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Many people equate the word “occupation” with a nine-to-five job. But no matter where we are in our lives, explains occupational therapist Meredith Hunt, “from infancy to adulthood, we are all engaging in an occupation.”

As a baby, your occupation was to eat, sleep, crawl, and walk, Hunt says. As a preschooler, it was learning how to dress yourself and engaging in imaginative play with friends. And as an older child, it was taking on tasks like writing and typing and participating in band or soccer.

While going back to school is often a stressful time, it can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent students.

Neurodivergent students are those with differences in their mental functions, including those with autism, ADHD, learning disorders, and social anxiety. There is a strong correlation for students with sensory-processing issues ― including sound, light, and touch sensitivities ― and an increased need for movement and deep pressure input.

As the summer season arrives, children eagerly anticipate endless hours of outdoor play, relaxation, and new adventures. As an occupational therapist in Santa Barbara, I believe that summer is a perfect opportunity for parents to support their child's overall development while creating memorable experiences. Here are some tips to ensure your child's summer is not only enjoyable but also promotes growth, independence, and well-being.

Lisa Serby is one of the few practicing pediatric occupational therapists in Santa Barbara with over 25 years of experience.  She has been dedicated to the safety and well-being of Santa Barbara’s children and families for over 19 years.

May 11, 2023 marks the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency for Covid-19. Masks are now optional at OT Arts as long as Covid-19 community levels remain low in Santa Barbara County. Please stay safe, stay healthy and stay home if you are unwell! Click on "Covid-19 Update" above for more information.

OT Arts is an innovative pediatric occupational therapy clinic that helps children ages 2-13 learn skills to maximize their independence while having fun and expressing themselves. We are the only pediatric clinic in the Santa Barbara area conceived of, planned by and run using the unique skills, perspective and clinical reasoning of an occupational therapist.