Smoky Mountain Occupational Therapy

03/06/2026

Interoception refers to the body’s ability to identify and process internal actions of the organs and systems inside the body. This lesser-known sensory system helps you understand and feel what’s going on inside your body. You can then make essential decisions about eating when you are hungry, drinking when you are thirsty, going into the restroom when you need to toilet, and other physical actions.

Does this sound like a familiar challenge for some of the kids we work with? These challenges can impact attention, focus, posture in writing, executive functioning skills, motor planning skills, and so many areas.

For information, tools, and strategies: https://www.theottoolbox.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-interoception/

03/05/2026

 Can you tell we’re having fun today?

03/05/2026

03/04/2026

Why do pediatric OTs use tongs in therapy?
- It uses the same grasp pattern as holding a pencil or crayon.
- It helps with visual motor skills.
- It can help us interact with textures that we otherwise wouldn’t touch with our hands.

03/04/2026

I believe most of us would agree, Janet Lansbury.

When our children behave in challenging and/or unpleasant ways, they are often impulsively (and mostly unconsciously) seeking another kind of affirmation from us: assurance, acceptance, a sense of security, and strength in our leadership. Even if it feels messy to us in the moment (screaming, fighting us, resisting, persisting), the message of acceptance from us is a positive one. Nothing could be more comforting and powerfully healing than feeling accepted by our loved ones when we are at our worst.

03/03/2026

This is in the back parking lot. What is it?

03/02/2026

After years of sensory processing, paperwork, scheduling, tactile experiments, and approximately 47,000 therapy swings pushed… Jamie has officially upgraded to Robot Mode™.

03/02/2026

Join us this weekend Saturday March 7th, for a morning of play!
Outdoor free play celebrating the first signs of spring🌸🌼🌻

We will come together for engaging loose parts play where kids are free to explore, create, and connect with nature. We will explore flowers, seeds, and more in rich sensory play.

What to expect:
•Daffodil inspired process art
•Garden rock painting
•Natural playdoh sensory play
•Flower cutting fine motor stations
•Spring Mud Kitchen
•Springtime Stories

Sign up now at the link in our bio to save your spot!

🗓️Saturday March 7
🕑10am to 11:30
📍Jarvis Park in Maryville

02/26/2026

These didn’t last very long.

02/26/2026

Before you enter our space, always take a quick peek before you walk in. 😂

02/25/2026

Spring is coming, and we can’t wait!