How to Write Neurodiversity-Affirming OT Goals
Today, many occupational therapists want to embrace a neurodiversity-affirming practice. But HOW do we do this exactly? We need to...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Mar 27
- 5 min
Repetitive Actions in Autism
Let's talk about REPETITIVE ACTIONS in autism. Like OPENING and CLOSING doors. Like looking through a book OVER and OVER and OVER again....
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Dec 1, 2023
- 7 min
Intense Reactions in Autism . . . and How to Provide Support
"A jar of jam on the dinner table set him off." "Her chicken nuggets were cut in half and not whole." "The teacher wore a baseball hat...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Nov 7, 2023
- 3 min
The Very Excited Autistic Child
When it comes to supporting autistic children, one question I am often asked by occupational therapists is this: “How do I work with an...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Sep 6, 2023
- 5 min
ABA in Autism: Short-Term Changes and Long-Term Trauma
As an autistic occupational therapist who has worked extensively in schools, I have often seen behaviorist approaches used in classrooms....
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Apr 24, 2023
- 2 min
Non-Speaking Versus Non-Verbal: What is the Difference in Autism?
The terms non-speaking and non-verbal may sound identical to many people. But there is a different and important distinction which is...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Mar 25, 2023
- 2 min
Black and White OR Categorical Thinking in Autism
As an autistic person, one of the most CHALLENGING concepts I deal with every day is the following: Things are not Black and White. There...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Dec 9, 2022
- 3 min
Support the Autistic Sensory Seeker with Dyspraxia
I often see children’s actions labeled as “sensory seeking” when in fact they are truly reflecting difficulties processing and...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Sep 4, 2022
- 4 min
3 Ways to Support Autistic Children as they Transition INTO School
Today I will address a challenging transition for many children, namely walking INTO school at the start of a new day. This transition...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Jul 2, 2022
- 2 min
"Special Interests" in Autism
An important topic is “special interests” in autism. A question frequently asked is about how school professionals, OT included, should...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Apr 10, 2022
- 2 min
A Strengths-Based Approach in Autism . . . for Auditory Sensitivity
Celebrating an autistic child’s strengths is key to develop their self-esteem and sense of agency. But how can we shift gears and see...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Jan 25, 2022
- 3 min
So . . . What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?
As a pediatric occupational therapist, this is one question I am asked frequently. Although people have often heard the term sensory...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Dec 12, 2021
- 5 min
How to Support Children During Transitions
When you speak with parents, teachers, or therapists about challenges they face when working with kids, there's a good chance that the...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Nov 29, 2021
- 7 min
Visual Supports and Autism: 5 Must-Know Categories To Support Self-Regulation and Skills Acquisition
Before we think about visual supports, let's think about day-to-day verbal interactions. Conversations serve many purposes, whether...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Oct 20, 2021
- 3 min
Typing Speed in "Touch Typing" vs. "Self-Taught" Typists
My husband, a marketing professional, is one of the fastest typists I know. I hear him on the keyboard cranking out e-mails faster than...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Sep 6, 2021
- 2 min
Quick Assessment of Kindergarten Fine Motor Skill
As an occupational therapist I often work with kindergarten teachers. (One of my favorite parts of this job!) At the start of the school...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Jun 24, 2021
- 2 min
How to cope with TOUCH SENSITIVITY in summer . . .
Are you happy that it's summer? For kids, summertime means sunny days at the beach, the park, the playground, and the pool. Yet, these...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- Jun 21, 2021
- 2 min
What is Masking in Autism?
"MASKING" in autism may be a relatively new term, yet it is far from a novel concept. But what is masking, exactly? Masking is a strategy...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- May 27, 2021
- 3 min
Transitions in Autism: Moving From Place to Place
Autistic individuals often struggle with transitions. Physical transitions may involve moving from one space to another space, stepping...
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Dr. Lisa Marnell, OTD, MBA
- May 16, 2021
- 2 min
What Does CALM Mean in Autism?
We are all familiar with the usual demands: "Calm down!" "Quiet hands. Quiet Feet." "Please, show me you are listening with your whole...
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