We're two pediatric occupational therapists with a love of play-based learning, caregiver education + support, and anything that incorporates art and creativity!
A sensory diet focuses on what a child's sensory system needs in order to achieve a regulated and "ready to learn" state. So what exactly is a sensory diet, what does it need to include, and how can you tell if it's actually working to provide what the child needs? This resource we created answers all of the above and more! This resource packet covers the following topics:What is a sensory diet and what does it include? Important considerations Creating a sensory diet that works A printable lis
Let's assume that a child has 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. A therapist treating that child may see them twice a week, leaving that caregiver with 33 opportunities each week to continuing addressing feeding! Looking at these numbers, it's easy to see that equipping the caregiver with the tools and strategies to encourage their child's progress is paramount. This resource packet focuses on the approach of food chaining, a proven, positive approach to increasing the variety of a child's diet and
When it comes to teaching feelings identification and regulation techniques, we found it hard to find a resource that was digestible for little ones while still being a thorough explanation of the Zones approach. That's how this resource came about! This social story provides approachable language + hand-drawn illustrations to help teach about emotions and self regulation using zones inspired content. Story telling has been used an effective way to teach for centuries (Green, 2004). Stories pea
This first release from our Sensory Simplified series is our most comprehensive resource yet!Created with the intention to inform educators and parents on the sensory processing system, this resource can also be utilized by therapists. When we understand the how and why behind sensory input and processing difficulties, we are better able to support the child's ability and readiness to learn. With easy-to-digest explanations, this resource includes detailed (but not overwhelming) information on
Therapeutic Brushing is a practice sometimes recommended by occupational therapists for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: To decrease tactile defensiveness (oversensitivity to touch or other textures)As an emotional regulation tool in times of frustration As a way to connect with your childTo use before bed as a way to provide calming inputWhile much of the research is anecdotal as to how effective this tool is for specific reasons, it can be considered one of the many sensor
As occupational therapy practitioners, sensory processing is one of our very favorite things to address, as it sets the foundation for so many other skills! For those outside of the field, engaging little ones in sensory integrative activities may seem a little peculiar at first. We created this resource to provide information to other practitioners, as well as caregivers and educators, regarding sensory processing and how before we can anticipate a child to be able to attend and absorb new in
Mealtime makes for an incredibly rich sensory experience between the smells, sounds, tastes and textures. Couple that with the fact that our mouth is one of the most densely populated areas of our body when it comes to tactile receptors - it's easy to see how it can become a lot for little ones to process! We created this resource to present research-backed principles in a quick "cheat sheet" format. Helpful for caregivers, parents and therapists, this download provides 7 tips for taking the str
Using bright and fun illustrations, this 4 page handout includes a variety of educational information with just the right amount of detail. Made to be a digestible handout for caregivers, parents, teachers + therapists, this download details the basics of oral motor and oral sensory input, along with activities + tools to address each. Inside, you'll find: Definitions + explanations of oral motor + oral sensory inputFactors to consider to choose an effective toolCurrent list of static + dynamic
Using bright and fun illustrations, this 4 page handout includes a variety of educational information with just the right amount of detail. Made to be a digestible handout for caregivers, parents, teachers + therapists, this download details the basics of oral motor and oral sensory input, along with activities + tools to address each. Inside, you'll find: Definitions + explanations of oral motor + oral sensory inputFactors to consider to choose an effective toolCurrent list of static + dynamic
Transitions can be tricky, and not to mention stressful - for both the child and the caregiver. We know that what works for one child may not work for another, so in this resource, we've compiled six of our favorite tips to encourage smooth transitions in the home, school and community environment! Want to see more? Check out some of our other resource packets on the topics below! Visuals + Schedules: Tips + Tricks for Transitions*MEGA PACK* Sensory, School + More Visuals for Visual Schedule
Looking for effective ways to help children break the nail-biting habit? This occupational therapist-designed guide provides practical, sensory-friendly strategies to address the underlying causes of nail-biting while encouraging self-regulation. Learn how to provide appropriate oral input, engage hands in meaningful activities, and gently increase awareness—without constant reminders. Perfect for parents, educators, and therapists seeking a positive, developmentally appropriate approach. Let’s
A sensory diet focuses on what a child's sensory system needs in order to achieve a regulated and "ready to learn" state. Incorporating sensory diet activities into the classroom can promote engagement and focus in little learners. This resource packet includes over 45 classroom-friendly sensory activities!Your download and use of this product implies understanding of the Terms of Use, which can be found on the second page of this document. Please kindly consider leaving a quick review so we are
When it comes to teaching feelings identification and regulation techniques, we found it hard to find a resource that was digestible for little ones while still being a thorough explanation of the Zones approach. We began by creating this “Learning the Zones” social story here!To further break it down, we’ve begun creating social stories that focus on one zone at a time. The “Red Zone” uses approachable language + hand-drawn illustrations to help teach about emotions and self regulation using
When it comes to teaching feelings identification and regulation techniques, we found it hard to find a resource that was digestible for little ones while still being a thorough explanation of the Zones approach. We began by creating this “Learning the Zones” social story here!To further break it down, we’ve begun creating social stories that focus on one zone at a time. The “Green Zone” uses approachable language + hand-drawn illustrations to help teach about emotions and self regulation usin
In need of a simple, easy to understand, but informative handout on how sensory processing impacts speech and language development? Then this is for you! We created this resource after often finding ourselves in need of a quick explanation on why sensory organization and being in a "ready to learn" state so greatly impacts a child's ability and desire to communicate. When children are no longer solely focused on trying to organize and make sense of conflicting sensory signals inside of them, th
When it comes to teaching feelings identification and regulation techniques, we found it hard to find a resource that was digestible for little ones while still being a thorough explanation of the Zones approach. We began by creating this “Learning the Zones” social story here!To further break it down, we’ve begun creating social stories that focus on one zone at a time. The “Blue Zone” uses approachable language + hand-drawn illustrations to help teach about emotions and self regulation using
Looking for an easy, digestible handout to help you learn (or explain) sensory processing? So were we! Created by two pediatric occupational therapists, this concise, 3 page packet gives foundational knowledge for understanding sensory processing using the H2O analogy. This packet answers questions such as:what is sensory processing?what's an example of processing sensory input?what does neurotypical sensory processing look like?how can sensory processing differ?what is over-responsiveness?how a
When it comes to teaching feelings identification and regulation techniques, we found it hard to find a resource that was digestible for little ones while still being a thorough explanation of the Zones approach. We began by creating this “Learning the Zones” social story here!To further break it down, we’ve begun creating social stories that focus on one zone at a time. The “Yellow Zone” uses approachable language + hand-drawn illustrations to help teach about emotions and self regulation usi
We're two pediatric occupational therapists with a love of play-based learning, caregiver education + support, and anything that incorporates art and creativity!
My own education history
Alison + Maddie both earned their Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Belmont University in 2017.
Additional biographical information
Both Alison and Maddie currently practice in TN + KY providing occupational therapy services.
For more information on us, check out on Instagram at @developmentools or on our website at www.developmentools.net.
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