PRISM Center for Pediatric Therapy, Inc.

22/01/2026

"So when we talk about autistic eating, it’s worth remembering that…

Sometimes the most effective support isn’t avoiding new foods or assuming every refusal is sensory-based.

Rather, thoughtful exposure (done respectfully), without pressure is what actually expands flexibility.

This definitely doesn’t mean that exposure works the same way for everyone.

But it does mean recognizing that for many autistic people, rigidity can be just as powerful a barrier as sensory discomfort."

Don’t freak out, but, autistic selective eating is ✨NOT always about sensory issues.✨

Yes, texture, smell, temperature, taste, and predictability matter…BUT, research also points to RIGIDITY as a major contributor to “picky eating”.

From the autistic perspective, the rule often isn’t
❌“I can’t eat this because it feels bad.”

It’s more like:
✅“I can’t eat this because I don’t eat this.”

Once a food is categorized as “not something I eat,” that rule can be surprisingly hard to break, even if the sensory experience itself wouldn’t be terrible.

I notice this every time I travel.
Almost every trip, I come home with a new food I’m suddenly willing to eat.

Sometimes it’s a food I’ve genuinely never been exposed to before,
(most recently, clam chowder).

Other times, it’s a food I stopped eating years ago…but while traveling, the usual rules get disrupted and the rigidity breaks.

Once that rule is broken I’m often willing to eat it again at home.

The sensory experience didn’t magically change. What changed was the mental rule around it.

So when we talk about autistic eating, it’s worth remembering that…

Sometimes the most effective support isn’t avoiding new foods or assuming every refusal is sensory-based.

Rather, thoughtful exposure (done respectfully), without pressure is what actually expands flexibility.

This definitely doesn’t mean that exposure works the same way for everyone.

But it does mean recognizing that for many autistic people, rigidity can be just as powerful a barrier as sensory discomfort.

15/01/2026

"Independence is built, not given" 🌻

14/01/2026

There can be many reasons a child becomes dysregulated.

Not everything is sensory.

A child might be struggling because they are:
• emotionally overwhelmed
• overtired or didn’t sleep well
• hungry, sick, or uncomfortable
• still building rapport and trust
• lacking structure or predictable routines

In my 10+ years in school-based OT, I’ve seen a huge increase in how quickly we jump to sensory. And while sensory strategies are powerful, they’re not always the whole answer.

Sometimes that pressure to find a quick sensory fix can even make therapists feel like they’re failing. When in reality, many regulation challenges don’t have a single simple solution. More often, it’s a combination of factors that requires a team approach, including teachers, families, and behavior specialists.

Some behaviors are not automatically sensory-based:

• crying when told “no”
• hitting, pushing, or biting when a toy is taken
• throwing materials when asked to clean up
• melting down after losing a game
• refusing to leave a preferred activity

These moments are often about emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, impulse control, and coping skills, not sensory input.

Self-regulation is absolutely critical for our students.
But sometimes it’s more than sensory and that’s okay.
It just means the support needs to be broader, deeper, and more collaborative.

💛

03/10/2025

"Regression doesn’t erase progress. Ibig sabihin lang, kailangan nilang bumalik sa comfort zone nila para makahanap ulit ng safety at control" 💜

‼️Regression is real sa mga batang may Autism.
At hindi ito dahil tamad sila, pinapabayaan, o hindi tinuturuan. Minsan, may mga bata na dati nagsasalita, nakikipag-eye contact, marunong maglaro o sumunod sa utos—pero biglang humihinto o nawawala ang mga skills na ‘yon. At bilang magulang, masakit at nakaka-frustrate, kasi alam mong kaya na nila dati… pero ngayon, parang bumalik sa simula.

Pero hindi ito kagustuhan ng bata. Hindi rin ito kabiguan ng magulang. May mga dahilan kung bakit nangyayari ang regression—pwedeng dahil sa stress, sensory overload, pagbabago sa routine, sakit, pagod, o simpleng overwhelm na hindi nila kayang sabihin. At ang madalas na hindi alam ng ibang tao, kapag may regression, mas kailangan nila ng support at understanding—hindi pressure, sisi, o panghuhusga.

Regression doesn’t erase progress. Ibig sabihin lang, kailangan nilang bumalik sa comfort zone nila para makahanap ulit ng safety at control. Ang role natin bilang magulang ay hindi sukuan sila, kundi samahan ulit sila sa pagbalik. Kaya kung may nakakakita nito ngayon—tandaan: regression is real, and our kids are not broken. They just need time, patience, and a safe space to rise again.

02/10/2025

UNDERSTANDING THE FEELINGS THAT LURK BENEATH THE SURFACE

"Beneath every child’s behavior, there’s a need waiting to be understood. When kids act out, they’re not being difficult for the sake of it—there’s always a deeper reason. Maybe they’re tired, overstimulated, or just need to feel heard. Instead of focusing on the behavior alone, let’s dig deeper, meet their needs, and help them learn healthy ways to express themselves. Compassion and connection always win ❤️✨"
CureJoy Moms

Thank you for the image : Teach through Love

26/09/2025

📣 Parents, this one's for you! 📣

​The ADHD Society of the Philippines Convention is set for October 18-19, and we're especially excited because our very own Teacher Candice will be giving a talk on Neuroaffirming Care! 🫶

​The convention will feature a lineup of experts and parents sharing their insights and lived experiences. Come learn, share, and be part of a supportive environment! 🥰

25/09/2025

There's still so much to learn about our kids' stimming, but this is a great starting point for understanding and supporting them. Every bit of knowledge helps us connect more deeply 💜

24/09/2025

It's a clue!! 🧐

24/09/2025

Throwback to our Father's day this year 🥳