by using a uniform approach with pictures and rhyming while employing visual, verbal, and tactile/kinesthetic cues. Each task is broken down into steps through activity analysis. In June of this year, Bhanu shared her expertise with therapists, caregivers, and children in Guatemala. Here is the account of her experience.

Visit the Self Care with Flair! webpage.

Bhanu Raghavan, MS, OTR/L

Self-Care with Flair! goes international once again…

Teaching basic self-care skills to children can be tedious and is often not prioritized in school or at home, even though these skills are critical for successful transition into the community. Occupational therapists are often consulted for support with this task.  A uniform approach to teaching daily living skills is critical to helping the child generalize the skills to all situations. Learning can be delayed when small differences in method and/or terminology confuse the child or when the number of steps prove to be overwhelming for the child, parent and/or teacher. Occupational therapists, Bhanu Raghavan and Ginger McDonald, authors of Self Care with Flair!, have shared their expertise in teaching self-care skills in a creative, fun way with therapists across the globe. Their methodology involves teaching self-care skills using rhymes to promote mastery and retention within a short period of time. They have based their method on evidence-based research that demonstrates that novel experiences such as rhymes and rhythm trigger the brain to sustain attention. In 2015, they presented at the British Occupational Therapy conference about their effective strategies for teaching self-care skills from their book to a packed audience.

In June 2017, when Bhanu accompanied a team of students, therapists and Professors from Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio) to participate in a weeklong volunteer service project in Guatemala at the Missionaries of the Highways, a clinic and residential facility for children with a variety of physical and mental disabilities. Over the course of the week, many questions about teaching self-care skills to children with disabilities arose. Bhanu shared strategies from Self Care with Flair! when she presented an in-service to the staff.  During that week, strategies from Self-Care with Flair! were shared with parents and caregivers as well. Although Spanish is the national language of Guatemala, the illustrations (300+) in the book made teaching/learning quite simple and universal.

Using Self-Care with Flair! Bhanu aided the staff, parents, and caregivers in understanding that the brain learns and retains when visual, auditory and kinesthetic cues are embedded in the teaching/learning process, resulting in success for life.

At the end of the week-long service project, the staff of the Missionaries of the Highway acknowledged the ease of use and success of the Self Care with Flair! approach to self-care activities and requested a copy of the book, which was gladly given to them (See photos).  Much to Bhanu’s delight, one of the OTs at the facility volunteered to translate the rhymes in the book into the Spanish language as needs arose!  The week was a joyful learning experience for all!!

Self-Care with Flair!
Self-Care with Flair!
Self-Care with Flair!

Bhanu Raghavan, MS, OTR/L

Bhanu RaghavanA graduate of Indiana University and The Ohio State University, Bhanu has over 25 years of experience in pediatrics. She is certified in pediatric NDT and the READY Approach (Bonnie Hanschu) for Sensory Integration Disorders. Frequently, she presents workshops on topics related to self-care independence, sensory processing disorders and fine motor/handwriting skill development to therapists, teachers and parents/caregivers. She works at Centerville City schools, OH. She is a firm believer of the following Confucian principle: “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.”

Weighted Blankets and More: Recap

Events & Conferences, Sensory, , ,
Kristi Langslet, OTR/L ended the 2017 Spring Saturday Seminar Series with her enlightening presentation: Weighted Blankets and More for Use in Your Sensory Room or Sensory Carts! She discussed benefits and applications of weighted, compression and fidget products in Sensory Rooms and Sensory Carts.

General confusion and misconceptions abound regarding the use of therapeutic weighted materials, which Kristi dispelled with her seminar. She is an experienced therapist, having worked in a variety of primarily pediatric settings. Kristi began designing and making products for her clients to meet specific needs related to sensory processing. With her sister, Heidi, she developed and launched her therapeutic products company Sommerfly, in 2005, with the goal of “Calm, Sleep and Focus for All.”

Kristi’s review of research findings regarding sensory rooms and weighted blankets was thorough. The research reviewed came primarily from studies in adult psychiatric settings, but was still applicable to broader settings and age groups. Sensory rooms have been validated as safe, effective, anxiety and distress reducers, with weighted blankets being particularly useful for decreasing anxiety. She emphasized the recommendation for the best way to use a weighted blanket is for the child to apply it on himself/herself. Research cited from Tina Champagne, MEd, OTR/L indicates that weighted blankets should weigh more than 10% of the wearer’s body weight to be most effective – with 15-25% of a person’s weight as the guideline for use. She cited studies that indicate the rise in pediatric admissions for behavioral health problems. This fact points to the need for treatment strategies that are accessible, powerful, sensory-based, and research supported.

Sensory rooms are defined as a voluntary, self-managed place to decrease stress; they empower people to care for themselves. In these rooms you might find a Sit Tight Weighted Lap Pad,  a Relaxer Blanket,  and a variety of other calming sensory materials such as a white noise machine, lava lamp, chewing gum,exercise bands, yoga position cards, noise cancelling headphones, etc., depending on the child’s age and needs. Kristi referred to Karen Moore’s Sensory Connection books as a having a wealth of information for developing sensory rooms and carts.

In her discussion of compression garments and muscle work, Kristi reminded us that compression garments have a similar effect as deep pressure applied to the skin and heavy work on joints/muscles. Both compression garments and weighted products provide similar touch pressure sensation, with a rapid response time, but heavy muscle work response time varies. The guideline for weighted vests provided was 3-5% of the wearer’s weight is optimal with wearing times of between 15-30 minutes at a time throughout the day; accommodation occurs with longer wearing times.

Kristi reported that since the hands and mouth have a high density of touch and proprioceptive receptors, the perception of sensation in these areas is greater than in other body areas. This may explain why we naturally fidget with hands and mouth with activities like nail biting, smoking, doodling, hair twirling, etc. Hand fidget research evidence shows that distraction reduced anxiety and pain after surgery. She advocated the use of a fidget as a “tool” versus a “toy” with examples like a Wristful Fidget or a Fidgety.

In our stress-filled society, the popularity and use of mindfulness techniques has alerted us to the value of being calm and centered. Sensory strategies we employ personally give us a sense of well being and regulation. Kristi asked us to imagine what effect they might have on a child who is “at risk.” As occupational therapists, we understand the value of and can use self-regulation practices to help people function optimally. After Kristi’s presentation, we understood the application of weighted products and fidgets more thoroughly, particularly with the pertinent research cited by her. When caregivers are given tools designed to help with self-regulation, coupled with other cognitive-behavioral strategies, we can look forward to seeing the effects with our students/patients as they reengage in life occupations.

Take a look at some of the glowing comments attendees provided:

“Great to have research to back up findings. Simple facts and Ideas to pass on to school colleagues and administration.” – Fredda T., Occupational Therapist

“I tend to be relatively skeptical about these issues, but I found Kristi extremely knowledgeable and approachable, and her presentation very informative. Lots to think about!” – Maura K., Teacher

“I liked the trauma informed approach, evidence based and practical suggestions. Really appreciated the update on weight guidelines.” – Kim B., Occupational Therapist

“Great intro course for new therapist and/or parents, teachers, related fields. Most useful for experienced OTs was the research/weight & wearing prescription/demo of products. Organized, straightforward presenter. Warm, open, compassionate, available for questions and pertinent case studies. Thank you!!” – Bernadette W., Occupational Therapist

“Great answers to questions, great products, great suggestions. I like the non toy look for fidgets.” – Anonymous, Occupational Therapist

Thank you, Kristi!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
May 6, 2017