Eastwood OT

01/15/2026

Well said … (Kelly Mahler) we need to let them know by our actions and words that we accept them & will use the tools they show us to help them grow into their amazing selves!

Reflective communication takes effort.
It takes trust.
It takes risk.

If a child’s earliest interoception expressions weren’t believed, or ignored, or corrected, why would they invest even more energy trying again?

Belief is the bridge between Automatic and Reflective Interoception Communication.

When children feel believed, communication becomes possible.

Learn more in our FREE Blog: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/resources/blog/interoception-early-communication-in-preschoolers-and-non-speaking-children/

Go even deeper in our NEW COURSE: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/live-online-course-interoception-early-communication/



Image Description: Pink and teal tile that says, “It makes no sense to ask kids to learn alternative ways to communicate while treating their natural inner expressions as behaviors to fix. If they weren’t believed the first time, why would they spend considerable effort to share more?”

01/12/2026

For those who want more informationsboit my last post, this therapist does a great job explaining it in more detail

Discover why play-based therapy is a neurodiversity-affirming alternative to compliance-based models for autistic children - and how it supports real learning.

01/12/2026

Play-based therapy is the only road to success for all children who are struggling, be it due to their neurodivergence, trauma, mental health, sensory or physical differences. As a therapist it is the best medium for creating change and improving a child’s ability to accept challenges of any kind.

11/14/2025

New research linking Early Screen time to sensory differences - toddlerhood should be a time of sensory exploration in the ‘real’ world and playing with others, lesrning to form connections.

For children under age two, television screen time is associated with sensory differences later in toddlerhood, a new study finds.

10/19/2025

Sharing this review of research looking at Sensory processing symptoms in ADHD. I see this complexity and intensity of challenges in many of my young clients
https://www.jaacap.org/article/S0890-8567(25)00209-6/fulltext?fbclid=IwRlRTSANhOvJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhk5pdn9NGdoIzuV7mU3PLHVqxVw79gcF0YUBCr2q_Uo6Lt_vCVYNAMCPhCE_aem_L88qbXnM-E1-ftQV4NxASw

To evaluate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and atypical sensory processing patterns.

08/22/2025

I love this infographic. I have seen what the right music can do to shift a kid into a better movement pattern, an improved state of regulation, increased flexibility (mostly cognitive 😆) and a more positive affect!

Such a great infographic explaining how music helps the brain! 🎵

via Kennedy Center

03/26/2025

As an OT working with these amazing kiddos for over 20 years, these areas of overlap are so intuitive. Such a nice way of presenting this information.

Really helpful infographic!
--->> https://www.katyhigginslee.com/resources

11/11/2024

Co-regulating with a child who doesn’t like hugs requires creative, non-physical ways to help them feel safe and calm. Instead of hugs, you can offer gentle verbal reassurance, deep breaths together, or sit quietly beside them until they’re ready to engage.

Activities like coloring, listening to soothing music, or playing with sensory toys can also help regulate their emotions. The key is to meet them where they are, offering calm and consistent presence without forcing physical contact.

By respecting their boundaries, you’re teaching them that their comfort matters and that there are many ways to feel connected and supported.

Credit:

11/11/2024

This is a great illustration to remember how different kids need to be supported in different ways

Co-regulating with a child who doesn’t like hugs requires creative, non-physical ways to help them feel safe and calm. Instead of hugs, you can offer gentle verbal reassurance, deep breaths together, or sit quietly beside them until they’re ready to engage.

Activities like coloring, listening to soothing music, or playing with sensory toys can also help regulate their emotions. The key is to meet them where they are, offering calm and consistent presence without forcing physical contact.

By respecting their boundaries, you’re teaching them that their comfort matters and that there are many ways to feel connected and supported.

Credit:

11/11/2024

Good afternoon. I am the owner of the Eastwood OT clinic in Ladner, British Columbia. I am looking to add another paediatric OT to our small committed team. Mentorship and collaboration will be provided. The clinic is focused on providing individualized services that are founded on strong connections with the children. We have a wide range of client presentations and support them with their physical and mental health needs. Services are offerred in the clinic sensory rooms and also within some private school settings. This is a contract position, with percent of billing and billable rate based on level of experience. Position could start immediately as a maternity leave, with some time for overlap, and then could be extended to a regular position after the one year due to high demand for our services.
Please email me directly at Megan@eastwoodot.com with any inquiries and please feel free to forward to anyone who might be a good fit.

07/08/2024

https://chng.it/GGrQnvFS9L

59 signatures are needed, let’s get there by the end of the day?