VanKids Pediatric Therapy

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VanKids Pediatric Therapy Occupational therapy for children ages 2–19, supporting self-regulation, fine/gross motor skills, and daily routines through play-based care.

Services include assessment, treatment, and parent support, offered in-clinic, home, and in school environments.

Good Seating = Better Access to LearningHave you noticed your child constantly shifting, leaning on the desk, sitting on...
10/03/2026

Good Seating = Better Access to Learning

Have you noticed your child constantly shifting, leaning on the desk, sitting on their knees, or getting tired during handwriting?

Seating isn’t just about “sitting still.” A supportive position can help provide the stability children need to use their hands and eyes for learning.

A helpful starting point is the 90-90-90 position:
- Hips at ~90°
- Knees at ~90°
- Feet supported on the floor or a footrest

We also want to consider whether the desk and chair height, trunk position, and forearm support allow the child to work comfortably.

Why does this matter?
A stable base can support participation in:
✏️ Handwriting & drawing�
📖 Reading & looking at books�
✂️ Cutting & fine motor activities�
🧩 Puzzles & manipulatives�
💻 Typing & computer work�
📝 Classroom tasks

From an OT perspective, we may look at postural strength and endurance, pelvic stability, foot support, seating setup, fine motor skills, and positioning when a child is having difficulty with school-based tasks.

And remember — the goal isn't perfect posture! Children naturally move and change positions. We want to support their ability to find comfortable, functional positions that allow them to stay engaged and participate.

At VanKids, we look at the whole picture — not just the handwriting, but the body supporting the handwriting.

Inclusion in Motion 2026⭐️We had a great time at Inclusion in Motion at the Pacific Autism Family Network this past week...
09/29/2026

Inclusion in Motion 2026⭐️

We had a great time at Inclusion in Motion at the Pacific Autism Family Network this past weekend!

It was really nice getting to meet so many families, caregivers, volunteers, and other professionals in the community. We had a lot of conversations about occupational therapy, and it was especially nice hearing from families who have had positive experiences with OT and learning about the different ways OT has supported their children.

We also met quite a few families who were interested in learning more about OT and connecting with VanKids in the future!

Of course, we had to bring a little movement into the day too. The kids took on our VanKids Obstacle Course Challenge, and we loved seeing everyone give it a try and celebrate with a prize at the end!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and took the time to chat with us. It was a really fun day, and we’re glad we got to be part of it!

VanKids Pediatric Therapy — Where Connection Sparks Growth.

Interoception is our ability to notice and understand signals from inside our body. It helps us recognize when we’re hun...
09/22/2026

Interoception is our ability to notice and understand signals from inside our body. It helps us recognize when we’re hungry, thirsty, tired, need the bathroom, or are becoming stressed or overwhelmed.

For some children, these body signals can be harder to notice or interpret — which can impact self-regulation, emotions, toileting, eating, sleep, and daily routines.

How can OT help?
Pediatric OTs can help children build body awareness by using play, movement, sensory experiences, and everyday routines to:
- Notice body signals
- Connect sensations with what they mean
- Put words to what their body is experiencing
- Recognize early signs of stress or dysregulation
- Identify strategies that help their body feel regulated

The goal isn't for children to simply “pay more attention.” It's to help them better understand what their body is communicating and learn how to respond.

More than just swinging!This activity may look like simple play, but we’re actually working on SO many skills at once! W...
09/08/2026

More than just swinging!

This activity may look like simple play, but we’re actually working on SO many skills at once!

While swinging on the platform swing and placing rings onto the cone, the child is working on:
⚖️ Dynamic balance & postural control�
🔄 Trunk rotation & core stability�
👀 Hand-eye coordination & visual-motor skills�
🧩 Motor planning & praxis�
⏱️ Timing & motor coordination�
🎯 Attention & task planning�
🤝 Bilateral coordination�
🧠 Vestibular & proprioceptive processing�
✋ Grasp, release & precision

And when we have the child reach behind their body to place the rings, we add an extra challenge by requiring them to rotate through their trunk, maintain their balance, orient to the target, and plan their movements while the swing is moving!

This is the magic of pediatric OT — using fun, meaningful play to build the skills kids need for everyday life. 💛

09/01/2026

It’s more than just play! ✨

Every OT activity has a purpose. 🧠💪

Through this activity, we’re working on dynamic balance, postural control, body awareness, visual-motor integration, pincer grasp, motor planning, and core & lower-body strength — all while having fun! 🎯

Pediatric OT uses meaningful, play-based activities to help children build the skills they need for everyday life. What may look like “just playing” is often an opportunity to develop coordination, strength, motor skills, attention, planning, body awareness, and confidence. 💛

Play with a purpose. Skills for life. 🌱

💡 When Lights and Visual Environments Feel OverwhelmingSome children may be particularly sensitive to bright lights, fli...
08/24/2026

💡 When Lights and Visual Environments Feel Overwhelming

Some children may be particularly sensitive to bright lights, flickering lights, visual clutter, or busy environments. Others may actively seek visual input as a way to stay engaged or regulated.

These differences in visual sensory processing can sometimes affect a child’s ability to focus, regulate, transition between activities, or participate comfortably at home, school, or in the community.

How can OT support this?
Occupational therapy can help identify how a child responds to different types and levels of sensory input and develop strategies that support their individual regulation needs.

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, our sensory room includes a variety of lighting options and sensory tools that can be incorporated into play-based activities. Depending on the child, these may be used to provide calming, organizing, or alerting sensory input.
We may incorporate:�
🔹 Different types of lighting and visual input�
🔹 Movement and gross motor activities�
🔹 Proprioceptive and vestibular input�
🔹 Tactile sensory tools and fidgets�
🔹 Quiet spaces and environmental modifications

The goal is not to eliminate sensory input or make children “tolerate” things that are uncomfortable. Instead, we work with the child to understand their sensory preferences, build regulation strategies, and support participation in meaningful activities.

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, a Vancouver-based occupational therapy clinic, we aim to provide a welcoming, supportive, ...
08/20/2026

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, a Vancouver-based occupational therapy clinic, we aim to provide a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment where children and youth can participate in therapy at their own pace and in ways that align with their individual needs and strengths.

Through play-based, neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy, we support the development of skills that promote participation and independence in everyday activities, including fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, self-care, and social participation.

Our approach focuses on more than skill development alone. We consider each child’s individual strengths, interests, sensory needs, and functional goals to make therapy meaningful and relevant to their daily lives.

📍240 - 10151 No.3 Road, Richmond BC
💻 vankidstherapy.ca
📞 (604) 821-5136

Ever wonder how to help a child through a meltdown? 🧠💛Whether it’s sensory overload, frustration, transitions, or a chal...
08/17/2026

Ever wonder how to help a child through a meltdown? 🧠💛

Whether it’s sensory overload, frustration, transitions, or a challenging moment, big behaviours are often a sign that a child is having a hard time regulating—not simply “misbehaving.”

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, occupational therapy can help children develop the skills they need to regulate their bodies and emotions so they can better participate in everyday activities—whether that’s playing, learning, communicating, getting dressed, transitioning between activities, or interacting with others.

We support emotional regulation through:
1. 🤝 Co-regulation — helping children feel safe, calm, and supported before expecting them to regulate independently.
2. 💭 Identifying feelings — helping children recognize, understand, and communicate what they’re feeling.
3. 🧠 Practicing regulation strategies — teaching children simple, realistic strategies they can use when emotions become overwhelming.
4. 🧸 Tools, equipment & sensory-motor strategies — using sensory tools, therapy equipment, movement, heavy work, deep pressure, and other sensory-motor activities to support regulation based on each child’s individual needs.

As OTs, we look at why a child may be having difficulty regulating and how their sensory, motor, emotional, and environmental needs may be affecting their ability to participate in daily life. We then work with the child and family to develop practical strategies that can be used both in therapy and at home.
Remember: connection comes before correction. A regulated child is better able to learn, communicate, problem-solve, and participate. 💛

📍 Unit 240 – 10151 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC�
🌐 vankidstherapy.ca�
📞 (604) 821-5136

Book your FREE 15-minute consultation today!�We’d love to connect with you and learn how we can support your child. 💛

Climb, Hang & Regulate! 🧠💙Ever notice your child constantly climbing, hanging, jumping, pushing, or crashing into things...
08/13/2026

Climb, Hang & Regulate! 🧠💙

Ever notice your child constantly climbing, hanging, jumping, pushing, or crashing into things? They may be seeking proprioceptive input!

Proprioception is our body’s sense of where it is and how it’s moving. Activities like climbing, hanging, pushing, and pulling activate muscles and joints, providing strong sensory input that can help some children feel more organized, calm, and regulated.

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, we look beyond the behaviour to understand what your child’s nervous system may be seeking. We use purposeful movement and play to support sensory processing, self-regulation, body awareness, and motor skills.

🧗‍♂️ Our clinic has the equipment and sensory-friendly environment to help kids safely climb, swing, crash, move, and explore the sensory input their bodies need.
Sometimes, the best way to help a child regulate… is to let them move!

📍 #240 - 10151 No.3 Road, Richmond, BC
📞 (604) 821-5136

Your child’s brain is always learning!Did you know the brain can change and build new connections through repeated exper...
08/10/2026

Your child’s brain is always learning!

Did you know the brain can change and build new connections through repeated experiences? This is called neuroplasticity—and it’s one of the reasons pediatric occupational therapy can be so powerful.

In pediatric OT, we use play, movement, practice, and meaningful everyday activities to help children develop and strengthen skills such as:

🔵 Fine motor & handwriting skills�
🟡 Gross motor & coordination�
🔵 Attention & executive functioning�
🟡 Self-regulation & sensory processing�
🔵 Self-care & independence�
🟡 Feeding & daily routines

The goal isn’t simply to “practice a skill.” It’s to create meaningful, motivating opportunities for the brain to learn and adapt.

Every game, movement, challenge, and successful attempt is an opportunity to build skills—and confidence!

Address

Unit 240/10151 NO. 3 Road
Richmond, BC
V7A4R6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm

Telephone

+16048215136

Website

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