Playworks Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapies

Playworks Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapies We provide pediatric occupational therapy and speech and language therapy for children. Our goal is

“Watching Katie Parker working with my child is amazing!” “I can actually see the changes in real time.” “I’ve worked w...
09/22/2025

“Watching Katie Parker working with my child is amazing!” “I can actually see the changes in real time.” “I’ve worked with many physical therapists, but haven’t seen this before.”

These are just a few of the parent stories we hear about Katie Parker. Katie is talented, but behind the scenes we see that it is work- not magic. She teaches us how to be better therapists, does the research, puts extra time in to create home programs and always includes the parents.

Here she is teaching us about postural control and postural stability- and keeping it fun!

05/15/2025

A strategy called Auditory Bombardment is demonstrated in the video above with one of Playworks’s clients. Auditory Bombardment is the process of intentionally repeating a word throughout a set period of time in order to increase the likelihood of the word being used in a child’s language. It is a language development technique which can be practiced in many different settings making it approachable for parents, therapists, and doctors. It is used to improve a child’s auditory processing skills, their development of both speech and language, their level of comprehension, and build the child’s confidence. Playworks’s Director, Patti Wilson, practices the strategy here using an audio recording of Sheep in a Shop by Nancy Shaw. The repetition of the word sheep features an “SH” and phonetically creates a “shh” sound which this particular client is working on right now. By allowing the client to get comfortable with the word and the sounds of each syllable, the client will hopefully be more likely to use words featuring an “SH” in daily speech.

Check out our I-Spy sensory bin! The best part? It’s so easy to make at home—just grab whatever small items you have, mi...
03/17/2025

Check out our I-Spy sensory bin! The best part? It’s so easy to make at home—just grab whatever small items you have, mix them together, and you’ve got an instant sensory play experience!

For our St. Paddy’s Day theme, we tossed in some letters, gold coins, rainbow-colored pieces, and other fun textures. You can make yours with extra noodles, beads, buttons, small toys—whatever you can find!

Ways to play:
🌈 Letter Hunt – Spell words like gold or rainbow.
✋ Fine Motor Fun – Use tongs or scoops to pick up objects.
👀 I-Spy Challenge – Call out items for your child to find.

🌨️ When Snow Days Feel Overwhelming for Sensitive Kids 🌨️The change in routine, available play activities, and sensory e...
01/07/2025

🌨️ When Snow Days Feel Overwhelming for Sensitive Kids 🌨️

The change in routine, available play activities, and sensory experiences of a snow day can be a lot to process for sensitive kiddos. ❄️ Quick temperature changes, new layers of clothing, and the brightness of sunlight reflecting off the snow can all add up to sensory overload.

For many of our kids, it’s not just about what’s happening outside—it’s about what’s happening inside. 🧠 Some kiddos have difficulty perceiving or interpreting their body signals (interoception), which can leave them (and us!) guessing as to what’s causing their distress.

💭 Interoception Exploration:
Help your child tune into their body with questions like:

🌬️ “How does your skin feel with the wind blowing?”
☀️ “Is the brightness of the snow too much for your eyes?”
🧥 “Do you feel sweaty with your jacket on, or maybe stinging from the cold?”
🔥 “What does it feel like when we come inside—tingly, warm? Remember, this feeling won’t last forever.”
🌟 Calming Strategies for Snowy Days:

1️⃣ Bring the Snow Inside:

Scoop snow into a bucket or bin for sensory play indoors.
Add small toys, scoops, or tools for creative exploration.
2️⃣ Take Breaks & Check-Ins:

Pause frequently to ask how your child is feeling:
“Are your hands cold or tingly?”
“Do you need a warm-up break?”
3️⃣ Plan Ahead for Outside Time:

Make a clear plan for outdoor activities:
What will you do?
How long will you stay out?
Use a timer or countdown to prepare for transitions.
4️⃣ Comfort in Layers:

Choose soft, non-irritating base layers under winter gear.
Make adjustments to clothing as needed to balance warmth and comfort.
5️⃣ After Play Calm:

Transition indoors with a cozy routine: warm drinks, deep-pressure snuggles, or quiet time in a blanket fort.
By validating their experience and offering sensory tools, you can turn a tricky snow day into a moment of connection and calm. 💙

Say hello to our newest OT 👋🏻Laurie initially received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations in Business from t...
11/15/2024

Say hello to our newest OT 👋🏻

Laurie initially received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations in Business from the College of William and Mary, where she was a proud member of the women’s soccer team. She first became interested in occupational therapy while searching for a client-centered health profession combining creative problem-solving skills with evidence-based practice. During Laurie’s break from schooling to raise three children, she worked as a manager/teacher for Gymboree Play and Music, a developmentally-based play program for children ages 3 months to 5 years. She then returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming an OT practitioner and graduated in 2018 from NVCC’s OTA program. Before joining the Playworks team, Laurie worked in outpatient pediatrics in the Northern VA area for 5 years.  Laurie has worked treating children with a range of diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, Down’s Syndrome, developmental delays, and sensory processing disorder.  She has experience working in the Fairfax County Public School system as a Fieldwork Level 2 student with children from preschool through high school. In her spare time, Laurie and her Goldendoodle, Ellie, volunteer with People, Animals, Love, an organization which provides pet visits to bring happiness and comfort to numerous individuals throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area. Laurie also has an African Grey parrot named Cali, so her home is always filled with “musical” sounds! When not playing with her  pets, Laurie also enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with family, which has recently expanded to include an adorable grandson!

Exciting changes are happening at Playworks! We’re thrilled about our new Reading Nook—it’s already a favorite. Stay tun...
10/23/2024

Exciting changes are happening at Playworks! We’re thrilled about our new Reading Nook—it’s already a favorite. Stay tuned for more surprises coming your way!

Parents and Teenagers, join us for our “happy hour” style event with wine and mocktails. Hear from 16-year-old Nell Choi...
07/22/2024

Parents and Teenagers, join us for our “happy hour” style event with wine and mocktails. Hear from 16-year-old Nell Choi about living with a rare genetic condition and connect with local families.

Hope to see you all this Thursday at 7 PM

Hang in there, it’s almost Friday!!👀 if you look closely, this is a sneak peek of our new sensory gym from 👀
04/18/2024

Hang in there, it’s almost Friday!!

👀 if you look closely, this is a sneak peek of our new sensory gym from 👀

Address

4620 Lee Highway, Ste 215
Arlington, VA
22207

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 6:30pm
Thursday 8am - 6:30pm
Friday 8am - 6:30pm

Telephone

+17032434600

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