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Did you know?
It is no secret that being in an open green space, or blue space has healing and relaxing benefits.
Here are some major highlights and key takeaways from what research says to support conducting O.T. in nature instead of a traditional setting:
Reduce anxiety by decreasing heart rate, stabilizing blood pressure, calming cortisol levels in the body
Being in nature can act as a PREVENTATIVE tool for ADHD/ADD by increasing attention span
Increased positive social interactions when in nature; less peer conflicts & less bullying tendencies
Sensory Integration - you cannot replicate in a clinic, what nature provides to all of the senses of the body when outdoors
Combat childhood diabetes and obesity by strengthening nature connectedness and correlated physical activity
Reduce excessive screen time, indoor structures & bright fluorescent lights
Overall health and wellness benefits range from increased Vitamin D levels, stronger immune systems, and feelings of happiness
Occupational Therapy in Nature
Pediatric Occupational Therapy services that take place in a fully immersed nature-based setting. Out of the clinic and into the great outdoors - we make therapy FUN and practical!
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Are you a concerned parent about the negative impact the pandemic has had on your child?
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Is your child experiencing a delay in their motor skills, oculomotor abilities, social emotional health, or ability to connect with peers?
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Does you child struggle with self-regulation or emotional control?
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Was remote / hybrid learning insufficient for your child and now they are behind in school?
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Do you have attentional concerns about your child?
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Are you questioning developmental delays?
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Concerned that Anxiety is one of the fastest growing mental health diagnoses among the pediatric population?
These are some of the driving reasons EXPLORE Pediatric Therapy was born. To help bridge the gap for children who have been through really hard times, and to promote a healthy connection to self & nature.
We are a nature based pediatric O.T. practice that combines expert guidance with transformational sessions to unlock your child's full potential.
Play groups in a nature-based setting
Each group is led by an experienced nationally board certified occupational therapist. This ensures you are getting quality instruction paired with functional activities to be the catalyst for creativity and skill building. Instead of working in a "clinic space", we work in blue and green spaces outdoors.
Time to get back to basics
Children still need a childhood full of dirt, puddles, sticks, and mud. Childhood is meant to be a messy adventure, with hours spent outdoors.
This generation of children spends the least amount of time outdoors, and the negative impacts are astounding. From increasing motor + speech delays to social-emotional difficulties to attention-deficit disorders, time outdoors is scientifically proven to help combat all of this and more
"Your weekly notes and detailed documentation are exactly what we were hoping for! Thank you for giving us a clear roadmap to help create a supportive environment at home." - Parent Review
"We love the natural learning environment! This is what kid's need to be doing more of!" - Parent Review
"We are so happy to have found Kim and Explore Pediatric Therapy. Kim has provided a thorough, deeply thoughtful approach to helping us support our child. She is clearly very knowledgeable and is able to translate therapeutic insight into practical strategies." - Parent Review
Dr. Carla Hannaford, Ph.D says
“Nerve networks grow out of our unique sensory experiences, laying down intricate patterns that govern our higher level brain development. Experience determines the shape and intricacy of these patterns. They are laid down in accordance with the activities we experience and all of our environmental circumstances. THE RICHER OUR SENSORY ENVIRONMENT AND THE GREATER OUR FREEDOM TO EXPLORE IT, THE MORE INTRICATE WILL BE THE PATTERNS FOR LEARNING THOUGHT AND CREATIVITY."
Living in a new world
How has the pandemic impacted your child's development? Are you looking for ways to help your child continue to thrive and become a confident independent person?
Over the past couple of years, children have had LESS opportunity to be kids. They haven't been engaging in meaningful social interactions as much as they should be for healthy development.
Humans are social creatures - especially children. Engaging with one another fosters healthy development related to mental health, gut health/immune health, emotional well-being, social skills and overall happiness.
The research is in - exploring nature, and being with peers is one of the best methods to help close the developmental gap that has occurred as a result of the pandemic.