Spark Tagum & Panabo Child Development Center, Wharf Road (2025)

08/08/2025

Thank you for trusting and supporting Spark Tagum & Panabo Child Development Center.
✨️🫶🏻✨️

17/07/2025

Shape Lives with LPU Davao’s BS in Occupational Therapy Program!

LPU Davao’s Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program prepares you to become a skilled professional who helps individuals overcome physical, mental, and emotional challenges to live independently and fully. With hands-on training and a comprehensive curriculum, this program equips you to work in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to rehabilitation centers.

Gain expertise in therapeutic techniques, patient care, and the latest advancements in occupational therapy.

Enrollment for A.Y. 2025–2026 is now open!
Learn more: https://www.lpudavao.edu.ph/admission-and-enrollment/

For inquiries, send us a message or email lpudavaoadmissions@lpu.edu.ph. You may also call (082) 228-5783 loc 400 or 0917-709-4311.

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.

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.

04/07/2025

𝗣𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀
An Explanatory by Nur Atari, OTRP, RN

Pediatric therapy has emerged as the best paid practice setting in occupational therapy in the Philippines. Entry-level occupational therapists in pediatric centers can earn an average of ₱50,000 per month, while senior practitioners may receive salaries ranging from ₱120,000 to ₱150,000 per month. These figures reflect the growing demand for skilled OTs who can deliver high-quality, specialized care to children.

However, beyond the financial rewards, it is essential to remember that occupational therapy remains a vocation of service. Pediatric occupational therapists serve some of the most vulnerable and needy members of our society—children and families facing neurodevelopmental challenges. The impact of their work goes beyond the clinic, touching the lives of families and communities.

The need is especially urgent in places like Davao. Every day, at least 20 children are newly diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions, yet fewer than 40 occupational therapists become licensed each year to serve the entire Mindanao area. This gap highlights both the tremendous opportunity and responsibility for future OTs.

If you are searching for a profession that offers excellent career prospects and a real chance to make a difference, consider occupational therapy. At Lyceum of the Philippines - Davao, you will receive world-class OT education that equips you to serve, succeed, and transform lives in Mindanao and beyond.

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.

01/07/2025

𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗢𝗧 𝗡𝘂𝗿

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗱, 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“𝗠𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹? 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁?”

❗️Answer:

Hi, many parents share the same concern.

Many autistic children make sounds or hum often. This is called self-stimulatory behavior or stimming. Children do this for different reasons, such as:

✅ To help themselves feel calm when they’re worried or excited
✅ To manage or enjoy certain feelings in their body
✅ To show happiness or excitement
✅ To keep themselves busy when there’s not much to do

𝙄𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩?
This kind of humming or making sounds is a part of how many autistic children experience and respond to the world. It is one of the ways they take care of themselves.

𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙞𝙩?
You do not need to stop it if it isn’t hurting anyone or causing big problems. Stopping it without understanding why it happens can make your child feel more stressed or upset.

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒕?
It can be helpful to support them in a different way if:
⚠️It is unsafe (for example, shouting loudly near traffic)
⚠️It is so loud or frequent that it makes it hard to join activities or learn at school
⚠️Your child seems upset or uncomfortable while doing it

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅?
✅Offer breaks or quiet time when they need it
✅Teach other ways to feel calm (like deep breathing, hugging a pillow, or squeezing a ball)
✅Help them express their needs in other ways (like using words, pictures, or gestures)
✅Use visual schedules to help them know what to expect and reduce worry

If you’re wondering about your child’s humming, you can talk to your occupational therapist. We can work together to understand the reasons behind it and find ways to help them feel safe and supported.

Remember: Your child is communicating and caring for themselves in their own way. Let’s try to understand and support them with kindness and respect.

You are not alone on this journey. ❤️

✨ 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗧 𝗡𝘂𝗿. 𝗜’𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱.

24/06/2025

OT Isn’t Just Support—It’s What Healthcare Has Been Missing
By: Nur Atari, OTRP of LPU Davao

Occupational therapy is a vital and dynamic profession that empowers people of all ages to live life to the fullest. OTs help individuals overcome challenges, develop important skills, and participate in meaningful activities every day. No matter where they work, occupational therapists make a real difference in the lives of their clients and communities.

Hospitals are common places for occupational therapists to work. Here, they help patients who are recovering from illness or injury. Therapists teach patients how to do daily tasks again, like getting dressed or eating. Their goal is to help people become as independent as possible before they go home.

Schools are another important setting for occupational therapy. Therapists support students who have trouble with learning, movement, or behavior. They work with teachers and parents to help children succeed in class. OTs help kids join activities and do their best at school.

Outpatient clinics offer therapy to people who come in for regular sessions. Clients may need help with hand injuries, developmental delays, or other challenges. Therapists use special activities and equipment to help each person reach their goals. These clinics serve both children and adults.

Home health therapy takes place in the client’s home. Therapists visit to help people do daily activities safely and easily. They might suggest changes to the home or teach new ways to do things. Home health OTs help clients stay independent and safe where they live.

The truth is, no other profession looks at the whole person in the way occupational therapy does. While other healthcare providers often focus on illness or specific body parts, OTs see the unique story of each client—their goals, their environment, and what truly matters in daily life. This holistic approach is not just our specialty; it’s our responsibility. If we want to create a world where everyone has a fair shot at meaningful participation, occupational therapy must be at the center of that conversation.

12/06/2025

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗻! 🇵🇭

Araw ng Kalayaan, pero hindi pahinga ang paglilingkod! Tuloy-tuloy ang therapy sessions ngayong June 12.

𝙆𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙖𝙣. 𝙆𝙖𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙮. 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙜𝙞 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠! 🌟

30/05/2025

Celebrating 4 years of helping children grow through play and care!

At SPARK, we're proud to support every child's progress with fun, innovative programs, premium facilities, and prices families can trust. Here's to more years of brighter futures, together! 🌟🎉🧩

10/05/2025

𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗼

In light of the current flooding and to prioritize the safety of our clients and staff, all therapy sessions scheduled this morning (9:00 A.M. – 12:00 N.N.) at Spark Panabo Branch are temporarily suspended. Sessions will resume at 1:00 P.M. today.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Please stay safe and dry. If you have any concerns, feel free to reach out to us directly.

Spark Tagum & Panabo Child Development Center

08/08/2025

17/07/2025

16/07/2025

06/07/2025

04/07/2025

02/07/2025

01/07/2025

24/06/2025

12/06/2025

30/05/2025

10/05/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share