Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills needed to participate in their daily "occupations" — the meaningful activities of childhood including play, self-care, learning, and social interaction. We work with children to improve their motor, cognitive, sensory processing, and social skills that are essential for functioning in their home, school, and community environments.

While there is some overlap, physical therapy (PT) primarily focuses on gross motor skills, strength, mobility, and physical functioning. Occupational therapy (OT) addresses how these physical abilities and other skills (sensory, cognitive, emotional) impact a child's ability to participate in daily activities. For example, a PT might help a child improve balance and coordination, while an OT would help that child use these skills to successfully dress themselves or engage in playground activities.

If your child struggles with daily activities like handwriting, dressing, managing emotions, participating in physical activities, or shows sensory sensitivities that impact their daily functioning, they may benefit from occupational therapy. I offer comprehensive evaluations to determine specific needs and whether OT services would be beneficial.

Sensory integration is the neurological process through which our brain organizes and interprets information from our senses to help us interact effectively with our environment. It's the foundation that allows us to make sense of all the sensory input we receive—not just from the commonly known five senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell), but also from our vestibular system (balance and spatial orientation) and proprioception (body awareness).

When sensory integration functions well, a child can:

• Filter out irrelevant sensory information while focusing on what's important

• Coordinate movements smoothly and with appropriate force

• Maintain an optimal level of alertness for learning and social interaction

• Respond appropriately to sensory experiences rather than being overwhelmed or under-responsive

• Participate comfortably in daily activities that others might take for granted

Sensory integration challenges occur when the brain struggles to process and respond to sensory information efficiently. For some children, certain sensations may feel overwhelming or uncomfortable (over-responsivity), while others might seek out intense sensory experiences because they don't register sensations as readily (under-responsivity).

School-based and telehealth sessions last between 30-53 minutes, and the time will be agreed upon before hand so that you know what to expect. In-home sessions and clinic-based sessions are typically 53 minutes in length.

The frequency of sessions is determined by your child's individual needs. Most children benefit from weekly sessions, but some may require twice-weekly sessions initially, while others may transition to every-other-week as they progress. We'll discuss the recommended frequency after your child’s evaluation.

The format of sessions varies widely based on your child’s needs and the location of the session.

In community settings we might meet at a grocery store or park to problem solve a specific challenge that you are encountering. Or we might meet at your child’s music class to support their regulation and attention in a group setting.

Therapy sessions at home are more predictable and will usually follow the following format:

• A check-in with parents/caregivers

• Structured therapeutic activities disguised as games

• Sensory or movement activities

• Practice of daily living skills in context

• Parent coaching and demonstration of strategies

• A wrap-up with recommendations for home practice

I highly encourage parents/caregivers to be present for your child’s session. Your participation helps you learn strategies to support your child between sessions and leads to better progress.

The duration of therapy varies greatly depending on your child's needs, the complexity of their challenges, and how quickly they progress. Some children require 3-6 months of intervention, while others benefit from ongoing support over longer periods. I will regularly review progress with you and adjust our plan accordingly. 

Contact me directly at kathryn@homefrontpeds.com or via our contact form to discuss your group's needs, preferred topics, available dates, and expected number of participants. We offer flexible scheduling options including evenings and weekends to accommodate various groups.

Individual sessions are typically 53 minutes long at $180. Options for shorter or longer sessions are available on a case-by-case basis.

Consultations are priced at $130/hour.

Yes, occupational therapy services are typically eligible expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). If you would like to use your HSA or FSA to pay for services, I can work with you to submit any necessary documentation to your insurance company.