On a snowy Saturday morning, January 24, 2014, a dedicated group of therapists, educators, and child specialists gathered at Therapro to attend a seminar by Barbara Smith, MS, OTR/L. Despite challenging weather conditions, attendees were eager to gain insights from Barbara Smith’s extensive experience in occupational therapy.
Barbara Smith, known for her innovative approaches in occupational therapy, presented on the topic of early intervention and its critical role in preparing children for school. Drawing from her 30 years of experience across various settings—including early intervention programs, public schools, and day habilitation centers—she emphasized the importance of sensory integration and movement in developing hand skills.
During the seminar, Barbara discussed practical strategies for incorporating movement into therapy sessions to enhance fine motor skills. She highlighted techniques such as using weighted materials to improve body awareness and employing vertical surfaces to promote fine motor development. These methods, she explained, can be particularly effective for children with sensory processing disorders.
Attendees also learned about Barbara’s publications, including “The Recycling Occupational Therapist” and “From Rattles to Writing: A Parent’s Guide to Hand Skills.” These resources offer valuable guidance for therapists and parents alike in supporting children’s developmental needs.
The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to delve deeper into specific challenges they face in their practice. Barbara’s expertise and practical advice left attendees equipped with new tools and perspectives to enhance their therapeutic approaches.
Visit Barbara’s blog, The Recycling Occupational Therapist, to learn more about “Innovative Interventions to Treat Children on the Autism Spectrum.”