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April 29th, 2025

4/29/2025

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​Ms. Jenni’s OT Story
“Blind luck and chance over skill and cunning” is a phrase I frequently heard growing up, and it accurately reflects how I learned about occupational therapy and decided to become an occupational therapy practitioner. Growing up, I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to do as a career, and I definitely had no idea what occupational therapy was. Even when I attended the University of Puget Sound and knew people in the occupational therapy program, I still had no idea what occupational therapy was. It took a couple of decades before I learned the purpose of occupational therapy, and I wish I had learned about it sooner.
I was a stay-at-home mom for many years, and I am grateful I had the opportunity to volunteer at school, church, and ballet groups. As my children got older, I started to think about what I wanted to be “when I grew up.” I also wanted to contribute to the family income. That was when I began researching different options for a possible career began in earnest. I considered multiple options, including how to use my English degree (but I did not want to sit at a desk all day) or what would be involved to become a Nutritionist or Physical Therapist. I knew I wanted to work directly with people, but not in sales. I discovered occupational therapy when I clicked a link at the end of an article about typical physical therapist job duties. “If you are interested in physical therapy, read about occupational therapy”. Literally, something clicked when I read the article.
In that moment, I knew occupational therapy not only made sense as a profession, but fit perfectly for what I wanted out of a career. I wanted to help people and work with them to increase their ability to be more independent and successful with daily functional activities, as well as help them to return to hobbies, sports, etc. that were important to them. On a personal level, I was happy to find a career where I would not have to sit at a desk all day.
At the age of 40, I returned to school to become an occupational therapy assistant, which allows me to spend more time directly interacting with people and less time on paperwork. It was an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Before this, I did not know how much I would enjoy anatomy. I also learned what some of my anxieties and fears were. More importantly, l developed resiliency when I step outside of my comfort zone. There were definitely times when I wondered if I could make it through some very real challenges, but I am very proud to say that I graduated with honors and a greater belief in what I am able to accomplish.
During my 11 years as a practicing occupational therapy assistant, I have worked in a variety of settings: Adult Day Health, Skilled Nursing Facility, and, for almost 3 years, I have been working at Life Span, primarily with pediatric clients. I am involved with advocating for my clients and occupational therapy politically, and I mentor occupational therapy students, so I can pay it forward to others. I have met a wide range of individuals during my career. I have met individuals who fought in WWII (from England, the United States, and Germany), a concentration camp survivor, authors, radio personalities, etc. And now, I have the privilege to work with so many amazing young people who keep me feeling younger than the reflection in my mirror says I am.
Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me when I decided to forge a new path in life, the teachers and OT professionals who have taught and mentored me, and my clients who teach me so much every day. Thank you, families, for entrusting me with your family members’ care. I would not be the person or therapist I am today without you, and I am truly grateful.

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Holiday Eating

11/14/2022

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Mealtimes can be tricky on the best of days.  It can be difficult to schedule around  family extracurricular activities and trying to choose a meal that everyone will eat, let alone try to make something healthy. And, if you add in a picky or resistive eater in the family, the challenge can be even trickier. 
Holidays can be even trickier when adding in foods that may not be familiar; visiting relatives with assorted beliefs and values; the extra noise of a football game, parade, or movie; or people in and out of the house trying to get the best deal possible for holiday gifts.  It can be sensory overload for the average adult, let alone your child with sensory issues.
During a holiday that centers around food, what are some strategies that could make the day more enjoyable for everyone, including your child with sensory processing differences and/or food difficulties? Below are a few suggestions that could make the holiday more manageable. 
Test runs
It is almost guaranteed there will be some unfamiliar foods offered at Thanksgiving that your child will be hesitant to try.  If you are worried about how your child will react to a food, consider sampling some of the foods prior to Thanksgiving at home so you will have an idea of what foods will work, will probably work, or absolutely won’t work.
Rethink your idea of “trying”
There are so many sights, sounds, and smells associated with Thanksgiving that it is easy to become overwhelmed by the holiday. Consider re-thinking what a successful meal could look like this holiday season. The goal could be to have your child experience a food, not necessarily eat it. Success may be having your child experience and/ or interact with the food using their other senses. Consider ways in which your child can help in the kitchen in age-appropriate ways.  Have them tear lettuce leaves for a salad or use a food chopper to prepare food.  Are they old enough to stir the gravy? At the end of the meal, consider asking them to help with washing the dishes.  Helping in the kitchen allows them to see, smell, touch the foods, so they can experience them, even if they are not ready to try them yet. You can modify the experiences with a mask or gloves if it is too overwhelming.
Ambience, please!
Mealtimes, especially at the holidays, can be chaotic, with all the preparations, people moving about, and maybe the football game being left on. It is a lot of sensory input that can cause your child to feel dysregulated and overwhelmed. Consider how to provide a more relaxed atmosphere for a calming influence with less distractions during the meal. For example, classical or smooth jazz can provide a more relaxing input than pop or rock music. Consider lowering the lights. Also, consider turning the television off to decrease distractions.
Have a seat!
Consider your child’s chair at the table.  Correct positioning is 90 degree angles at the hips, knees and angles.  And, feet should always be supported by a solid surface to prevent discomfort and to provide grounding, so your child feels safe at the table.  If your child needs to move, consider wiggle seats or a fidget for them to use.
Have at least one food everyone will eat
Traditionally, Thanksgiving incorporates a lot of soft or mushy texture, such as casseroles or creamed corn that can heighten the gag reflex and increase unexpected behaviors at the dinner table.  Consider having at least one food option that everyone will eat, such as goldfish crackers, served in a nice, big serving bowl, like all the other foods being offered. It promotes a feeling of inclusion, which could make your child feel more welcomed at the table. Also, serving a meal family style can slow down the pace of the meal. It gives your child the option to say which foods they will or won’t try and to gauge how big or small of a portion they want.
These are just a few suggestions of ways to relieve the stress of mealtime at Thanksgiving or any holiday. Your therapist at Life Span Occupational Therapy can provide other suggestions that will be more specific to your child’s needs. Feel free to check out the resources on our website or our Pinterest board for more helpful ideas.

Remember pushing food on children can be traumatizing, do no harm, go at their own pace, make food experiences a safe and fun activity. 

30+ Super Cute Thanksgiving Recipes for Kids - In the Kids' Kitchen (inthekidskitchen.com)

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Fall Activities

9/16/2022

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Fall Activities

The sun is setting sooner.  The weather is getting cooler. The leaves have just started to change colors.  Fall is in the air! It is such a sensory rich season. From the sound of leaves crunching underfoot to the smell of hot apple cider, there is so much to experience and enjoy with your child, whether you want to be inside or outside.  It is the perfect time to create memories while building sensory motor skills doing some fall-inspired activities.
Kitchen activities
There are many benefits to cooking with your child. They learn the importance of paying attention, following directions (either by reading the recipe or listening to an adult provide directions). Sometimes the recipe does not go as planned, which can help with developing problem-solving skills. For the physical demands of cooking, both sides of the body need to work together for mixing, chopping, pouring ingredients into a bowl. Plus, your child can increase hand and arm strength. There is the pride that comes from successfully completing a recipe that the entire family can enjoy!
Here are some links to fall cooking activities to do with your child.
Cooking With Kids - The OT Toolbox
20 No-Bake Recipes For Kids | Healthy Snacks & Treats | Busy Little Chefs
35 Healthy Apple Recipes for Kids (mylittlemoppet.com)
Indoor activities
Between the change in the weather and school starting, Fall is a big time for changes. This may be when your child is looking for something familiar and comforting.  Time spent at home, with favorite blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and family can provide that stability. Making a pillow fort or indoor obstacle course to work on building planning and problem-solving skills. Crashing into pillows can provide a safe way to get out some energy. And the input provided to your child’s body can help with regulating their bodies and prevent emotional outbursts. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can create a positive sensory experience from the familiar texture and, possibly from the familiar smells associated with them.
Enjoy the leaves
Even when a day is cold and gray, the colors of fall can be stunning. There are so many things that can be done with leaves. A walk through the leaves can include an I spy activity or scavenger hunt. Can you and your child find a red leaf. How many yellow leaves do you spy? Are the leaves more rounded, or are they more pointed? Leaves are also very sensory.  How does it feel to jump into a pile of leaves? How do the leaves sound when you step on, or walk through, them? Leaves can also be great for art projects, which addresses attention, problem-solving, hand strength.  
The opportunities for Fall learning and fun are endless, from hayrides to apple picking to carving pumpkins, and more! Here are some links for Fall activities you can do with your child:
30 Fun Fall Activities For Kids - Shannon Torrens
Fall Bucket List for Toddlers and Preschoolers - Busy Toddler
10 Fall Activities For Teens To Make This Season Memorable • Parent CabinParent Cabin
 https://www.instagram.com/p/CiPrbvRNW_8/
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As always, the staff at Life Span Occupational Therapy are always brimming with ideas to share with you and your family. Feel free to ask for other Fall activities that can be particularly beneficial for your child.

Visit our Pinterest page for more ideas and activities
www.pinterest.com/littlewat1/life-span-ot-ideas-peds-and-adults

Jenni Christensen COTA/L

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Returning to school

8/28/2022

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Can you believe it?  It feels as though summer vacation just started, and now we are almost halfway through August. It is time to be getting ready for school to start again.  Last-minute summer activities are happening. Schools are making supply lists available. The back-to-school sales are in full swing.
Whether you child is starting school for the first time, changing teachers or schools, or returning to a familiar teacher, the start of a new school year signifies change.  It can be exciting, but also frightening. Your child may be scared, anxious, or resistant to start the new school year.  What are some things that can be done to help ease the transition from summer vacation to school time? Below are a few suggestions that may make the transition smoother.
Unstructured to Structured Day
Summer may be a time of fewer commitments with less need of a schedule.  Often morning and nighttime routines are more relax or completely set aside. School means waking up and going to bed at a regular time to ensure your student is at school on time and rested enough to perform at his or her best. Once at school, your child has a regular class schedule with regularly scheduled breaks and meals. You can help your child prepare for this change by gradually shifting waking up and going to bed to more regular times, as well as trying to have meals at or around the same time each day. Try moving scheduled activities at home by 10-15 minutes each day until your child’s schedule is similar to a regular school schedule. 
Morning and nighttime routines
This can be tough for many adults, let alone for children. However, the day can start and end better when it is clear what needs to be done to successfully get from bed to school or to transition from school back to bed. A written or picture schedule can be a very helpful tool. And the occupational therapy practitioner can assist parent and child with creating a schedule and break it down into steps that are manageable for the family and child. Once a schedule is created, practice is key to making the day go smoother.
Visit the school
Check with your student’s school about the possibility of visiting the school, so your child can learn where their classroom, lunch room, gym, and even recess areas are. Knowing what the school looks like and where things are can help ease any fear or anxiety your child may face regarding the upcoming school year. 
Meet the teacher and school administrators
Not only can it be helpful for your child to know who the teachers and other school personnel are and reduce anxiety, but it is also helpful for you, the parent, to talk to them. Give then some insight into the strengths and struggles your student may experience, as well as things that have worked in the past to help your student succeed. Does your child struggle with strange smells, bright lights, or being in crowds? Is it difficult for your child to transition from one activity to another?  With your input, they can develop a plan to facilitate improved school participation, academically and socially.
Ask them to let you know, after the first few days, how things are going. Open the lines of communication with the school. The staff want to see your child succeed in school. They will appreciate your insight, so they can implement a plan that will create the best school experience possible for your student. 
Choose comfortable clothes
Give your child the opportunity to choose clothes that are comfortable to wear to school. Make sure they are washed, so they are as soft as possible.  Things like tags can be very itchy. So, if they are uncomfortable for your child, go ahead and remove them or puchase tagless clothes.  Then, have your child wear them before school starts to make sure they are comfortable enough and will not be a distraction during the school day.

There are so many distractions and potential anxiety-inducing incidents that can happen in everyday life and at school. There is no single “fix” for every child. Preparing your child for the upcoming transition and being open with school staff about your concerns can go a long way towards facilitating a successful transition to the new school year. 

We are here at Life span OT to advise and support you and your child. 

Jenni Christensen COTA/L
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SNOW DAY ACTivities

1/2/2022

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​Winter is here! Whether you’re spending time outside in the snowy weather or staying cozy indoors, here are some fun-filled winter themed skill building activities to enjoy with your kiddos. I am sure we will have plenty of snow this Winter season.
 
Since snow has arrived in Washington, why not take advantage and get outdoors for some great sensory motor experiences and play in the snow.
Your senses will thank you!
 
Make snow angels 
This works on proprioceptive, body awareness and motor planning. It also supports integration of the spinal galant and asymmetrical tonic neck reflex.
 
Go sledding 
This a great overall sensory motor activity to provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, as well as muscle strengthening, and motor planning.
 
Letter Writing
Practice writing letters in the snow with a gloved finger or large stick. Try stomping out letters in the snow with your feet for some extra input. If your child tends to press too hard when he/she writes, try writing letters on paper on top of the snow. The challenge is to press lightly and don’t let the paper sink in the snow.  
 

Make a snowman 
This is a great activity for some serious heavy work through pushing and pulling rolled up snow. Work on dressing skills by adding a hat, scarf and mittens.
 
Snow Targets 
Practice those visual motor skills with this activity. Use food coloring mixed with water to spray the snow with colored water and aim snowballs at the targets.
 
Snow Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of a few items that you could possibly find outdoors where you are i.e. leaf, small stick and rock. The children have to dig in the snow to find the items. Do not hide them yourself. Just let the kids explore the snow.
 
I Spy Snow Jar
I Spy games are great for addressing visual perceptual figure ground skills. Figure ground is the ability to perceive the foreground from the background in a visual array. To strengthen these skills, create a home-made Eye Spy Jar. You can use white confetti, white rice, or faux snow as the main “ingredient”. Perhaps use small objects with a winter theme for the child to spy.
 
Create Snow Slime
A great activity to work on executive function skills and tactile sensitivity.
Follow the link here to find the ingredients and instructions.
 
https://epicfunforkids.com/super-strong-snow-slime-recipe/
 
Snow Ball Race
Use cotton balls and straws and set up a target (maybe draw an igloo). Take turns blowing through your straw to move your “snowball” to into the target. This activity is great for turn taking, oral motor skills, following directions, and visual motor skills.

Talia Gonzalez OTR/L 
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Shopping for toys

12/3/2020

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Here at Life Span Occupational Therapy we encourage learning through play for all ages but especially younger children. . There are many great toys that can help facilitate this learning at home. With Christmas right around the corner, we wanted to send out some useful information about learning through play and how to choose toys that will best assist your child's learning at home. Attached are some articles from The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and some links to some of Jacqueline's favorite websites to find play therapy toys.  
www.aota.org
www.youngexplorers.com 
www.socialthinking.com
www.abilitations.com 
www.funandfunction.com
www.hearthsong.com
www.lakeshorelearning.com
www.therapro.com
www.beyondplay.com
www.specialneedstoys.com

We hope this information is helpful for you and we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Jacqueline Watson OTR/L
learning_through_play-how_to_pick_a_toy.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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April 18th, 2019

4/18/2019

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