September 28, 2015

Peer matches

This program is facilitated by an RDI® trained extender and supervised by a consultant (RDI® consultant or Occupational Therapist). Two to three clients that appear to be a good fit are matched for peer interaction. Carefully selected structured activities are provided to promote play, communication, and overall interaction. The focus is on supporting the participants to engage with each other in natural and authentic ways. (more…)

August 25, 2015

Self-regulation refers to the child’s ability to develop his or her own strategies to develop attention, to self-soothe when upset, to inhibit impulses, and to organize his/her behavior for the task at hand. The child learns to gradually develop self-regulation strategies since birth, initially through the actions of the primary caregiver, and later on by himself. (more…)

July 21, 2015

My experience over the years working as an RDI® consultant has motivated me to address an area that I find an obstacle to most children’s dynamic growth. This is the amount of time spent using electronics or involved in other special interest activities. This is a pervasive problem in our society today, one which is not limited to children on the autism spectrum. (more…)

June 23, 2015

Therapy pets and therapy dogs in particular can have a positive and significant impact on many individuals, including those with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and anxiety. According to Katcher, Friedmann, Beck & Lynch (1983), evidence supports the idea that the presence of companion animals can reduce stress. (more…)

May 23, 2015

Ideally, it would be great if we did things, even challenging things, because we were all motivated intrinsically, or internally. Research shows that when external rewards are involved, intrinsic motivation decreases and when verbal feedback is used intrinsic motivation increases (Click here for full research article). (more…)

March 23, 2015

Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. The condition used to be called sensory integration dysfunction. Sensory processing disorder can affect all areas of functioning, including behavior regulation, academic learning, motor skills, social interaction, vocational success, and overall development of independence.

(more…)

February 23, 2015

Homework can be a frustrating time for many students and their families. Many students with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, and other conditions tend to become dysregulated during challenging tasks such as homework. The reasons for struggling with homework can be different for every student; however, we have found that certain strategies tend to be helpful with most students. (more…)