Making Diaper Changes More Comfortable
November 10, 2024
Custom Splinting Success
January 10, 2025
"You Gotta Go in Knowing It’s Going to Be Chaotic"
This phrase is my mantra as my husband, Robert, and I dive into the whirlwind of holiday gatherings and activities with friends, family, and colleagues. Chaos is part of the deal, and preparing for it helps us keep our sanity intact.
However, for the families we serve, this sentiment often describes their everyday reality. Holidays, which many consider joyous, can bring an added layer of stress and overwhelm.
I’ll never forget evaluating a little boy in North Carolina for occupational therapy services. He was the most sensory-seeking child I’d ever met—constantly on the move, running at full speed, and even chewing on doorknobs. His mother’s eyes, filled with desperation, have stayed with me ever since.
During our initial sessions, I casually asked about their holiday plans, expecting a simple answer. Instead, her eyes welled up as she said, “Christmas is a nightmare. My son is difficult to manage, and I can tell friends and family dread us coming over.”
That one sentence struck a chord deep in my heart. I couldn’t shake her words, and I became fiercely determined to change that narrative for her family. They deserved better—much better.
I went to work.
Over the next two months, I crafted an intensive therapy plan combining sensory and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Every session was carefully designed to help this little boy regulate himself and manage sensory overload. His mom showed unwavering commitment, ensuring he never missed an appointment.
Fast forward to the week after Christmas.
While sitting at my desk, I was paged to the clinic's front office. There stood the boy’s mother, tears streaming down her face again—but this time, they were tears of joy.
She hugged me tightly and said, “We just had the best Christmas ever, and I know it wouldn’t have been possible without you. I could never thank you enough.”
That moment reaffirmed why we do what we do.
As the holiday season approaches, I urge all therapists to have open conversations with families about their holiday plans and associated stress. Ask parents—and yourself—“What can I do to make it better?”
As the Holidays Approach...
Whether it’s helping a child with sensory processing challenges, strategizing social interactions, or simply offering a listening ear, your support can make a world of difference.
For those families, what might seem like a small adjustment could transform their chaotic holiday into a cherished memory. Let’s be the change they need, one step at a time.
