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Polkadot Sparrow - Neurodivergence in Adulthood: Navigating Sensory Overload and Executive Function Challenges

Polkadot Sparrow - World Prematurity Day: Supporting Our Tiniest Fighters with Occupational Therapy

Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements made by the hands and fingers that allow children to handle tiny objects and perform detailed tasks. These skills involve strength, coordination, and control. From picking up a crayon to tying shoelaces, fine motor skills play a crucial role in a child’s everyday life. Between ages 4 and 8, children use these skills for eating with utensils, dressing themselves, playing with toys, drawing, and learning to write. Developing st

Every young child experiences the world through their senses: hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell. Sensory development describes how these senses grow and how a child’s nervous system learns to respond to sensory information. This process, often called sensory integration, helps children notice and make sense of their surroundings. By the time children reach school age, usually between 4 and 8 years, most can handle everyday sounds, lights, and textures. Yet, some childre

Bringing your baby home after a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can lead to a whirlwind of emotions. It's a time to celebrate, but also a period filled with uncertainty. As the parent of a high-risk infant, you might feel overwhelmed with questions about how to support your child's growth in those crucial early days and weeks after discharge. One incredibly valuable resource at your disposal is early occupational therapy (OT) support. This blog post will explo

Have you ever seen your child cover their ears in a crowded store or become upset at lively birthday parties? The loud sounds and chaotic environment can be overwhelming for some kids. While others may seem just fine in these situations, your child could be struggling with sensory processing. Understanding this can help you support them better. Sensory Processing refers to how our brains interpret information from our senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and movement. F

As the school year approaches, many parents of 5- to 6-year-olds find themselves pondering a crucial question: Is my child ready for Grade 1? While it’s easy to focus exclusively on academic skills, like knowing the alphabet or counting to 20, school readiness involves much more. It encompasses social skills, emotional maturity, fine motor abilities, and even a child's capacity for listening and focusing. It’s a multifaceted evaluation that goes beyond traditional academics.