Beyond fun and creativity, free play lays the foundation for essential executive function skills, the brain-based skills children need for focus, self-control, problem-solving, and independence.
Tag Archives: adhd
What ADHD Looks Like vs. What It Really Is
ADHD—Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder isn’t about laziness, defiance, or lack of effort.
It’s about a brain wired for movement, curiosity, and quick thinking, but also one that struggles with regulation, working memory, and executive function.
How to Be a Neuro-Affirming Pediatric Occupational Therapist
The field of pediatric occupational therapy is evolving—and so is the way we understand and support neurodivergent children.
The Difference Between Developmentally Appropriate and Academically Appropriate: A Pediatric Occupational Therapist’s Perspective
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I often encounter parents, educators, and caregivers who struggle to understand the difference between what is developmentally appropriate and what is academically appropriate for children. In today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven society, there is a growing emphasis on academic milestones at younger ages, often at the expense of a child’s natural developmentalContinue reading “The Difference Between Developmentally Appropriate and Academically Appropriate: A Pediatric Occupational Therapist’s Perspective”