Welcome to My Blog
Hello and welcome to MissHaleyOT! I'm so excited to have you here, and I can't wait to share my journey, insights, and passion for pediatric occupational therapy with you.
My name is Haley, and I've dedicated my career to occupational therapy since 2010. For the first decade, I worked with adults as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), helping them improve their quality of life. However, in early 2020, I made a significant transition to pediatric occupational therapy, a move that truly ignited my passion and purpose.
Shortly after this career shift, my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This diagnosis was a pivotal moment for me both personally and professionally. It deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by neurodiverse children and their families, and it inspired me to return to grad school to become a fully certified Occupational Therapist (OT). This journey has reignited my commitment to helping children and supporting their development in meaningful ways.
As a mom to neurospicy kids – my son with ASD and my daughter with ADHD – my work is profoundly personal. I understand firsthand the unique challenges and incredible joys that come with raising neurodiverse children. This personal connection fuels my dedication to creating resources that make a real difference. My experiences as a parent have given me a unique perspective, and I am passionate about sharing what I've learned to help other families navigate their own journeys.
Through this blog, I aim to share my knowledge, experiences, and insights to support and empower families, therapists, and educators. You can expect to find a variety of content here, including educational articles on sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, and therapeutic interventions. I'll also provide practical tips, creative ideas, and engaging activities to foster growth and development in children of all abilities.
One of my greatest joys is showcasing the incredible capabilities of kids through my reels and social media. In my reels, you'll find fun and engaging activities like sensory play ideas, DIY fine motor skill exercises, and creative ways to incorporate therapy into everyday play. For example, I love sharing simple activities like using playdough to strengthen hand muscles, obstacle courses to improve coordination, and sensory bins to enhance tactile exploration. These activities not only support development but also make learning enjoyable for children.
In future blog posts, I'll discuss a wide range of topics, including:
- Sensory Processing: Understanding sensory needs and strategies to support sensory integration at home and in the classroom.
- Fine Motor Skills: Activities and exercises to develop hand strength, dexterity, and coordination.
- Gross Motor Skills: Fun and effective ways to improve balance, coordination, and overall physical development.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Evidence-based approaches and practical tips for supporting children with ASD, ADHD, and other developmental challenges.
- Parenting Tips: Advice and strategies for parents raising neurodiverse children, including managing everyday challenges and celebrating successes.
- Resource Reviews: Reviews and recommendations of tools, toys, and resources that support child development and make therapy fun.
In addition to my blog content, I design digital resources and fine motor kits that are fun, creative, and effective tools for developing motor skills. These products are thoughtfully created to help children develop essential skills in an enjoyable way. I understand the importance of making learning engaging and accessible, and I'm committed to providing high-quality resources that meet these needs.
I believe in the power of community and the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, I hope this blog becomes a valuable resource for you. Together, we can create a brighter future for every child, helping them thrive and reach their full potential.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I'm looking forward to sharing, learning, and growing with you. If you have any questions, topics you'd like me to cover, or simply want to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Haley
MissHaleyOT