In this episode, I welcome Kim Hazelton, an experienced occupational therapist and fellow homeschool mom, to discuss the expectations parents should have when seeking occupational therapy for their children.
In this episode, I welcome Kim Hazelton, an experienced occupational therapist and fellow homeschool mom, to discuss the expectations parents should have when seeking occupational therapy for their children. We discuss the importance of understanding sensory systems and autonomic nervous system behaviors, emphasize the need for personalized and collaborative therapy sessions, and share insights into carrying over therapy techniques at home.
Kim also introduces her books, Calm Down, Child, and Neuro Roots, offering valuable resources for parents. You will gain valuable insights into navigating the world of occupational therapy and building a collaborative support system for your children.
In this episode you'll hear about:
Discussion on Challenges Faced by Families in Occupational Therapy
Sarah shares a story of a family and their struggles with occupational therapy for their son.
Kim explains the impact of autonomic nervous system on the sensory system and reflexes, particularly in children.
Emphasis on understanding the child's regulation struggles and the importance of not creating power struggles during therapy.
Kim discusses the importance of understanding the parents' concerns, struggles, and priorities.
Emphasizes the need for collaboration and individualized approach in therapy sessions.
Kim discusses the approach of addressing the child's challenges and working on goals specific to the parents' priorities.
Emphasis on involving parents in the therapy sessions and providing them with techniques to use at home.
Providing concrete proof of a child's progress through videos and feedback.
Kim highlights the importance of collaboration and communication with parents in therapy.
The significance of parents being involved in the sessions and following up on the techniques at home.
Being an educator for the parents and empowering them with techniques for immediate success.
The Haller method and body mapping as therapeutic approaches.
Body mapping in providing tactile and proprioceptive input to a child's body.
Links and Resources From Today's Show
The Best Places to Find OT Services for Homeschool Families https://homeschoolot.com/ot-services-...
Calm Down Child https://amzn.to/3OhNF9m
Neuro Roots https://amzn.to/3HGQwos
Learning about Interoception and Language Arts Together https://homeschoolot.com/interoceptio...
Special Needs
Sarah Collins is a homeschooling expert, occupational therapist, and educational consultant who specializes in supporting neurodivergent learners. Her unique professional background combines clinical expertise with hands-on homeschooling experience. Sarah transitioned to homeschooling in 2017 after working nine years as an occupational therapist while raising her young family. Though initially skeptical of homeschooling, she quickly embraced its ability to provide individualized education, family-centered learning, and academic customization.
When her son experienced reading difficulties, Sarah's occupational therapy background enabled her to incorporate movement-based learning, while collaborating with specialists to address his underlying needs. This personal experience with her neurodivergent son inspired her current mission: combining her occupational therapy expertise with homeschool education to support other families navigating similar challenges.
Sarah holds an MS in Occupational Therapy from Medical College of Virginia (2008) and a BS in Recreation and Leisure Administration from York College of Pennsylvania (2001). Her professional experience includes working as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at Children's Hospital in Richmond (2002-2006), a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Kennedy Krieger Institute (2008-2011), a Home Health Occupational Therapist at University of Maryland (2011-2016), and currently as a Homeschool Occupational Therapy Consultant at HomeschoolOT (2019-present).
As an educational leader, Sarah has served as a Classical Conversations Foundations Tutor (2016-2018, 2023) and Essentials Tutor (2018-2022), Charlotte Mason Co-op Co-coordinator and Instructor (2019), home educator for three children with diverse needs (2016-present), and Elective Co-op instructor teaching cooking, physical education, handwriting, and executive functioning (2024-present). She regularly presents at major homeschooling and educational conferences, including CHAP, HEAV, Homeschooling Special Needs Conference, and various medical symposiums.
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