FAQs
What is child-led play, and why is it effective for my child’s development?
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Child-led play allows children to take the lead in exploring activities that interest them, naturally building their motivation, confidence, and sense of control. This approach respects each child’s unique developmental pace, using nature to stimulate curiosity and engage their senses, essential for emotional and motor skill development.
What’s involved in a home exercise program? Will we need to make changes at home?
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A home exercise program includes personalized exercises & movement activities to reinforce your child’s progress outside of sessions. We may also suggest simple, movement-friendly modifications to make your home an environment where your child can develop their sensory, motor, and emotional skills naturally and comfortably.
How can Nature Nurtured OT help my child handle emotional meltdowns and sensory sensitivity?
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Our sessions are designed to give children practical, sensory-driven experiences that help them gradually become comfortable in varied environments. Through nature, movement and mindfulness exercises, they’re brain development is supported and they learn to manage overwhelming stimuli, better equipping them to handle emotionally challenging moments.
How does being outdoors help my child with regulation issues?
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Nature is a sensory-rich environment that naturally encourages children to explore, move, and calm themselves. Being outside provides a variety of natural stimuli—textures, sounds, and visual diversity—that support sensory processing, which is crucial for self-regulation, motor skills, and focus.
What does “primitive reflex integration” mean, and why is it important for my child?
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Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that infants naturally display, which should integrate (or “settle down”) over time as they develop. If these reflexes remain unintegrated, they can impact sensory processing, focus, motor control, and emotional regulation. Our occupational therapy helps integrate these reflexes through specific movements and activities, enabling smoother physical, emotional, and social interactions.
Will this therapy improve my child’s confidence with physical activities and social situations?
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Yes, our approach involves helping children take small, achievable “risks” that build self-confidence. For example, we support them through activities like climbing, balancing, or using motor skills in creative ways. These successes empower them not just physically, but also socially, by enhancing their ability to engage in and enjoy play with other children.
How does parent education support my child’s progress?
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Parent education introduces tools and strategies you can use at home to support your child’s development. Topics may include co-regulation, connection based parenting strategies, sensory processing and reflex integration. Understanding these concepts can be essential in helping your child remain calm, confident, and more capable of managing their daily experiences.
What about “bad” weather?
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We embrace the “no bad weather, just bad clothes” philosophy MOST of the time, which means we meet in the rain, snow, heat and cold. Nature play in ALL the seasons provides wonderful opportunities for play, movement and exploration. We do expect that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Having said that, there are times when sessions may be cancelled for more extreme circumstances such as high winds, due to the risk of trees falling. We do have a building to shelter in and/or take breaks from harsh weather, if need be.
Can occupational therapy really replace traditional school activities?
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Our therapy complements school activities by focusing on foundational sensory and motor skills often underdeveloped in modern educational settings. Limited recess and seated learning can restrict natural movement and sensory experiences, which are crucial for whole-body development.
How long will it take to see changes in my child’s behavior and skills?
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Every child progresses at their own pace. Some families may start seeing improvements in regulation and motor skills within a few months, while for others, progress may be more gradual. Our long-term support ensures sustained improvement and equips families with tools to maintain gains over time.
Do you accept insurance?
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We do not currently accept insurance, however we can provide a superbill that can be presented to your insurer.
What is the role of nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle in this therapy?
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Proper sleep and nutrition are foundational to any therapeutic progress. For your child to benefit fully, they need balanced sleep and nutrition, which is why we may recommend resources or referrals. A healthy routine reinforces the improvements made during therapy.