This post was reviewed by Carola d'Emery, PT, PhD. When a child has a sensory processing disorder, day-to-day living can be challenging for the whole family. In this post, we discuss what sensory processing is, what sensory processing disorder (SPD) is, and what to look for when ...

All behaviors occur for a reason. To understand the purpose for a child's behaviors, as well as to encourage positive actions and discourage problem habits, we first must understand the four functions of behavior. In this post, we overview each of the four functions of ...

Once your baby has mastered stationary positions such as lying on their belly, sitting, and standing, it is important to promote movement in and out of these positions. Initially, children have to be placed in these positions in order to practice and become independent, which is ...

Toe walking is actually fairly common, and in most cases a part of typical development, especially when children are first learning to walk. Most children begin to walk with a “heel first” pattern after 2 years old. However, sometimes kids seem to be constantly on their tippy ...

Now more than ever, children need structure throughout their day. Establishing a daily routine can help your child increase independence and provide consistency during the day. Here are a few tips that might help establish a routine with your child.

Instructional control is another important method used in various therapies at Sunshine Center. During and after pairing, your child’s therapist will work to establish instructional control—but what does that mean? Instructional control can sound somewhat intimidating, but what ...

During your child’s sessions with the Sunshine Center, you’ll frequently hear therapists talk about reinforcement. You may have questions about reinforcement: What is reinforcement? Why is it used? Are reinforcement and bribery the same? I bribe my child all the time and it ...

Unwanted behaviors are behaviors that are desired to disappear, decrease, or change in some way. In order to change behaviors, some detective work will need to be done first! Here are 6 helpful tips to use when managing your child’s unwanted behaviors: