Is this sensory or behavior?”
It’s a question that comes up often, sometimes out of genuine curiosity and other times from a need to categorize and solve a problem:
“We see all these behaviors in our child and wonder if they’re sensory-related.”
“We need to figure out whether it’s either sensory or behavior.”
How are you doing with yours so far? If you’ve veered off course, don’t worry—starting over is not failure, it’s part of the process. Last December, I shared strategies for effective goal-setting to help you begin the new year strong. As we step into 2025, I find myself revisiting these ideas with a deeper lens of cultural connection and diversity.
Read MoreAs the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past 12 months and setting intentions for the year ahead. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones, relaxing on vacation, or simply catching your breath, this is the perfect time to think about what you’d like to achieve in the new year.
Read MoreHow multicultural, multilingual, and third-culture kids (TCKs) navigate their sense of identity, belonging, and communication in a complex world is important for resilience building. We face unique challenges that can be hard to see from the outside, but with the right support, we can thrive across cultural environments.
Read MoreFor some children, returning to school means reconnecting with familiar faces and routines that make them feel safe. But for others, it can mean stepping into a new world—new teachers, friends, and systems. It’s easy to feel like this uncertainty will lead to chaos, but it’s possible to transform this nervousness into excitement, or as some like to call it, "nerve-citement."
Read MoreWhile they are essential in the early months of life, helping babies adapt to the world around them, they are designed to fade away as your child grows and their nervous system matures. What happens when these reflexes don’t integrate as expected? When primitive reflexes persist beyond their typical developmental timeline, it can indicate that the central nervous system (CNS) hasn’t matured as it should.
Read MoreAs parents, we watch our children grow, celebrating each milestone with joy and pride. From their first smile to their first steps, these moments mark important stages in their development. But behind these milestones is a fascinating process that often goes unnoticed: the integration of primitive reflexes.
Read MoreOver the past four years, I’ve continued my work as a bilingual OT, serving cross-cultural and multicultural communities in Tokyo and beyond. The need for heart-centered care has only grown in recent years. Our communities need care from those who have lived through similar experiences and can be empathetic without pity, focusing on empowerment and building capacity for growth.
Read MoreLet's explore some of the most frequently asked questions and insights to help you feel more confident and prepared.
Read MoreIt's natural to have questions or feel unsure about what to expect during this process. You might wonder how the evaluation will benefit your child or what it means for their therapy journey. Clear communication and collaboration between parents and OT professionals are essential to address any questions or concerns and ensure the evaluation process is thorough, informative, and supportive of your child's overall well-being and progress.
Read MoreBefore I found my calling as an OT, I was uncertain about my career path. I hopped around from one idea to another, following what seemed logical rather than what truly resonated with me. School was just something I did, not something I felt deeply invested in. I firmly believe that a child should have intrinsic motivation to do anything. It's our responsibility as adults to meet children where they are, rather than expecting them to meet our high expectations.
Read MoreSensory processing is essentially how we experience the world around us through our senses. Imagine your body as a complex, highly efficient information gathering and processing center, where the senses are like different channels or streams of data coming in. These channels include sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, as well as three often less talked about senses.
Read MoreWe learned how child-led approaches empower children to take charge of their therapy sessions in meaningful ways–as opposed to giving children free rein. Today, we’ll cover how you can harness the power of a child-led approach outside of therapy sessions—so we can foster independence, confidence, and intrinsic motivation in our children both in and out of therapy.
Read MoreContrary to common misconceptions, this approach isn't about giving children free rein. As an occupational therapist, I've witnessed the transformative power of a child-led approach. Today, we’ll learn how child-led approaches empower children to take charge of their therapy sessions in meaningful ways.
Read MoreIn the labyrinth of pediatric healthcare, acronyms like OT, PT, ST, and more can feel like an impenetrable code. If you find yourself feeling confused and overwhelmed trying to navigate the information on your child’s development from the internet, pediatricians, and classroom teachers, you’re in the right place.
Read MoreToday we’re going to discuss the time I imprisoned a child and parent in their kitchen…Okay, so that’s not what actually happened, but it did feel as bad as it sounds. Let me take you back several years ago.
In early 2020, I collaborated with a family aiming to enhance their child's self-help and independence at home. This child was brilliant and creative, but he was tethered by the invisible strings of his neurodivergence and a fresh ADHD diagnosis.
Read MoreWelcome to our first article at Koi Wellness. I'm Aya Porté, your occupational therapist (OT) and guide on this journey. This blog is a resource full of insights, tips, and real-life stories to empower parents, caregivers, and anyone passionate about nurturing more inclusive communities. Together, we'll navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of raising exceptional children. Thank you for being a part of our growing family.
This year marks a significant milestone in my career as an occupational therapist,—an occasion filled with reflection, gratitude, and a deep sense of achievement.
