Happy Hands Therapy NWI

03/19/2026

Great change of perspective!

03/12/2026

What exactly is occupational therapy?

Is it fine motor therapy?
Do we help people find jobs?
Do we only help kids with sensory issues?
Do we only work on the upper body?

No way!!

OT is actually rooted in mental health- we started working with soldiers after WWI who were “shell shocked” from the war. They found that working on meaningful activity helped with symptoms of PTSD. How cool is that!

When humans are engaged in things that are meaningful to them, they are generally happier and healthier. When they aren’t, that’s where OT can step in.

Today, you can find OTs working on all kinds of occupations, with a TON of different interventions that may involve the body, mind, nervous system, environment, and awareness of what occupations, routines, and roles are most coveted to a particular client.

Whether it’s taking up a beading project, going for a walk with your family, playing with your dog, cooking/baking, reading a book, pulling up your pants after going to the bathroom, or making it through a school day without melting down, OT is a profession that cares, and can help you with the things that are important to you ❤️

Here at Happy Hands we love helping kids and families thrive, being outdoors, crafting, being an aunt, celebrating with family and laughing with friends! What are some of your favorite occupations? Let us know in the comments!

03/01/2026

Exactly why a whole child perspective helps children thrive.

02/19/2026

It may be difficult for a child to stand in one place without leaning on something or someone if their nervous system is processing proprioceptive input differently.

It’s like their brain is screaming, “where am I right now?!” Kids know what to do to get the input they need and may start leaning, pushing, pulling, jumping, and crashing on people or things to let their brain know, “I’m right here, see?” The only problem is: it’s often not enough, and shows up in places where adults might go, “Hey, keep your hands to yourself!”

Children with proprioceptive input differences may also use too much force for tasks like writing or putting toys together, often leading to things breaking and causing lots of frustration.

If you’d like help getting your child the input they need, give us a call today at (219) 200-2283!



Note: This is not intended to be medical advice. Please seek assistance from a licensed occupational therapist for specific recommendations for your child.

This pertains to ALL of us…
The proprioceptive system is responsible for body awareness, helping us understand where our body is in space without needing to look. This system guides movements and posture and plays a big role in coordination and motor planning.

When kids have proprioceptive difficulties, it can show up as:
🤕Clumsiness: Bumping into objects or people often, or struggling with coordination.
🤼Rough Play: Pushing, hitting, or crashing into things because they may seek out more sensory input.
✂️Difficulty with Motor Tasks: Tasks like writing, cutting with scissors, or catching a ball may be challenging.
🪑Poor Posture: Slumping at a desk or leaning on walls.
🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️Low Awareness of Personal Space: They may stand too close or be unaware of boundaries.

Supporting kids with proprioceptive issues often involves heavy work activities to provide deep pressure input, which helps regulate their sensory system and improve body awareness.
🧰Here are some resources: https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-sensory-activities/
🧰https://www.theottoolbox.com/heavy-work-activities/

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day!❤️

We hope you’re spending this day doing the things you love, with the ones you love. For us, that’s breaking out the pink and red play-doh and making friendship bracelets! It works on essential fine motor skills necessary for a variety of tasks, such as dressing, holding a pencil, brushing your teeth, and more! Not only that, it also helps you access fun things that make you happy, like playing with play-doh😉

Note: This is not intended to be medical advice. Please seek assistance from a licensed occupational therapist for specific recommendations for your child.

02/13/2026

At Happy Hands Therapy we respect all forms of neurodiversity. What does this mean? We recognize that all brains are capable, valuable, and cool!

Some brains like to play pretend, some like to line up cars, and others like to crash and jump!

Though different brains may have different challenges, it’s important for kids to understand that no matter what brain they have, they are just worthy and valuable as other brains.

With the right tools and support, all kids can thrive. Therapy sessions at Happy Hands focus on making sure your child has the right support for their unique neurotype so they can access the things that are important to them, and to you.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and your child, give us a call today to discuss further!

(219) 200-2283
angela@happyhandstherapyllc.com

02/13/2026

We're excited to announce that we'll be hosting our first Persons with Disabilities Self-defense Course on March 4th from 11a-1p at the Hammond Sportsplex! This course is FREE!
Click the link below to register!

https://hammondsportsplex.sportngin.com/.../form/555481585

02/07/2026

Did you grow up learning we only have 5 senses?
Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell were just the beginning.

There are three hidden sensory systems that play a HUGE role in how kids move, feel, and function every day, but they often get overlooked:

🔹 Vestibular- the sense of balance and movement https://www.theottoolbox.com/vestibular-activities/
🔹 Proprioception- the sense of body awareness and position https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-activities-improves-body-awareness/
🔹 Interoception- the sense of internal body signals like hunger, thirst, or the need to use the bathroom https://www.theottoolbox.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-interoception/

These "hidden" senses impact everything from attention and emotional regulation to posture, coordination, and toileting.

Understanding these systems can help us better support kids who seem wiggly, overwhelmed, or unaware of their own bodies. A great resource to better understand these sensory systems and how sensory seeking or over-responsiveness/ under-responsiveness impact function is The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook: https://www.theottoolbox.com/product/the-sensory-lifestyle-handbook/

02/03/2026

Happy Hands Therapy, LLC is now online! Check out our website here:

Who we are Happy Hands Therapy provides mobile occupational therapy services to children in Lake and Porter County Indiana who have difficulties engaging in their daily lives. We strive to provide neurodiversity affirming, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Learn more Explore what we offer Occu...