OT Evaluation Archives - Ways To Thrive Therapy

Young child sitting on the floor near a wall outlet, holding a plugged-in electrical cord and putting it in their mouth, wearing a blue and black outfit

Why My Child Chews on Everything — What It Really Means

If your child chews on their shirt, pencils, toys, sleeves — or pretty much anything they can get their hands on — you are not alone. I hear this concern from parents all the time. And let me ease your mind: chewing is usually your child’s way of trying to help their body feel calm and regulated. Here are a few reasons why kids chew: Chewing isn’t a “bad habit.” It’s communication. Your child is saying, “My body needs something, and this helps me.” OT can help figure out exactly what that “something” is and how to provide it in a safer, more appropriate way — whether that’s with chew tools, sensory strategies, oral motor support, or changes in routine.

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Child in mid-air wearing a pink shirt and blue pants, joyfully jumping on an outdoor trampoline with a wooden fence, trees, and house in the background

Occupational Therapy, OT Evaluation

Signs Your Child Is Struggling With Sensory Processing

Let me tell you something I say all the time: every child has sensory needs. Every single one. But some kids experience the world a little more intensely, and it can show up in ways that leave parents thinking, “Is this behavior, or is something else going on?” If your child covers their ears for loud sounds, avoids certain textures, or gets overstimulated easily, it doesn’t mean they’re being dramatic. It means their sensory system is working overtime. Here are a few things I often hear from parents: These are all signs of sensory processing differences. Your child isn’t trying to give you a hard time. Their body is giving them a hard time. The good news? Once you understand your child’s sensory pattern — what overwhelms them, what calms them, what they crave — everything gets easier. That’s exactly what OT helps with. We figure out the “why” behind the behavior and give you tools to support them at home, school, and in the community.

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Adult and child sitting on the living room floor, embracing and smiling, with a beige couch and green plants in the background

Early Intervention, Occupational Therapy, OT Evaluation

How to Know When Your Child Needs OT

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already wondering if your child needs a little more support — and I want you to know that wondering doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you an aware one. I talk to parents every week who say, “I just feel like something is off, but I can’t put my finger on it.” And honestly? That instinct is usually right. Here’s what I tell them: Sometimes kids need OT when the everyday things just feel harder than they should. Getting dressed turns into a 20-minute battle. Brushing teeth feels impossible. Writing or holding a crayon leads to tears. Or maybe you notice that your child avoids certain textures, loud noises, or any kind of change in routine. Other times, it shows up at school — maybe their teacher mentions they’re having trouble with handwriting, staying focused, keeping up with peers, or completing tasks without getting overwhelmed. None of these signs mean something is “wrong.” They just mean your child might need some extra support, and that’s completely okay. OT is simply a space where your child can learn the skills they need through play, encouragement, and gentle guidance. And if you’re unsure? That’s exactly what an OT evaluation is for. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

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