Children's Choice for Therapy, Inc.

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day! We love you, Daisy! ❤️

08/13/2025

8 Executive Functioning Skills determine if a child is ready for staying organized in school.

08/12/2025

Children's Choice for Therapy is looking for a full-time or part-time Speech/language pathologist (SLP). If you know anyone looking for work, please contact me. Thank you.

08/07/2025

HANDWRITING & FINE MOTOR TOOLKIT

08/07/2025

A therapist's guide to executive function and what all therapists (OT/PT/SLP) need to know about executive function skills.

https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/therapists-need-know-executive-function-skills.html?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

08/07/2025

Conversation Starters for Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children:
Ways to invite connection, response, and shared attention without relying on words

07/04/2025

07/03/2025

The Fourth of July is a time for family, fireworks, and fun—but for many children with autism, the loud noises, crowds, and change in routines can be overwhelming. Check out these tips from the Autism Society of Florida to ensure your holiday is memorable, for all the right reasons.

1. Plan and Foreshadow the Day - Create a visual schedule or social story outlining the day’s events—celebrate which traditions will continue, what’s changing, and where you’ll be. (e.g., morning BBQ, afternoon picnic, evening fireworks)
2. Prepare for Sensory Overload - Bring items like noise canceling headphones, sunglasses, comforting objects, or a weighted lap pad. Share the sensory plan with your child before you go.
3. Secure a Comfortable Viewing Spot - Arrive early to secure a quiet spot near the front of the crowd. Bring a blanket to mark personal space and identify a “calm zone” for breaks.
4. Introduce Fireworks Gradually - Either choose quieter alternative celebrations (like drone or laser light shows) or use social stories to prepare your child for loud booms, flashing lights, and unexpected smells.
5. Prioritize Water Safety - With July being a high month for childhood drownings, keep vigilant around pools, lakes, and beaches. Enroll your child in autism-trained swim classes and supervise constantly.
6. Pack Favorite Foods & Fidgets - Bring safe snacks your child enjoys to avoid mealtime stress. Include calming fidget toys for use during waiting or sitting periods at events.
7. Review Safety Rules Ahead of Time - Review staying together in crowds, crossing streets safely, and having an ID plan in case of separation. Declare a clear check in routine throughout the day.
8. Communicate and Set Expectations - Discuss who will be attending and how the family will spend time together. Explain that it’s okay if your child chooses to sit out parts of the celebration.
9. Identify a “Go To” Calming Space - Scout a quiet spot, car, or tent in advance where your child can decompress if the noise, lights, or crowd become too intense.
10. Create New, Meaningful Traditions - If loud fireworks are too much, consider your sensory-friendly activities—like backyard flag-hunting games, light-up crafts, or a patriotic playlist dance party.
With these strategies—foreshadowing, sensory support, safety planning, and flexible expectations—you can help your child feel empowered and included in the celebration. For more resources and support, visit autismfl.org.

07/03/2025

Learning emotion regulation enables students to effectively manage intense feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, and distress. Like learning to walk, talk, and read, learning emotion regulation to successfully deal with distressful feelings follows a developmental progression. The Sensory Spectrum w...

05/11/2025

05/11/2025

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Children’s Choice for Therapy! ❤️

05/08/2025

Did you know, the balance system in your child’s brain (Cerebellum) is a fundamental piece for higher learning and problem solving? https://ilslearningcorner.com/2016-06-balance-coordination-kids-get-lost-system-without-mastery-balance-coordination/