Michaela Gordon, OTR/L, Inc.

06/17/2026

05/19/2026

I can’t believe I’m holding a hard copy of a manual I wrote in my hands.

For me, this is a really big full-circle moment.

There’s something that happens when you grow up in special education or with a learning disability and processing disorder. You can start to feel like an impostor because things don’t always come easily to you. You get pulled out of class and reminded over and over that your brain works differently — and not always in ways that feel positive when you’re a child.

So honestly, it feels a little surreal that I ended up writing an actual manual.

This project came from a very real place — wanting children to feel understood, supported, connected, and valued for who they are and how they experience the world.

At the end of the day, all of us want to feel seen and understood. And honestly, with everything going on in the world right now, I think we need more of that than ever.

We need the next generation of children to know how to collaborate, communicate, co-regulate, problem solve together, and understand one another even when they experience the world differently. We influence each other constantly through our words, reactions, energy, and presence. These are skills that need to be modeled, practiced, and taught.

So this is me trying to put something into the world that supports that.

The manual is officially available on Amazon in both a physical copy and an e-book with interactive hyperlinks. Both versions also include 30 downloadable worksheets and materials so you can start using them right away.

Thank you in advance for supporting me and helping support this important work for our kids. 🫧

05/17/2026

Occupational therapy is one of the broadest and most misunderstood fields in healthcare — yet it’s also a powerhouse profession filled with experienced therapists who can make a profound difference in someone’s everyday life.

Over the years I’ve worked in schools, hospitals, mental health, early intervention, aquatics, and more, and every experience has shaped how I help people participate more fully in their daily lives.

OT is about helping people build the skills they need to live meaningful, independent lives across the lifespan. 🤍

05/17/2026

I think one of the most important things we can do in conversations like this is lead with curiosity instead of criticism.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a bubble. Kids are exposed to germs, noises, uncomfortable sensations, uncertainty, and all kinds of real-world experiences. And while education and awareness absolutely matter, trying to completely “correct” or avoid every uncomfortable experience can sometimes increase anxiety and avoidance instead of reducing it.

That doesn’t mean every child should be handled the same way. Every family, every nervous system, and every child’s needs are individualized — which is why it’s always important to check in with your own providers and professionals who know your child best.

But I also think we need to be thoughtful in how we respond to parents sharing their experiences online. There’s nothing quite like someone trying to share something they found helpful, only to immediately be met with a list of everything strangers think they’ve done wrong.

What helps more is getting curious:
“I wonder what the goal was here?”
“I wonder if this fear was starting to interfere with daily life?”
“I wonder what happens when he has to use a public bathroom and is too afraid to go inside?”

Those are very real quality-of-life concerns for some kids and families. We can ask questions, share perspectives, and discuss risks thoughtfully without making parents feel attacked for navigating hard things the best they can. 🤍

05/01/2026

I’ve been reflecting on the conversation around hand-over-hand assistance—especially for children with dyspraxia and motor planning challenges.

These are kids who often want to do something, but their bodies don’t quite cooperate. And sometimes, the right kind of support—even something as small as a light touch—can help their system organize enough to get started.

At the same time, I understand the concern. Physical support should never override autonomy or be used to force compliance.

But not all support is the same.

Some children actively seek it out. Others benefit from just enough input to access a skill they couldn’t reach on their own. And yes—support can be overdone too. Too much prompting can lead to dependence, which is why intention and awareness matter so much.

So the question isn’t “support or no support.”

It’s:
Are we helping—or taking over?

When done thoughtfully, respectfully, and with the goal of fading support over time, physical assistance can be a bridge—not a barrier—to autonomy.

04/30/2026

Even in the darkest moments, your light is still there—steady, powerful, and uniquely yours. You Are a Supernova! is a reminder for every child (and every grown-up who needs it) that they were born to shine, no matter what. ✨ Available now on Amazon—pick up your copy today.

04/26/2026

Growth and autonomy aren’t opposites—they work together.

Supporting someone means honoring their regulation, their voice, and their consent.
And it also means creating space to build skills, tolerate challenges, and move through discomfort with support.

The goal isn’t to avoid all stress.
It’s to help someone navigate it—safely, gradually, and in a way that builds confidence and choice.

There’s a difference between pushing someone through something
and supporting them as they grow.

And that distinction matters.

Discomfortcanbegrowth

04/26/2026

New research is reinforcing something important: dissociation isn’t just psychological—it’s deeply connected to how the brain processes signals from the body.

But first—what is dissociation?

Dissociation is a state of disconnection. It can feel like:
• “I’m not really here”
• Being detached from your body or emotions
• Feeling foggy, unreal, or on autopilot
• A sense that the world around you isn’t quite real

For many people, this isn’t random—it’s the nervous system trying to protect against overwhelm.

This systematic review highlights that when interoception (our ability to sense and trust internal body signals) is disrupted, dissociation becomes more likely. Some people stop noticing body signals altogether, while others experience them as too intense or unsafe.

If you’re supporting individuals with sensory processing challenges, or children who have experienced prolonged or extreme stress or trauma, this reinforces something important: regulation—and often reconnection—needs to start from within the body, and it has to feel safe.

What has helped you or the individuals you support feel more connected and regulated?