Little Buddies Pediatric Therapy

03/28/2026

Our brains function in a spectrum for good reason and make the world a better place.

After attending Hari Srinivasan’s presentation at the 2026 ICDL Conference, I explored his blog, where he shares articles detailing his personal ASD journey. He applies his research expertise to help us grasp the neurological differences in how an ASD brain processes information. Using his scientific research, he explores how ASD brains function as unique individual entities, distinct from ALL the OTHER BRAINS a neurodivergent brain interacts with everyday. Our brains are all…just different!

Leaders in autism, mental health, education and positive psychology will unite to celebrate happiness in the autism community. This full-day livestream explores happiness as a universal right — and ensures the autism community is included in global conversations about happiness.

03/28/2026

Our brains function in a spectrum for good reason and make the world a better place.

After attending Hari Srinivasan’s presentation at the 2026 ICDL Conference, I explored his blog, where he shares articles detailing his personal ASD journey. He applies his research expertise to help us grasp the neurological differences in how an ASD brain processes information. Using his scientific research, he explores how ASD brains function as unique individual entities, distinct from ALL the OTHER BRAINS a neurodivergent brain interacts with everyday. Our brains are all…just different!

Leaders in autism, mental health, education and positive psychology will unite to celebrate happiness in the autism community. This full-day livestream explores happiness as a universal right — and ensures the autism community is included in global conversations about happiness.

03/13/2026

Adaptive Response is more than just a “correct reaction.”
It is a purposeful, successful response to a challenge in the environment — one that reflects the brain organizing sensory information effectively to support action.

When a child adjusts their grip so a pencil doesn’t break, regains balance after tripping, tolerates a new texture at mealtime, or modifies a throw after missing the target — these are adaptive responses. The brain receives sensory input, organizes it, and produces a more effective action.

Adaptive responses are central to Ayres Sensory Integration®. Each successful response builds more efficient neural organization for the next challenge.

In daily life, adaptive responses allow children (and adults) to:
• Adjust posture without thinking about it
• Navigate playground equipment safely
• Regulate emotions when plans change
• Participate in learning without constant overwhelm

When adaptive responses are limited, we may see frustration, avoidance, or rigidity — not because the individual is unwilling, but because the sensory foundations for flexible action are less efficient.

Adaptive responses are the building blocks of participation.

03/09/2026

Happy International Women’s Day to all our wonderful mother’s and staff! You light up the world.

03/09/2026

03/06/2026

Presuming competency when communicating with non-verbal children. If they understand you and react by moving away or saying “no”, they are telling you the task doesn’t seem achievable for them. Accept the “no” and adjust your approach.

DIR invites us to look deeper, beyond words and behaviors. It’s a framework for understanding relationships, communication, and human development.

For clinicians, educators, and parents alike, it offers a powerful lens where every interaction becomes an opportunity for connection and growth.

03/06/2026

I have been using this model for over 25 years and it never fails.

11/25/2025

For us Canadians, these ideas will help us ready for the Holiday Season or just about any busy event.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1253733280136162&id=100064985040035

🦃 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚?
Here are some tips to help make sure you and your loved ones have a sensory friendly Thanksgiving!

𝟏) 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
Depending on the person, a schedule or conversation about the day’s plans could be very helpful. Include details about the day’s process, photos of other attendees, smells, etc.

𝟐) 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡 𝗔 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗘:
Plan a safe space for your loved one that they can go to as needed. This may be a room with dimmed lights, reduced noises, a place to move freely, and other comforts that can help them regulate.

𝟑) 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗦:
If you notice that your loved one is getting overwhelmed, make sure they know it is okay if they would rather go to the the planned safe space for a break. Don’t force engagement or have expectations.

𝟒) 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦:
Ensure guests and/or hosts are fully aware of all sensory needs so that appropriate accommodations are made. This may be something as simple as having alternative food options available or a low volume for music.

𝟓) 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 & 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚:
Provide all attending with the patience and understanding that they deserve.

11/25/2025

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recently issued a very important policy statement reminding professionals to inform parents of the full range of effective treatment options beyond ABA for improving developmental milestones in neurodivergent children. They cite research suggesting that a broader range of developmental interventions are also effective in enhancing skills across domains. Examples of other effective interventions that focus on improving social communication skills include developmental relationship-based interventions (DRBI) and naturalistic developmental-behavioral interventions (NDBI).

Little Buddies has been providing DIR/ FLOORTIME(R) for 10 years!

11/09/2025

Life is all about data in and data out. ENJOY YOUR SENSORY LIFE!

10/11/2025

This is a great reason to adapt to our children and provide the best support for them as they learn to use their motor systems.Keeping their arms lower keeeps their arms safe and also lowers their center of gravity. low gravitational center = improved core strength.

10/11/2025

I can’t say enough good things about Kathryn’s work.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share stories, and push for meaningful change.
When I was growing up in the 1990s, dyslexia wasn’t openly talked about. Today, awareness is much stronger—but too many still struggle in silence. This year, I’ll be focusing on the “Darker Side of Dyslexia” through my Right To Read Initiative Podcast and new blog posts.
We need to celebrate strengths and confront the challenges. Awareness is the first step—action is the goal. 💡https://www.garfortheducation.com/dyslexia-awareness-month/