Melissa Petcu MS OTR/L, occupational therapist at the Midtown office of Child and Family Development, emphasizes that pediatric occupational therapy is all about “the job of living”. Families can capitalize of events and activities already happening when they are out and about in the community to facilitate development and improve skills. In April, she shares:

Have a wiggly student at school? Try these ideas:

• Sit on a wiggle seat or balance disk during circle time or while in his chair. 
• Wrap stretchy band around the front chair legs and place the child’s feet on it, allowing some wiggle room and movement without getting up from a seat.
• Prioritize front-of-class seating closer to the teacher, boards and screens to improve focus with less distractions and less auditory and visual stimulation.