Spark Mintal and Calinan - Pediatric Therapy and Playgroup Center

26/07/2025

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 They might use outdated methods, skip proper assessment, or give advice that puts children at risk for injury or emotional harm.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.

25/07/2025

Why Your Child Needs a Real OT 🤝💛

Real therapy starts with connection
A qualified and registered OT builds trust first so your child feels safe, seen, and ready to engage

🧩 From that connection, we support growth in movement, play, and everyday skills
🧠 Strategies are based on your child’s needs — not just routines or worksheets
💼 We follow professional standards to keep therapy safe, responsive, and effective

Before progress comes engagement
Before routine comes relationship
Because real therapy is more than activities — it’s connection with purpose ✨

23/07/2025

In the Philippines, the occupational therapy profession is regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to protect the safety and wellbeing of the public. Only those with a degree in occupational therapy and a valid PRC license can legally practice as OTs. Individuals who claim to be occupational therapists without the required education and PRC registration are violating the law and may face legal consequences. For your child’s safety and best interests, always seek help from qualified and registered occupational therapists.

𝗡𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗰𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆

Many families look for ways to help their children grow and learn, especially when they notice delays. Some may try other programs or activities, hoping for quick results. But there is no real substitute for occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists are trained to understand each child’s needs. They know how to help with movement, daily routines, play, and even handling big feelings. OTs use activities that are just right for your child’s age and needs. They also teach families how to support learning and independence at home.

Choosing occupational therapy gives children the right help at the right time. Other activities can be helpful, but only OT offers a full plan that supports every part of a child’s growth. If a child does not get the correct intervention, it will not just result in harm. It can also lead to the development of disruptive behaviors that may take weeks or even months to manage.

Research clearly shows that early and targeted occupational therapy leads to better outcomes for children with developmental challenges. When it comes to helping children reach their full potential, nothing can take the place of occupational therapy.

In the Philippines, the occupational therapy profession is regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to protect the safety and wellbeing of the public. Only those with a degree in occupational therapy and a valid PRC license can legally practice as OTs. Individuals who claim to be occupational therapists without the required education and PRC registration are violating the law and may face legal consequences. For your child’s safety and best interests, always seek help from qualified and registered occupational therapists.

22/07/2025

Group play helps children learn teamwork, communication, empathy, and problem solving. It builds confidence, patience, and lasting friendships while supporting healthy social and emotional growth.

Join the fun at Spark International Preschool!
Our playgroup is only 2,500 per month, or enjoy our special promo of 5,000 for three months.

Our facility is located at:
2nd Floor, LTH Building, Calinan, Davao City

Nearby landmarks:
🔹 BDO Network Bank
🔹 PNB – Calinan Branch

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.

16/07/2025

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝘁—𝗢𝗧, 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝗵?
By Nurture with OT Nur

Many parents wonder who should teach their autistic child to sit. Is it the job of the occupational therapist, the school teacher, or both? The truth is, this is a shared responsibility. It should never be placed on the OT alone.

Occupational therapists help children build the physical, sensory, and self-regulation skills needed for sitting. They use play, movement, and special activities to help a child become comfortable and successful in different positions, including sitting. School teachers, on the other hand, create routines and classroom environments where children can practice these skills. Teachers and OTs should work together, using strategies and recommendations that support each child’s unique needs.

It is important to remember that learning is not confined to sitting. Many children, especially those with autism, learn best while standing, moving, lying on the floor, or in any position that helps them participate. Sitting is just one way to be engaged, but real learning happens when a child is comfortable and actively involved.

The learning environment must also support these needs. Flexible seating, movement breaks, and supportive routines make it easier for children to focus and join in, whether they are sitting or not. When OTs, teachers, and parents work together and the environment is supportive, children have the best chance to succeed—not just in sitting, but in learning as a whole.

02/07/2025

𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆
By Nurture with OT Nur

As an occupational therapist, I believe strongly that there is no true substitute for occupational therapy. I have seen many families try to find easier or faster ways to help their children. Sometimes, they turn to behavioral therapy alone or put their hopes in playgroups as the main support. While these can have their own value, they cannot take the place of a well-designed occupational therapy program.

Occupational therapy is different because it looks at the whole child — their body, mind, senses, daily living skills, and how they connect with the world around them. It is not just about following instructions or playing in a group. OT builds strong foundations in movement, attention, sensory processing, and independence that set children up for real success.

When children miss out on occupational therapy, it is not just a short-term gap. It can mean lost opportunities for them to develop important life skills, adapt to challenges, and reach higher levels of independence as they grow. Choosing other options instead of OT might seem helpful in the moment, but it can hold children back from reaching their fullest potential.

Behavioral therapy and playgroups have their place, but they do not replace what occupational therapy can do. If you want your child to build a solid path toward higher functioning and real independence, there is simply no substitute for OT.