For many occupational therapists the question continues to arise regarding how to label the motor organization and coordination difficulties we treat in children. Popular terms include developmental dyspraxia, dyspraxia, and developmental coordination disorder. As...
Many people are already aware that our beloved friend and colleague, Dr. Jane A. Koomar, passed away this year on February 23, 2013 after a three year battle with breast cancer. Jane was the heart and soul of her private occupational therapy clinic, OTA The Koomar...
About three years ago, we were approached by a young engineer, Brian Mullen, who was working to create a deep pressure vest for adults with mental health concerns. Impressed by his work, we partnered with Mullen and his business partner Chris Leidel so they could...
Many are understandably unsure of the relationship between Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and dyspraxia. Though I’ll try to clear the issue here, I admit, it’s complicated. First, the definition of “dyspraxia” is not always very clear and its...
In April I was honored to receive the American Occupational Therapy Association’s 2011 A. Jean Ayres Award, which according to AOTA, is given annually, (T)o recognize occupational therapy clinicians, educators, and researchers who have demonstrated sustained...
In June 2009, I received one of the most unusual requests in my career as a sensory integration-based occupational therapist. The St. Louis Zoo had a chimpanzee named Holly, who was exhibiting behaviors different from other chimps: among other things she was neither...
On March 24, at Microsoft’s offices in Waltham, MA, the Spiral Foundation will present “Utilizing SAFE PLACE for Professionals.” Attachment (the affectionate relationship that binds a child to a parent or caregiver) and sensory processing (the ability to take in...
One of my greatest joys is teaching, but over time clinical work and research increased to the point where I had less time to mentor students. Fortunately, this past year I was invited to join the Boston School of Occupational Therapy at Tufts University as their...
