Bright - Therapy for Kids

12/08/2025

06/08/2025

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29/07/2025

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀

The Lyceum of the Philippines – Davao proudly introduces the educators leading the foundational courses of the BS in Occupational Therapy program:

𝗠𝗿. 𝗡𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶, 𝗥𝗡, 𝗢𝗧𝗥𝗣, 𝗠𝗛𝗔
OTC401 – Human Anatomy and Physiology

𝗠𝘀. 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗼, 𝗢𝗧𝗥𝗣, 𝗠𝗛𝗔
OTC101 – Foundations of Occupational Therapy 1

Their expertise and dedication ensure that students are guided by professionals who teach not only with knowledge—but with intention, compassion, and purpose.

28/07/2025

𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲
By Nurture with OT Nur

When we help autistic children, many people look only at what they see. This is the child’s behavior. We notice things like tantrums, not following directions, or moving around a lot. But there are many reasons under the surface that lead to these behaviors. These can include sensory needs, motor skills, emotions, how a child talks, thinking skills, and the environment.

A true whole child approach looks at both what is seen and what is not seen. We try to understand what the child needs. We ask why a certain behavior is happening. We work on helping the child feel safe, calm, and ready to learn.

As an occupational therapist, I believe that therapy should help with both what is visible and what is hidden. I have seen that children do best when we support both their behavior and their deeper needs.

If we focus on only one part, we miss the bigger picture. Both the behaviors we see and the needs we do not see must be managed together. Change happens when we respond to both. This is how we truly help children move forward in real and lasting ways.

27/07/2025

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻

Some schools say they practice inclusive education. Many people think this means letting every child enroll in school. But real inclusion is more than just letting a child join a class.

True inclusive education means meeting the needs of each child. This means teachers must change lessons, use different ways to teach, and give extra help when needed. It is important to make sure every child can learn and take part in all activities.

Inclusive education does not mean just helping with one or two areas. It means looking at the whole child. This includes their thinking, feelings, movement, social skills, and more. Real inclusion is about giving support in all parts of learning and growing.

As an occupational therapist, I believe children should not be pressured by expectations. Every child learns at their own pace and in their own way. Our role is to help them feel safe, accepted, and supported as they learn and grow.

If we want real inclusion, we must go beyond words and open doors. We must give every child the chance to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are. Inclusive education is not just a policy. It is a promise to meet each child’s needs and to support them fully in every part of their learning journey.

25/07/2025

Say yes to qualified care, not just any care
Make sure your child’s therapist is PRC licensed—unqualified therapy isn’t just ineffective, it can be harmful.

The Untold Risks of Unqualified Therapy for Autistic Children
By Nurture with OT Nur

One important topic that is rarely discussed in public is the hidden harm that can come from seeking occupational therapy for autistic children from people who are not properly trained or licensed. Many families want the best for their child and look for any available help. But when therapy is provided by unqualified individuals, the results can be more than just disappointing. They can be harmful.

Unqualified providers may not fully understand autism, sensory needs, or the best ways to help children grow and learn. They might use outdated methods, skip proper assessment, or give advice that puts children at risk for injury or emotional harm. Sometimes, they may not even follow ethical guidelines or protect the child’s rights. In the worst cases, they can create setbacks that take months or years to undo.

In the Philippines, there are only four professions in child rehabilitation that are regulated by the PRC. These are physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists. Only professionals in these fields with PRC licenses and proper training are allowed to provide therapy services for children.

As an occupational therapist, I know how hard families work to find help for their children. I urge parents to always check a provider’s education, training, and license. Protecting your child means making sure their therapist is truly qualified. Your child’s safety and future should never be left to chance.

20/07/2025

𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
By Nurture with OT Nur

A new study in JAMA Pediatrics shows that more than seventy percent of eight year old autistic children have delays in reaching motor milestones like crawling, standing, or walking. The study also found that when children have these delays, they are often checked for autism and given a diagnosis at a younger age.

This finding is important for families and professionals. When we notice early motor delays, it gives children a better chance to get help as soon as possible. Occupational therapists know how to help children with movement problems. They also help children with self care, play, joining group activities, and managing feelings.

When parents and professionals work together and act early, children can get the support they need right away. Early OT help gives children a strong start for learning, independence, and enjoying daily life. This study reminds us that early action makes a real difference. Occupational therapy can help every child grow and reach their best.

16/07/2025

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: “𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱” 𝗼𝗿 “𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺”?
By Nurture with OT Nur

In recent years, there has been a shift in how professionals, advocates, and families talk about autism. Many autistic individuals and the neurodiversity movement now prefer the term “autistic child” instead of “child with autism.” This identity first language recognizes autism as an important and natural part of a person’s identity, not just a condition to be separated from who they are.

Organizations like the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) encourage using the language that each individual or family prefers. Research and advocacy show that “autistic child” is often more neuroaffirmative and respectful of autistic identity. The most important thing is to ask and honor the preferences of the person or family you are supporting.

The words we choose have power. Using neuroaffirmative language is not just about words. It is about respect, acceptance, and dignity. When we honor autistic identity, we help create a world where every person is truly seen and valued.

15/07/2025

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗪𝗙𝗢𝗧 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆

The 2025 WFOT definition of occupational therapy highlights what truly matters in our profession. It is about helping people participate in meaningful activities that they want, need, or are expected to do. This definition is simple but powerful. It reminds us that occupational therapy is not just about treating problems or teaching skills. It is about promoting health and wellbeing by supporting each person’s participation in daily life.

As occupational therapists, our work is grounded in understanding what is meaningful for each individual. This may include self care, learning, working, playing, or connecting with others. We look beyond diagnosis or disability and focus on helping people achieve what is important to them.

This new definition from WFOT calls us to remain client centered and occupation focused. It encourages therapists, families, and communities to see the bigger picture. True health and wellbeing come from being able to live life in ways that matter.

Key Points:
✅ Participation is the central goal
✅ Meaningful occupations are defined by the person’s wants, needs, and social expectations
✅ Health and wellbeing result from engaging in occupations

06/07/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

Physical aggression in autistic children can be challenging and confusing for families. Many parents worry about why their child hits, bites, or pushes. It is important to know that aggression is not simply “bad behavior.” It is often a form of communication or a reaction to something the child cannot express in words.

There are several common reasons behind physical aggression in autistic children. Sensory overload is one of the most frequent. When a child feels overwhelmed by noise, lights, crowds, or other sensations, they may act out physically to escape or cope with discomfort. Communication difficulties also play a big role. If a child cannot express pain, frustration, or needs, they may use aggression to get attention or to stop something that feels too hard.

Other origins include changes in routine, feeling anxious, or even medical issues like pain or hunger that the child cannot describe. Sometimes, aggressive behavior is a way for children to try to control their environment or to protect themselves from situations they find confusing or scary.

Hitting and other forms of aggression can also be learned behaviors. If a child sees that hitting leads to getting what they want, escaping a situation, or receiving extra attention, they may repeat the behavior. Children can also learn to hit by imitating others or because they do not yet know safer ways to express their needs and feelings. How adults respond to aggression—such as quickly giving in or providing a strong reaction—can also make hitting more likely to continue.

Understanding the reason behind aggression is the first step to helping. Instead of punishing the behavior, try to observe what happened before and after the outburst. This can give important clues about what the child is feeling or needing. With the right support, strategies, and patience, most children can learn safer and more effective ways to express themselves.

If you have concerns about aggression, working with an occupational therapist or other specialists can help you find practical solutions that fit your child’s unique needs.