Special Needs

Want to learn more about special needs? Check out our articles written by experts and get actionable information about autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing disorder and more! You can also receive a weekly email digest of our blog. Sign up at the form below!

What is interoception?

What is interoception?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L September 17, 2021 5 Comments

We all know about the five main senses: sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch. Many people also know about two other very important hidden senses: proprioception and vestibular. Did you know there’s a third hidden sense- interoception? Learn all about it on our latest blog post!

 

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What is the Spinal Galant Reflex?

What is the Spinal Galant Reflex?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L September 01, 2021

The Spinal Galant Reflex is one of many infant primitive reflexes - an involuntary movement pattern that we are all born with. Learn all about this primitive reflex, what happens when it's not integrated, and what you can do to help.
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What is the Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex?

What is the Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L August 20, 2021

The Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is one of many infant primitive reflexes - an involuntary movement pattern that we are all born with. Learn all about this primitive reflex, what happens when it's not integrated, and what you can do to help.
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The Actionable Guide to Inclusive Classrooms

The Actionable Guide to Inclusive Classrooms

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L August 12, 2021 2 Comments

What is an inclusive classroom and how can you create one to benefit all students? Identify how your students learn and communicate and tailor your teaching to them. Add modifications and accommodations when necessary to provide your students with the opportunity to grow and learn. Read our actionable guide to know exactly how to do this!
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What is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex?

What is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L July 08, 2021

The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is one of many infant primitive reflexes - an involuntary movement pattern that we are all born with. Read our article to learn all about this primitive reflex and how to best help your child if it's unintegrated. We have tons of info on recognizing signs and strategies to use at home to help integrate.
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What is the Palmar Grasp Reflex?

What is the Palmar Grasp Reflex?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L June 29, 2021 1 Comment

The Palmar Grasp reflex is one of many infant primitive reflexes - an involuntary movement pattern that we are all born with. Read our article to learn all about this primitive reflex and how to best help your child if it's unintegrated. We have tons of info on recognizing signs and strategies to use at home to help integrate.
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What is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex?

What is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L June 09, 2021 2 Comments

The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) is one of many infant primitive reflexes - an involuntary movement pattern that we are all born with.The TLR can be most easily seen in infants when laying on the tummy - it looks like the Superman position. Learn all about the TLR, how it integrates, and what to do if your child has unintegrated TLR.
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What is the Moro Reflex?

What is the Moro Reflex?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L May 25, 2021

The Moro reflex is one of many infant primitive reflexes. If it isn't integrated at the right time, it can result in hypersensitivity, adverse reactions to small problems, focus, and concentration, and overall anxiety. Read our article to learn more about the Moro reflex, symptoms of when it doesn't integrate, and ways to help promote integration of the Moro reflex.

 

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7 Tips for Potty Training Kids with Autism blog post

7 Tips for Potty Training Kids with Autism

by Molly Shaw Wilson MS OTR/L BCP October 28, 2020 1 Comment

Potty training is an activity of daily living and a developmental milestone. Potty training a child with autism often involves many challenges. In this article we share 7 super helpful tips as well as factors you should consider before you start.
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Anger & Autism Blog Post

Our Best Strategies for Dealing with Autism and Anger

by Shea Brogren, MOT, OTR/L October 05, 2020 2 Comments

Anger is often an emotion that is associated with autism spectrum disorder. Most children with autism do not express anger in the same way as typically-developing peers. This article will explain why this happens and provides recommendations to help.
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Autism & Food: How to Deal with a Picky Eater

Autism and Food: How to Deal with a Picky Eater

by Jennifer Friedman, MS, RD August 12, 2020

Did you know that 50 to 75% of children with autism have food issues? If you're dealing with this at home, you are not alone! Read our article to know how to distinguish severe or extreme picky eating from traditional picky eating behaviors and what steps you should take to help.
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Essential oils for autism and ADHD

The Ultimate Guide to Essential Oils for Autism and ADHD

by Molly Shaw Wilson MS OTR/L BCP July 01, 2020 5 Comments

Many parents want to consider alternative therapies for their child with autism and ADHD. Using essential oils for autism or ADHD is one alternative therapy that may be worth trying. There are many essential oils that can be beneficial and our article is your ultimate guide!
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