Pivot Point Pediatric Therapy

02/20/2026

We're reflecting on some of the things that make this work so rewarding. Just the other week, we had a fantastic group therapy session with some of our younger students. These 4 and 5-year-olds were focused and engaged during story time, they happily took turns playing follow-the-leader, and we had a blast painting together. Seeing the strides each child has made has been amazing. It hasn't always been easy, but with our guidance and their support for one another, they keep hitting huge milestones. It really warms our hearts and reminds us why we do this work.

02/04/2026

🧠 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿
What other amazing qualities would you add to this list?

𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 🔗💞🧡
Prioritizing connection and trust to create safe, meaningful relationships with each client and their families.

𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 🌀🐛🦋
Ready to pivot in an instant, letting go of any plans they had, to best support regulation and engagement.

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 🤔🔍🕵️‍♀️
Approaches every
interaction with openness and wonder – always seeking to understand someone’s inner world, perspectives, motivations, and intentions.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 🧘‍♀️💭📝
Thinks deeply about interactions – using insights to best support development. This includes self-reflection on one’s own actions during an interaction.

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 🤝🏻👫🧱
Partners with both parents and professionals in a shared mission to support the whole individual.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 💪🌟🗝️
Sees the brilliance in every person – amplifying their passions, honoring their individuality, and using their strengths as a springboard for growth.

01/23/2026

We're excited to be working with Fern Hollow Designs (https://www.fernhollowdesigns.com) to be upgrading our fencing! Soon we will have no-climb fencing (the fence pictured here is obviously not that!) around the entire perimeter of the property as well as surrounding the pond. This is an important addition to our outdoor spaces as our client numbers grow.

Though we watch everyone closely, we know we'll always have some students who like to wander. This new fence will give us extra peace of mind knowing that everyone will remain safe regardless of their tendencies. This wandering behavior is also known as elopement and is common in children with autism. Sometimes this is because of stress or overstimulation, and sometimes it's because they simply want to see or experience something *over there.*

With our 11 acre property fully fenced in, we'll have the best of both worlds to keep the kids close while giving them the opportunity to safely explore the outdoors.

01/20/2026

A big thank you to Tabitha for donating all these supplies to us! You can trust they'll be used and appreciated!

01/16/2026

Several of our clients have challenges with eating, especially with trying new foods. For some, their food aversions are severe enough to be diagnosed with ARFID - Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. ARFID is commonly comorbid with Autism. If untreated, it can impact a child's development and nutrition.

We do a lot of cooking as food therapy to help our clients experience and find joy in food. They can engage their 5 senses in preparing the food, which allows them to know the food better. This can make trying something new or out of their comfort zone a lot less scary, and even exciting!

Here's some pictures of making and trying broccoli cups. The process AND the final product were thoroughly enjoyed.

01/14/2026

Have you seen the new autistic barbie from Mattel? She's equipped with a fidget spinner, noise canceling headphones, and an AAC device! What do you think?

Company says doll is the latest expansion of its commitment to representation and inclusion

01/08/2026

Play IS learning!

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧'𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬❓
⦿ Communication
⦿ Listening Skills
⦿ Social Emotional
⦿ Observation Skills
⦿ Hand-Eye Coordination
⦿ Problem Solving
⦿ Mathematics
⦿ Memory
⦿ Gross Motor Skills
⦿ Fine Motor Skills
⦿ Sorting Skills
⦿ Pattern Recognition

01/05/2026

Happy New Year Everyone!

2026 is going to be a big year for Pivot Point, starting with:

* a name change
* new logo
* and new website!

We are now called Pivot Point Pediatric Therapy! While Pivot Point started with just sweet old Duke and me, we now have had three music therapists, another speech therapist, and an OT. With added services and growth, a name change was needed.

Due to this growth, we are excited to start planning breaking ground on a new building. The new building will allow us the space to bring on two new services, Intervention Services and Physical Therapy, as well as a dedicated space just for Music Therapy. Stay tuned for details on all of this!

We'll also be upgrading our fencing and our playground soon. So many exciting things to come this year! Check out our new website https://www.pivotpointpediatric.com/ to see some of these new changes reflected visually. Thanks for making 2025 an amazing year! Looking forward to another year of growth, learning, and connection!

At Pivot Point, we view neurodiversity and differences in communication and cognition through a strength-based model. By combining play with the power of relationships and evidence-based, progressive approaches, we help kids reach a more robust level of engagement and broader functions of communicat...

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays everyone! We had a great time making and decorating holiday cookies. The kids were so excited that they sat on the floor and watched them bake! More entertaining than television!

12/17/2025

This! Play is so important for children's development. That is why so much of the therapies we offer are different forms of play! When kids are having fun, they're engaged and learning.

I have been writing and speaking about the importance of play in childhood for a very long time, and yet it seems that today’s children are definitely showing the signs ...

10/07/2025

Meet the newest member of the Pivot Point family: Marigold! She'll be moving into the barn in just a few short days. She's a Katahdin sheep just like our sweet Ash. And just like Ash, she was bottle-fed as a baby so is very friendly with people as a result. We just know she's going to fit right in with the flock and be great with the kids.

10/02/2025

Do you have a child between the ages of 8–17 who has a sibling with a developmental disability?

We’re excited to invite them to SIBSupport – a special group designed just for siblings! This monthly event gives kids and teens the chance to:

✅ Build friendships with others who “get it”
✅ Play games and have fun
✅ Learn about community resources
✅ Develop their own support network

When: The first Wednesday of each month, 5-7 p.m.
First session: This Wednesday, Oct. 1
Cost: FREE!

Register today: https://tinyurl.com/SIBSupportAthens

Give your child the opportunity to connect, grow, and have fun with peers who share similar experiences. 😀💙🙌