Therapy At-Home Resources

By Stephanie Buckwalter of Arts of Special Needs Parenting and ELARP Learning Homeschooling presents a unique opportunity to propel your special needs child forward in achieving therapy goals while fostering neurological organization. Understanding the essence of therapy and its correlation with the brain's need for organization is pivotal in this journey. Decoding Therapy Therapy essentially entails training the body to perform tasks that come naturally to individuals with neurologically organized brains. When there's a disconnect between the body and the brain, leading to dysfunction, therapy becomes imperative. It aims to address this discrepancy and move the child along the spectrum towards normalized function. Unveiling the Brain's Role in Therapy Neurological organization in therapy revolves around three fundamental components: Sensory Input: This encompasses both external (the five senses) and internal (proprioceptive and vestibular senses) stimuli. Brain Processing: It involves storing, recalling, and processing information, along with memory retention and sequencing. Motor Output: This includes various physical actions such as speech, movement, and coordination. Therapeutic interventions should target one or more of these components to enhance neurological organization and facilitate smoother functionality, aligning with everyday life. Crafting a Therapy Routine Crafting an effective therapy routine involves manipulating sensory input, processing, and motor output. For profound disabilities or when commencing therapy, initiating activities with high frequency, intensity, and short durations is advisable. Over time, as skills are honed, the frequency can remain high while intensity lessens, and duration increases. Identifying and Addressing Sensory Input Negative sensory input can often manifest as behavioral issues triggered by environmental factors. Identifying and mitigating these factors, such as temperature, sound, or lighting, is crucial. Keeping a diary of incidents and patterns can aid in pinpointing underlying triggers. Nurturing Motor Output Familiar therapies like Physical Therapy (PT), Speech Therapy (ST), and Occupational Therapy (OT) play pivotal roles in enhancing motor output. Consistent practice and varying intensity can yield desired outcomes, alongside incorporating daily homework assignments from therapists. Focusing on Brain Processing Brain processing, often overlooked, is vital for efficient neurological functioning. Therapies designed to integrate and balance brain functions, such as rhythmic movement therapy or Brain Gym®, are instrumental in addressing underlying processing issues. The Role of Homeschooling in Therapy Homeschooling provides the flexibility to tailor therapy sessions according to your child's needs. You can seamlessly integrate therapy exercises into daily routines, focusing on frequency, intensity, and duration. Additionally, incorporating developmental movements and motor output training fosters holistic development. Never Lose Hope Regardless of age, persisting in improving neurological organization can significantly enhance your child's quality of life. By prioritizing therapy and embracing the principles of frequency, intensity, and duration, you pave the way for remarkable progress and growth. In conclusion, homeschooling emerges as a beacon of hope, offering unparalleled opportunities to nurture your special needs child's development and empower them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience. Free Crash Course Check out Stephanie's free 39-page ebook: How to Teach Your Special Needs Child at Home

  Hi there! I’m Kimberly, a Licensed Professional Counselor turned advocate and homeschool mama of one. Welcome to the Homeschool Counseling Network. We're so glad you stopped by! About HCN: The Homeschool Counseling Network (HCN) operates under It’s Only Homeschooling, LLC (dba The Homeschooling Counseling Network). HCN was founded in January 2024 by Kimberly Bennett, a Licensed Professional Counselor (TX), former middle school guidance counselor, and homeschool mom of one. Before launching HCN, Kimberly founded It’s Only Homeschooling – a website devoted to providing advocacy, community, and resources for families homeschooling children with learning differences. Our Mission: The Homeschool Counseling Network’s mission is to connect homeschooling families with free resources academic advising, counseling, testing, therapy, and tutoring to inspire, inform, and improve lives. We accomplish our mission through writing, creating digital content, hosting podcasts, public speaking engagements (podcast appearances, educational conferences, continuing education workshops), and planning and implementing our own online and in-person events. Bridging the Gap – HCN’s Vision and Purpose: Finding professionals with the knowledge and understanding necessary to support homeschooling families through their practices can present a challenge. Here at The Homeschool Counseling Network, we are working hard to help bridge this gap. By creating a resource list of homeschool family-friendly providers, we aim to help ease the burden of seeking support services. It is our sincerest wish to offer comfort, encouragement, and support by connecting homeschooling families with providers who are equipped to help meet their counseling, education, and therapy needs.   Song: A Year Ago by NEFFEX This channel is not a professional counseling channel and nothing here should be construed as professional counseling, therapy, treatment, or medical advice. Although Kimberly Bennett, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is not your counselor, and no counselor-client relationship is established unless she has signed an agreement with you. All information provided through this website is for informational and educational purposes only.