AZOPT & Kids Place

08/12/2025

Sensory diets aren’t about food — they’re about giving kids the right kind of input at the right time to help their brains and bodies feel just right. 🧠

Here’s how to make them work for your child ⬇️

🔹Morning: Alerting activities to wake up and get ready for the day.

🔹Before leaving the house: Calming input to make transitions easier.

🔹Afternoon/After school: Calming activities to help kids re-focus after a busy day.

🔹Before meals: Helps the body slow down for eating.

🔹Before meltdowns: Spot triggers early and use sensory input first.

🔹Bedtime: Calm the nervous system for better sleep.

🪄 Sensory Sticks Hack
Write calming and alerting activities on popsicle sticks so kids can choose when they need them!
🔹Calming ideas: Animal walks, yoga, weighted blankets, calm down corner, classical music.
🔹Alerting ideas: Swinging, cartwheels, jump rope, balloon volleyball, upbeat music.

📸 Best Practice: Use Visuals!
Most kids are visual learners — pictures of activities help them understand, follow routines, and choose independently.

Try:
✅ Real photos of your child doing the activity
✅ “First/Then” visual schedules
✅ Velcro strips with laminated pictures
✅ Whiteboard lists to check off

A sensory diet is all about meeting your child’s unique needs so they can feel regulated, confident, and ready for whatever comes next.

08/11/2025

Why wait weeks to see a doctor just to be told to see a PT? 🤷‍♂️

You can skip the middle step and start your recovery today. In Arizona, you have Direct Access — which means:
✅ No referral needed
✅ No insurance delays
✅ No unnecessary appointments

The faster you start PT, the faster you get back to doing what you love. Don’t let pain or stiffness sit around getting worse — we can help now.

*Some insurances require a referral. Call one of our 5 physical therapy clinics today, and we can give you all the information you need!

08/08/2025

“I can walk again!” 💯

Happy Friday!! Congratulations to our recent physical therapy graduates💪🏼

08/07/2025

It’s hard to believe our first Kids Place location opened 17 years ago. Happy 17th anniversary to Kids Place Goodyear!

08/06/2025

Congratulations to our AzOPT Buckeye Patient of the Month – Bill! 🎉

Bill came to AzOPT after a total knee reconstruction — and if you’ve had one, you know how tough that recovery can be!

His goal? To get back to the things he loves, like weightlifting, mowing the lawn, and working around the house.

Bill never missed a visit, always showed up on time, and gave 100% every session. His dedication to his home exercise program made a huge difference in his recovery — and it shows!

Way to go, Bill! 💪

08/05/2025

Congratulations to our August Star of the Month, Amazya! 🌟

Here’s what her therapists had to say about her improvements with Kids Place Goodyear:

In physical therapy, Amazya initially presented with torticollis and asymmetrical gross motor skills. Since then, she has learned how to creep, transition between developmental positions on both sides, stand unsupported, and independently walk. Her head positional preference is no longer present, and she shows improving strength, mobility, coordination, and balance!

In occupational therapy, Amazya has been working hard on tolerating various types of movement and can now go backwards over a therapy ball, swing, and crawl across obstacle course equipment. She has also been exploring more toys and textures during play.

Amazya is also doing great in speech therapy,. She is starting to combine words and participate in more play every week.

She is a social butterfly and loves going around the clinic saying hi and bye to everyone.

Please congratulate her by liking this post and commenting below!

07/31/2025

Is your child drinking enough water? 💧

Kids are more prone to dehydration than adults—especially in Arizona’s dry heat.

The Importance of Hydration for your Child. Dehydration is a significant risk for children, any time of the year, especially those that are more active.

07/29/2025

Planning a road trip (or just spending hours in the car around the Valley)?
Kids with sensory needs often struggle with long drives—but a little sensory planning can make a big difference in how your child tolerates and even enjoys the ride.

Here’s how to support your child before, during, and after your trip:

Before the trip:
– Get in some heavy work (push a laundry basket, carry a backpack)
– Try swinging or spinning for vestibular input
– Use visual schedules, maps, or social stories to set expectations
– Show photos of places/people you’ll visit to reduce anxiety

During the drive:
– Bring weighted lap pads or stuffed animals
– Pack fidget toys, sensory bins, or familiar comfort items
– Use window clings, doodle boards, or stretchy tubes
– Offer chewy snacks and fun containers to combine oral and fine motor input
– Try View Masters, flashlights, or magnifying glasses for creative engagement

🏞️ Movement breaks:
– Use the Playground Buddy app to find local parks
– Pack a jump rope, ball, or chalk for active play
– No park? No problem—use a parking lot or rest stop creatively!

😴 Don’t forget rest:
– Stick to your child’s regular sleep/wind-down routine
– Use calming music, sunglasses, or window shades
– Weighted items and favorite toys can help relax on the go

✨ Bonus tip: Talk to your child’s OT for personalized suggestions based on what helps them regulate best. A little prep goes a long way in helping your child handle new environments with confidence and joy!

07/28/2025

From not walking to walking again—this is why we do what we do. 💙

Healing takes time, but the right support makes all the difference.
We're honored to walk alongside our patients on their journey back to movement, independence, and daily life.

And yes... it’s totally normal to miss PT when it’s over!

07/25/2025

Merry Christmas in July from Kids Place Gilbert! 🎅🏼🎄