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Should You “Wait and See” on Developmental Milestones?

As a parent, it’s normal to feel concerned when you suspect your child is not reaching their age-appropriate developmental milestones. But every child develops at their own pace, which is why so many professionals encourage families to “wait and see.” And in many cases, children do catch up with time. So how do you know when you’ve waited long enough and it’s time to get extra support? After all, early intervention through pediatric therapy can make a big difference, giving your child the support they need to make progress sooner and build confidence along the way. That’s why it helps to know when it may be time to move past waiting and schedule an evaluation with a pediatric therapist. What Are Developmental Milestones? Developmental milestones are the typical age ranges when most children develop certain skills. Think of them as simple guideposts, not strict deadlines. The following are examples of milestones pediatric therapists may use: … Keep Reading…

Should You Worry if Kids Don’t Make Friends Easily?

https://youtu.be/XJU8OZHva0g Play is how children begin to understand social interaction. As they move through different stages of play, they develop the communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills that form the basis of friendships. I’m Jennifer Hatch, a pediatric occupational therapist at Fluens Children’s Therapy. In this article, I’ll walk you through the stages of play, explain what they teach children about social interaction, and share how occupational therapy can help children learn to connect with peers. The Stages of Play Social skills don’t appear overnight; they develop gradually as children gain experience sharing space, taking turns, and learning to collaborate. Through play, children strengthen focus, creativity, and emotional regulation, which are all essential for connecting with others. Each stage of play supports a child’s growth in social awareness, communication, and emotional connection. Understanding these stages can help parents recognize where their child is developmentally and what kind of play experiences will help them progress. Unoccupied Play … Keep Reading…

Why Do Kids with Autism Struggle with Sensory Input?

https://youtu.be/8LqAigF_n3E Many children with autism experience sensory processing challenges that make everyday life feel overwhelming, sometimes causing them to avoid certain experiences and other times leading them to seek more sensory input to feel comfortable. I’m Jennifer Hatch, a pediatric occupational therapist at Fluens Children’s Therapy. In this article, I’ll explain how sensory processing challenges appear in children with autism, how they can affect daily routines like dressing, bathtime, and mealtime, and how occupational therapy can help children feel more comfortable and confident. Why Do Some Kids Have Sensory Processing Challenges? For many children with autism, sensory processing differences cause them to interpret and react to sensory input differently, which can make certain sounds, textures, or lights difficult to tolerate. These differences usually fall into two main categories: Hypersensitive (Over-Responsive): Children may dislike loud noises, bright lights, or specific fabrics and seams. Clothing that feels scratchy or tags that rub the skin can cause discomfort … Keep Reading…