Occupational Therapy

Madi’s CTD Story: From Fieldwork to Finding Her Place as a Pediatric OT

My journey to Connect the Dots started as an OT graduate student looking for a place to learn and grow my skills related to pediatric OT that was close to where I grew up in Oregon. I believe my fieldwork coordinator at Eastern Washington University helped me make the initial connection. However, after meeting with

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Back-to-School Routines: How Practicing Before September Can Help Kids Feel More Confident

If you’re already feeling a little panicked thinking about getting one (or multiple!) kids out the door for school each morning with a new routine…you’re not alone. We get it. The backpacks. The shoes that somehow disappear every morning. The last-minute requests for a different breakfast. The child who suddenly “can’t” put on the shirt

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More Than a Job: How Maddie Found Her Place as a Pediatric OT at Connect the Dots

Three years ago, a simple Handshake message started a conversation that changed everything. I reached out to Maddie Kurt, a soon-to-be OT graduate from Grand Valley State University, through Handshake and shared a little bit about Connect the Dots: our passion for pediatric therapy, our commitment to helping therapists grow, and our belief that the

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Introducing CTD Take-Home Sensory Bins: OT-Created Play for Home

At Connect the Dots, we believe some of the best learning happens through play. That’s why we’re excited to introduce something new: CTD Take-Home Sensory Bins! If you’ve been in our clinic, chances are you’ve seen one of our Occupational Therapist Emma Tims’ creative sensory bins. From themed activities to thoughtful details, Emma has a

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Why Regulation Comes Before Learning: Helping Kids Focus Starts with the Nervous System

Many parents notice their child struggling to focus, stay on task, or follow instructions at school. Teachers often say things like: “Your child has trouble focusing.” “They seem distracted during lessons.” “They struggle to sit still or follow directions.” It’s easy to assume the problem is simply attention. But in most cases, the real challenge

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Children sitting at desks in classroom

Co-Regulation: Why Kids Borrow Calm from Adults

Children don’t regulate their emotions in isolation. They rely on the people around them, especially parents, caregivers, and teachers to help them feel safe and calm. This process is called co-regulation, and understanding it can make a huge difference in helping kids manage big emotions, focus, and navigate everyday challenges. What Is Co-Regulation? Co-regulation is

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Mother and son jumping in puddle together

The Hidden Link Between Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation in Kid

Many parents notice the pattern before they understand the reason. A trip to the grocery store ends in tears.A birthday party becomes overwhelming.Getting dressed turns into a battle over socks, tags, or certain fabrics. It can feel confusing when everyday situations trigger big emotional reactions. But for many children, the root of these reactions isn’t

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Child outside holding hands over ears

5 Reasons Parents Love Remote Safe and Sound Protocol

We know how challenging it can be when a child feels overwhelmed, anxious, or sensitive to everyday life. For many families, coming into the clinic for every session isn’t realistic…but did you know you can do the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) remotely from home? The remote SSP program is designed to support your child’s

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Nervous System Regulation for Kids: Why It Matters

Every parent wants their child to feel calm, focused, and confident, but sometimes kids get overwhelmed by everyday life. Loud classrooms, busy playgrounds, or big emotions can leave a child feeling anxious, stressed, or “off balance.” Understanding nervous system regulation can help explain why this happens and how to support your child. What Is the

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Boy swinging in hammock outside.

5 Step Guide to Teaching Kids to Tie Shoes – Made Easy!

Teaching Kids to Tie Shoes: Tips from Our OT Learning to tie shoes is a big milestone for kids, but it can be frustrating without the right strategies. Try this OT recommended strategy by starting with pipe cleaners to practice shoe tying. Pipe cleaners hold their shape, making each step easier to complete. Using two

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Eugene Clinic:
84 Centennial Loop
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541) 255-2681
Fax: (541) 255-3537

Clinic Hours:
8:00 to 6:00 Monday – Thursday
8:00 to 5:00 Friday

Corvallis Clinic:
201 NW 3rd St.
Corvallis, OR  97330
Phone: (541) 255-2681
Fax: (541) 255-3537

Clinic Hours:
8:00 to 6:00 Monday - Thursday
8:00 to 5:00 Friday

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