Inner Wonders
A Holistic & Integrative Approach to Occupational Therapy for the Neurodiverse Child
Does your child…
Often feel upset but can’t identify why?
Have difficulty calming down after a moment of upset?
Face challenges in recognizing when something is “too much” before it leads to a meltdown or shutdown?
Struggle to recognize when they need to use the bathroom or confuse it with other sensations, like hunger, anxiety?
Notice pain but has a hard time clearly non verbally or verbally expressing it?
Get labeled as having “aggressive” or “inappropriate” behaviors?
Do you…
Want to better advocate for your child but are unsure where to begin?
Explore various therapies and strategies for your child, only to discover that nothing seems to stick?
Experience stress and overwhelm, wanting to support your child while also taking care of yourself?
Feel responsible for understanding your child's emotions at all times, and then feel sad or frustrated when you're unable to do so?
Find it challenging to connect with your child’s emotions and wish to strengthen your relationship to support them on their journey?
Here’s how we can help.
Inner Wonders is an occupational therapy program that blends OT and yoga, specially designed for children with autism and other neurodiversities, and their families. Our child-centered approach prioritizes connection over compliance, using trauma-sensitive and neuro-affirming language to foster safety, trust, and meaningful relationships. We focus on building interoceptive awareness to promote greater emotional regulation, while also enhancing body awareness and sensory integration. We support parents in understanding their child’s experience without judgment, reducing stress, and fostering a deeper, more connected relationship. Meeting your family where you are, we celebrate each individual’s unique journey, creating a space where you, your family and your child can thrive together.
Program Highlights
Sensory Regulation
Through the proprioceptive nature of yoga and integrating textures, sounds, and various sensory experiences into our sessions, we cultivate a rich sensory environment that promotes modulation, enhancing calm and regulation.
Interoceptive Awareness
We engage in body awareness activities that help recognize and interpret both external and internal bodily signals, such as hunger, emotions, and physical sensations. Through mindful practices play, we cultivate the ability to tune into these cues, leading to a deeper understanding of individual needs and improved emotional regulation.
Motor Coordination
By incorporating yoga poses, movement games, and exercises tailored to individual needs, we improve balance, strength, and agility. This targeted approach not only builds physical abilities but also fosters confidence and independence in everyday tasks, supporting overall developmental progress.
Emotional Regulation
We foster a supportive environment where feelings can be explored and expressed, through any mode of communication. We encourage self-awareness, empathy, and advocacy. This helps children develop emotional intelligence and build meaningful relationships, enhancing their social interactions and fostering a strong sense of community.
Co-regulation & Relationship
We emphasize meaningful connection building and co-regulation as vital components of nervous system regulation. By fostering supportive relationships, individuals learn to feel safe and secure, which is essential for calming the nervous system.
Mindfulness and Stress Relief
We understand that mindfulness can sometimes feel abstract, so we tailor our practices to make them accessible for all children, including those who are non-speaking or have difficulty controlling their breathing patterns. For those struggling with breath control, we focus on gentle movements and rhythmic patterns, allowing them to experience mindfulness through their bodies.
Celebrate inner wonder.
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Book a free 15 minute consultation call to discuss your individual needs and goals.
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The Pathway Plan Session involves comprehensive assessments and interviews to tailor session plans specifically to your child's needs. This personalized evaluation approach sets the foundation for meaningful growth and progress.
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You can choose to book OT sessions on a program basis, allowing for a flexible approach that aligns with your ongoing therapeutic needs. Session lengths can range from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the individual. Whether you opt for a short-term intensive or a long-term program, we'll ensure that the structure of your sessions fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, fostering consistent progress tailored to your unique needs.
Path to Enrollment
FAQs
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This program welcomes children of all abilities, including those with autism and other neurodiverse needs, as well as neurotypical children. Our approach is about meeting each child and family where they are, offering a compassionate space for growth, connection, and shared healing, whenever it feels like the right fit for you.
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Yoga has shown numerous for children with diverse abilities such as:
Improved socioemotional and regulation skills
Increased body awareness
Improved gross and fine motor skills
Improved sleep patterns
Improved gastrointestinal health
Enhanced balance control
Increased concentration and eye hand coordination
Improved executive functioning skills
Reduced stress and tension and lowered pulse rate
Enhanced global self-worth and perceptions of physical well-being
Enhanced mental clarity
Improved interpersonal relationships
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Our sessions create a calm, inclusive space to support sensory and emotional needs, involving the whole family. We focus on interoceptive awareness, body awareness, nervous system regulation, and meaningful relationship building. Each session includes grounding activities, child-led sensory play, mindfulness, and yoga movements, concluding with relaxation to promote calm and well-being.
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This therapeutic approach is flexible and can continue for as long as it benefits your child and family. We’ll work closely as a team to assess progress, and if the intervention is proving effective, we’ll gladly continue with additional sessions. Each session lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your child's needs, and is conducted on a 1:1 basis. Caregivers are encouraged to participate, fostering safety and meaningful connections within the entire team.
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You will receive an intake form to fill out prior to completing your first session. We also offer a 30 minute discovery session to help you decide if we are the right fit for each other.
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If you’re interested in learning more about how our program might fit your needs, we’d be happy to provide more information and answer any questions. Please reach out to us at eighthsensewellness@gmail.com.