Almaden Valley Children's Therapy Center

Have you checked out our blog with the tour of our clinic?! As Brittney was starting this practice over 6.5 years ago, one thing she knew was that she didn't want it to be like most other pediatric clinics where it looks like dirty, cluttered and with primary colors thrown up everywhere. She wanted a playful, CLEAN space that felt inviting and modern. It is important for our families to feel comfortable and special when they come in. We... hope we are achieving that! #otclinic #otclinictour #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

We love our space and hope you do too! Having worked in many pediatric clinics I knew I wanted Almaden Valley Children's Therapy Center to feel different. The families we work with are often stressed and overwhelmed so we felt having a calm environment was important. I did not want this space to feel like a chaotic medical center or overstimulating play space like so many therapy clinics do. #otclinic #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions

Happy #internationalteaday! #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions

"Children have an innate drive to explore and interact with their world and it is through these experiences that they nourish the brain and promote development" Ayres, 1979 It is so important that children have the space to explore and interact in their world. When they do so they are learning so much and banking information that they will use later for new even harder skills. When they push something off of their high chair they are learning what their bod...y is capable of... "when I push with this amount of force something this heavy moves this far" for example. All of this knowledge continues to stack onto itself leading to more and more skill development! Pretty incredible right? Unfortunately, yes, that sometimes may mean bumps, bruises, meltdowns, and even occasionally things may get broken. Obviously as adults it is our job to protect children from truly hurting themselves but children will be better off learning for themselves what bad thing may happen when they take certain actions. Here is how I work with children on learning this skill in a safe manner. Let's say a child is in the clinic climbing on our ladder. I am usually close by because the ladder moves a lot and requires someone to stabilize it. I also am ready in case a child accidentally falls. Very frequently our clients will attempt to jump off the ladder far higher than is safe - many of our clients have difficulty with motor planning and sequencing. Rather than catching them in a way that makes them feel super safe and secure, I want them to feel the fear and potential danger from their action (to teach them what would happen if I was not there). So, as the child jumps off I often slightly brace there fall so they don't get hurt but allow them to experience the rush of a fall and even a slight crash. That is usually followed by a "oh no!" and maybe a slight expression of fear. See more

Does this look familiar?!? Hang in their friend. I'm sure that coffee is cold already, so go stick it in the microwave and have a quick dance party! #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions

Many of us are feeling ready to be on break and our patience is wearing this. We usually have the last days before holiday to have parties, make fun crafts and celebrate. This year, while teachers are trying their best to make this time exciting, it may just not feel the same. As I shared earlier this month, children may have more difficult behaviors this year that are hard to explain and understand. Here is a blog post I wrote about navigating these diffic...ulties. In the post I share two of my favorite experts/resources on supporting children. Many years ago, author and child psychiatrist Dr. Ross Greene said something that has always stuck with me: "Children do well when they can." I actually believe this to be true of all people but that is for another post. When children are presented with a demand that is incompatible with their current abilities, a challenging behavior will ensue. Head over to the blog to find this article. I think this will be helpful for you as you embark on the rest of this week. #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

Let's talk auditory sensitivities. So many of the little ones we work with have auditory sensitivities. People with sensitivities may notice sounds that others don't or they may have differentiating between the sounds they hear. For example, a child may not be able to differentiate the noise of their teacher talking and the lawnmower outside sound the same. Whereas most of us would be able to automatically tune out the background noise a...nd attend to the teacher, some people are unable to properly filter important and relevant sounds from those that are not important. This can be very overwhelming to those who experience it. Individuals with auditory sensitivities often have extreme reactions to typical levels of sound. They may also avoid noisy environments like a friend's birthday party. I also notice kids with sensitivities will point out distant noises that most would just ignore. During an evaluation for example, they may point out a noise that they hear from an outside area. While most may have also detected the noise, they don't really attend to it at a conscious level. Another thing that I notice about kids with auditory sensitivities is they are nearly constantly making noise - humming, singing, growling, talking, etc. Seems counter intuitive, right?! Should I do a post on why children with sensitivities would be inclined to make lots of noise?! #auditorysensitivities #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

Your only limit is your mind! #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions #childhoodunplugged #almaden #almadenvalley #almadenparents #willowglencharm #willowglen #momblogger #whattodowithkidsinbayarea #sarcrc #wearesanjose #bayareamoms #bayareamom #bayareamamma #bayareatoddler #sanjosebusiness #bayareasensorycollective

This is your friendly reminder to MOVE THE ELF! Did your elf have to quarantine this year? If so, tomorrow is day 14 and the elf can officially come out of quarantine! #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions

I love this quote... "We have to prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child." We - parents and those working with children - are in a unique position to help children develop resilience and coping skills for the inevitable challenges life will throw their way. ... I love to purposely offer children a chance to experience upsets and challenges in a safe space during therapy. I may see and know that a child is doing something wrong and it will lead to them not being successful but I will allow them to try for themselves. Even though I know it is good for their development to learn through doing (versus me telling them) it can be so hard. I know my brain has had many more years to develop the skill necessary to problem solve it. If I just tell them how to do it or what they are doing wrong, I am robbing them of the chance to build up that brain muscle! Another great way to practice this is in games. It is OK to not always let your child win - in fact, it is good to allow a mix of both winning and losing. #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

As I am sure many of you are, I have been spending lots of time this year reflecting on the idea of traditions. Traditions seem to be experiences we don't always appreciate until they're gone...or you are in a year where you cant experience them in the same way. As I long for the traditions of the past, I am searching for ways to create positive memories in this present time. Maybe this will be the ONLY year we ever get to just stay home - in holiday pajamas, yes... please! - with those we are most intimately connected to. Swipe right to learn about our teams most treasured holiday traditions. There are a mix of traditions from our childhood to current traditions. I wish you peace as you navigate all the emotions - both the sadness and hope - that many are feeling. Tell us below your favorite holiday tradition? #2020holidaytraditions #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions #childhoodunplugged #almaden #almadenvalley #almadenparents #willowglencharm #willowglen #momblogger #whattodowithkidsinbayarea #sarcrc #wearesanjose #bayareamoms #bayareamom #bayareamamma #bayareatoddler #bayareasensorycollective See more

Here are some of our favorite handwriting support tools we use in our work with kiddos.

A cookbook blogger I follow was talking last week about how normally she doesn't allow her kids much screen time but during the holidays she nearly forces them to watch ALL the holiday movies. Put an emoji in the comments with the one fits you the best: classic holiday cartoon junkie hallmark Christmas marathon! ... home alone! #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

Testimonial Thursdays?! Can we make that a thing? We'd love to hear your testimonials in the comments below but even better, we are always so thankful when you hop over to google, yelp or Facebook and leave reviews. It helps others to find us. ... #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

When a child is "acting out", it is helpful to remember that there are feelings and difficulties behind the behavior. While it is not a good idea to allow "bad behavior" to go unaddressed - kids in fact feel safest when a loving adult can provide boundaries - it is important to allow a child to know it is perfectly acceptable and tolerable to have negative emotions/feelings and that they are loved in spite of them. In your day to day life this may look lik...e saying: "I can see you are really upset that you didn't get your turn but we cannot hit our friends. Let me know if you want to take a break together so your body can calm down." "I know you're feel frustrated with mommy because I am telling your it is time to clean up. It's OK to feel frustrated at me but it is not ok to throw your toys. I wonder if you need a bear hug before we clean up or do you think you're ready to put your toys away safely." We are big believers in Dr. Daniel Siegel's approaches and teachings. You will soon see that in the resource section of our new website we have listed almost each and every book he and @drtinapaynebryson have published! If you have not read any of their work, I suggest starting with @The Whole Brain Child. #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD See more

I thought it would be fun to do a this or that today... So my question is, if you celebrate Christmas, do your kids wake up to gifts wrapped or unwrapped?? Post an emoji below to let us know:... Team Wrapped Gifts Team Unwrapped Gifts #thisorthat #teamwrapped #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

Happy Hanukkah! Our family here at #AVCTC is wishing you and your family a peaceful and joy-filled holiday season. #happyhanukkah #hanukkahsanjose #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions

I hope all of you are seeing this pop up in your calendars right about now! #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions

Any guesses what we have been hard at work on over here?! #AVCTCwebsitelaunch #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD

Do you agree?? #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD Dr. Ross Greene

Did someone say "national pastry day"?!? We love any excuse to get our hands messy and eat carbs! haha. SENSORY IDEA: buy some pre-made pastry dough and pull out some cookie cutters. Let your kids play, create some fun shapes. Roll, stretch, smell, squeeze. If it doesn't get too dirty in the process, you can even bake it! ... If you do this, we'd love to see your photos. Tag us so we can share to our stories! #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions #nationalpastryday #dowereallyneedanexcusetoeatpastries #sensoryplay #sanjosesensory See more

If you have a child with special needs I encourage you to attend this tomorrow.

Earlier this week we talked about vestibular input and how it can be used to either calm someone or give them more energy. Another magical sensation that many people haven't heard of is PROPRIOCEPTION. Proprioception tells are body where it is in space and is such a great tool for improving regulation. It's my go to anytime a child is struggling. Proprioceptive input can improve sensory integration, emotional regulation, and preve...nt sensory seeking throughout the day. If you have ever heard an OT suggest a child do "heavy work" they are providing your child with lots of proprioceptive input. Anything that provides deep input to the joints - any joints - is providing proprioception. Think pushing, pulling, jumping, crashing, squeezing, chomping, stomping, etc. Give it a try next time your child is struggling and let us know how it goes. #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

October is Sensory Awareness Month! As you may know we are passionate about serving children with difficulties that result from sensory processing difficulties so this month feels like it's our birthday! So many children who have sensory processing difficulties are labeled as "difficult kids" or their parents feel like they are just a bad parent. All too often we see that these kids fall through the crack - while things seem much harder for them, they don't qualify for help t...hrough the normal channels. They often have to work so much harder to learn a new task or they have an extremely hard time modulating the sensations resulting in frequent meltdowns. During this month we hope to continue to spread awareness about Sensory Processing. Sensory Processing affects us all! We are finalizing some really helpful educational content that we can't wait to share about Sensory Processing Disorder. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook and sign up for our email list (click on cover photo).

This toy has been a long time favorite of mine. It is super fun and works on so, so, SOOOOO many skills. hand strength grasp bilateral coordination ... visual perception planning and sequencing Just to name a few. I cannot recommend this item enough. You will see this on the resource section of our website. #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions #childhoodunplugged #almaden #almadenvalley #almadenparents #willowglencharm #willowglen #momblogger #whattodowithkidsinbayarea #sarcrc #wearesanjose #bayareamoms #bayareamom #bayareamamma #bayareatoddler #bayareasensorycollective See more

We are finding that many children are having fewer opportunities to engage in the normal hands on learning tasks such as learning to write letters , cutting with scissors and more! We thought we would share some scissor/cutting tips: THUMBS UP: Ideally both of the child's thumbs should be up when holding scissors and when stabilizing the paper... LEFTIES: If your child is left handed they need to have left handed scissors POSITIONING: Help the child learn how to correctly position their hand in the scissors; thumb in small hole, index and middle in the larger hole ELBOWS DOWN: Encourage the child to keep their elbows near their body (don't fly away!) SNIP VS SLICE: One skill that can be hard for kids to learn is cutting the correct length. Practice big cuts (open scissors big) and small cuts (open scissors small) Here are just a handful of tips and ideas. If you feel like your kiddo's motor skills are falling behind we are here to help. Feel free to reach out for a complimentary screening call #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

I remember back in 2014 feeling so unfulfilled by my work as a therapist. I had been working for a few years at that point and just felt like it wasn’t really what I had hope it would be. I was working with children in schools and in a clinic but I just didn’t feel like the environment I was working in allowed me to connect with my clients and make meaningful and lasting impact. In order to ignite my passion I signed up to attend a training by world renowned Sensory Processi...ng Disorder experts in Colorado at the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing. This weeklong mentorship allowed a small group of clinicians to be trained by and to collaborate with top researchers and expert clinicians. This course took everything I thought I knew about therapy, client relationships, and SPD and flipped it on its head. I left feeling reinvigorated and so excited to implement this new information. Upon returning home and back to my work, my excitement soon fizzled as I realized that the new information was so far from reality in the setting I was working in. In order to implement true impactful therapy, I felt the entire system would need to change which I didn’t think anyone else was ready for. My excitement and passion quickly turned to even deeper sadness. It was in that moment that AVCTC was formed. Initially it was just a spark in my mind but slowly over the course of the rest of that year became a true reality. So many aspects of my business and the way we operate here are because of the teachings and work of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller. Some of my favorite nuggets of hers that I have tried to incorporate into my life and my life’s work include: -emphasis on the importance of relationships -the importance of helping others achieve ‘joie de vie’ (joy in life) -the idea that as therapists we are best served to give away the magic moments to caregivers Please use this post to tag your mentor and share one thing that they have done or said that has forever shaped how you approach life/work.

Are you ready to take on the week like this guy!?! No? Maybe you need a little vestibular input. You may be wondering what in the world vestibular input is..... The simplest way to explain vestibular input is that it is the sensation of any change in position, direction, or movement of the head. Vestibular is a sensation just like touch, smell, and taste. Did you know that quick, unpredictable movements tend to be alerting while slow, rhythmical motions are more calming? What kind of vestibular input do you need to help you power through the week? #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #2020holidaytraditions See more

Did you know there is a Facebook group specifically related to Sensory Processing Disorder for those in the Bay Area?! I created the group years ago and frankly kind of forgot about it. Let's bring it back! www.facebook.com/groups/spdbayarea

Meet Amy! Amy is a pediatric occupational therapist who works primarily in the clinic and with our homeschool students. #staffspotlight #AVCTCstaffspotlight #therapistintroduction #gettingstartedAVCTC #SpecialNeedsbayarea #sanjoseot

Sign up to be notified when we launch: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f750098924e5b269bcb0adc

We've been keeping a little secret! I was waiting for it to be announced officially but apparently it was already. For the third year in a row we have won the Bay Area Parent #bestofthebest award! We are so honored to be in such great company with Development is Child's Play and CHC on the list of top Special Needs Services and Organizations in Silicon Valley. I am so thankful for our team of compassionate and caring therapists as well as for our families who voted for us!... https://bayareaparent.advanced-pub.com/?issueID=59&pageID=58

If your child is really struggling with Distance Learning and you are looking for in person support I suggest this school. They are great with supporting kids with extra needs. Almaden Country Day School