Helpful Posts
Beyond Words: Why “Presuming Competence” Changes Everything for Non-Speaking Kids
When a child is non-speaking or non-verbal, it is easy for the world to mistakenly equate an inability to speak with an inability to think. At Red Door Pediatric Therapy, we reject this outdated assumption, leading instead with one of the most vital, neurodiversity-affirming concepts in modern therapy: presuming competence. Presuming competence means starting from the absolute belief that a child understands what is happening around them, possesses a rich inner life, and is fully capable of learning and connecting. When we assume a child is smart, aware, and listening,
Regulated and Ready: Demystifying the Crossover Between Mental Health Counseling and Pediatric OT
As parents, we have all been there: you are staring at a completely melted-down child in the middle of the living room, and you can feel your own heart rate spiking. Your chest tightens, your breathing becomes shallow, and suddenly, you are just as dysregulated as your little one. In modern parenting circles, we hear a lot about the need to co-regulate. But the raw truth is that you cannot pour from an empty cup, and you certainly cannot help a child expand their window of tolerance when your own
Signs of Autism from an Occupational Therapy Team’s Perspective — Red Door Pediatric Therapy
As occupational therapists at Red Door Pediatric Therapy, we often identify early sensory, motor, play, and self‑regulation patterns that can signal autism. Below is an age‑ordered, clinically informed list of common signs seen from birth through age 5, referral thresholds, and practical strategies for caregivers and medical providers. Birth to 6 Months: 6 to 12 Months: 12 to 18 Months: 18 to 24 Months: 2 to 3 Years: 3 to 5 Years: Cross‑Age Red Flags When to Refer Practical Suggestions for Caregivers and Providers Red Door Pediatric Therapy’s occupational therapy
Signs of Autism in Speech and Language: An SLP Team’s Guide for Parents and Medical Providers
As speech‑language pathologists at Red Door Pediatric Therapy, we commonly see early communication differences that can signal autism. Below is an age‑ordered, clinically informed list of speech and language signs from birth through age 5, plus referral thresholds and practical strategies for caregivers and medical providers. Birth to 6 Months: 6 to 12 Months: 12 to 18 Months: 18 to 24 Months: 2 to 3 Years: 3 to 5 Years: Cross‑Age Red Flags When to Refer Practical Suggestions for Caregivers and Providers Red Door Pediatric Therapy’s SLP teams evaluate speech,
Why Modeling Matters for Your Child’s Speech and Language (and How to Boost It with Sensory Play)
Modeling — when an adult shows a child how to use words, sentences, gestures, and sounds — is one of the most powerful ways kids learn language. It gives a clear, repeatable example of how language works in real situations, helps build vocabulary, teaches grammar naturally, and supports communication even before words come. Adding sensory immersion (touch, movement, sight, smell, and sound) makes modeling stickier: multisensory moments are more engaging, more memorable, and easier for children to connect with meaning. How modeling helps Simple modeling tips for caregivers 4 at-home
Is Your Baby Always Looking One Way? Easy Things You Can Do About Torticollis and a Flat Head
If your baby keeps turning their head to one side, sleeps with the same side of the head down, or has a flat spot, you’re not alone — these are common. They can come from congenital muscular torticollis (tight neck muscle) and positional flattening of the skull (plagiocephaly). The good news: simple daily habits plus help from PT, OT, and ST often fix this. Signs to watch for Why it happens, briefly How PT helps (physical therapy) How OT helps (occupational therapy) How ST helps (speech therapy for feeding) Simple