Introducing Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy
North Star’s sensory room in the upstairs office at North Star in the Point Loma area of San Diego includes a sensory swing, trampoline, crash pad, and quiet corner.
North Star’s fine motor space in our upstairs office is perfect for child-led art activities such as painting, gluing, and cutting.
Introducing Our New Occupational Therapy Services
As of February 2025, North Star SLPC, Inc., is excited to announce the launch of our new occupational therapy services tailored for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support that enhances the quality of life for individuals and their families. We are dedicated to providing neuroaffirming support for people of all ages!
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered practice that helps individuals achieve greater independence and improved function in everyday activities. For children and adults with developmental disabilities, OT can address challenges in areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, daily living activities, and social interaction. Our occupational therapy services blend evidence-based approaches, neurodiversity-affirming and person-led care, with a compassionate understanding of each individual's unique needs.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Enhancing Fine Motor Skills: For children who have difficulty with tasks that require precision, such as writing, buttoning clothes, or using utensils. Utilizing person-led, play-based activities, OT can help improve these skills, making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Improving Sensory Processing: Individuals with developmental disabilities may experience sensory differences. Our occupational therapists are trained to develop strategies that help regulate sensory input, leading to improved comfort and focus. Our sensory rooms are well-equipped with a variety of tools for support sensory regulation, including a swing, trampoline, slide, balance beam, lights, and crash pads.
Daily Living Skills: Our skilled OTs can support the development of essential self-care skills, such as dressing, grooming, and hygiene. These foundational skills promote independence and confidence, empowering individuals to participate more fully in their everyday lives. For adults, our OTs can also support instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as cooking, cleaning, navigating transportation, and management of finances.
Social Skills Development: Our OTs work closely with our SLPs to provide strategies and activities aimed at support social skills, facilitating communication, and fostering meaningful relationships with peers and family members from a neuroaffirming perspective, informed by an understanding of the double empathy problem, listening to autistic voices, and multimodality communication.
Customized Interventions: Every individual is unique. Our team works closely with families and caregivers to create individualized plans that cater to specific needs and goals, ensuring that therapy is both relevant and effective.
Support for Adults: Occupational therapy is not just for children. Adults with developmental disabilities can also benefit from OT, whether it's adapting to changes in their living situation, enhancing workplace skills, or finding leisure activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
A Collaborative Approach
Our occupational therapists collaborate with our SLP team, parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the individual’s care to ensure a holistic approach. We believe that family involvement is crucial to success, and we provide caregiver training and coaching to support families in promoting their loved one's independence at home.
Get Started Today
If you believe that occupational therapy could benefit you or your child, reach out for a free consultation. Together, we can explore the possibilities and chart a path toward enhanced independence and quality of life.
At North Star SLPC, Inc., we are dedicated to helping individuals reach their fullest potential. With our new occupational therapy services, offered at our clinic in Point Loma, San Diego, we look forward to making a positive impact in your lives.
