Not all screen time is created equal! Some screen time is used for connection, creation, and learning new things. Other times it can be used as a distraction instead of processing emotions, become addictive, or be chosen over in person opportunities. Open communication and a willingness to learn are the best resources to help parents …
Author Archives: Nicola Schaan
Personal Space
Learning about personal space is an important life skill for safety and comfort. For younger learners: *these books/programs are teaching kids neurotypical norms, so while they can be a useful tool please keep that in mind and balance it with neuroaffirming approaches For older learners you might lean into the ‘why’ behind personal space. You …
Cooking and Occupational Therapy
The life skill of cooking is a frequent goal of my sessions. Here is a bit about my occupational therapy approach to cooking that make it different from a traditional cooking class. Below is the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation: Egan M, Restall G. (2022). The Canadian Model of Occupational Participation. In M. Egan & …
Safety Planning
Regulation Curve CLBC Documentation DisDAT __ Safety planning strategies by OT Nicola Schaan for neurodivergent folks: Tools, resources, and regulation insights to help build safety, self-advocacy, and well-being.
Neurodiversity and Regulation – Summer planning (interoception/thermoregulation)
Summer and getting outside is awesome! A little planning can go a long way in setting up an outing for success. This Some neurodivergent people have a harder time knowing if they are too hot or too cold. This is because of differences in how their brains sense and understand body signals—this is called “interoception.” …
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General Resources
General Resources Autism specific learning Sexual health Clinical practice guidelines Free courses ADHD: https://healthymindslearning.ca/rollingwith-adhd/
Preparing for Medical Visits
Consider using a heath care accommodations tool Sample: Additionally, a tool that describes what a person’s baseline when they are comfortable may be helpful such as the DisDat Assessment Tool
Across the Life Span
Transitions in life, especially moving into adulthood is often facilitated by a reflection exercises about what we do across the lifespan. Below are few different ways to think about it __ Reflection tools for life transitions: Explore adult roles, diversity of work/activities, and neurodiversity-affirming perspectives for across the lifespan.
Vision Therapy
Most helpful if: you have double vision and headaches and you can easily follow instructions and integrate home practice May be helpful if: if you have difficulty reading due to visual processing difficulties – more info about that here Okanagan Vision Therapy is the company that I know of who provides this kind of support …
Executive Functioning
Below are a list of tools and strategies that may be helpful to support neurodivergent individuals with their executive functioning. __ Tools & strategies for supporting neurodivergent executive functioning: scheduling, gamified apps, metacognitive methods, and everyday OT tips.