This is a paid piece from FUNctional Kids Pediatric Therapy.
Simplified: If putting on socks on your child is causing meltdowns or brushing teeth is a nightly nightmare, it might be time to look into occupational therapy. Here's how Functional Kids Pediatric Therapy can help solve day-to-day challenges parents and kids are facing.
Why it matters
- Occupational Therapist and Founder Nicole Fluth has spent her entire career helping kids. She opened FUNctional Kids Pediatric Therapy in 2021 to support kids while also empowering parents and caretakers to understand their needs.
- Occupational therapy is a pretty broad field, but Fluth said the end goal is really just helping kids get through both what they want to do and what they need to do in any given day.
- What sets FUNctional Kids apart is Fluth's work directly with childcare providers. She and her team of therapists will, when needed, meet kids at their childcare centers to help educate their teachers on systems and strategies that work with that particular child so they get the support both at home and at daycare.
"We want to see kids be successful in every environment they’re in, and we want to help families not have to go through day-to-day with as much stress," Fluth said.
Tell me more
In its first five years, FUNctional Kids has grown significantly. Fluth started the business on her own and has since built out a full team.
- In the last couple of years, the practice has expanded to include The Sensory Studio, a sensory gym that can be used in therapy sessions, which also offers public play opportunities, private rentals, birthday parties, preschool, and summer camps.
- They will also be expanding their offerings this summer to include parent-child classes led by experienced therapists.
How do I know if my child needs OT?
Occupational therapy can help any time you're experiencing stress because your kids are having meltdowns or are not able to follow directions.
- That might look like struggles with brushing teeth, showering, toileting, fine motor skills, engaging with peers and more.
"Occupations are what we define as anything you have to or want to do in your day," Fluth said.
Fluth and her team are experts in sensory processing and helping look at what's behind the meltdowns and behaviors – from understanding the family systems to cognitive skills to psychosocial factors.
FUNctional Kids also offers feeding therapy and speech therapy, and they accept most major insurance providers.
How can I learn more?
You can learn more about FUNctional Kids Pediatric Therapy on their website, including exploring available services.
