For 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 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 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.
