Happy Hands Therapy NWI

06/04/2026

Coregulation! https://www.theottoolbox.com/co-regulation/

The definition of co-regulation is– the ability to regulate emotions and behaviors to soothe and manage stressing internal sensory input or external situations, with the support and direction of a connecting individual. Co-regulation is nurturing connection of another individual that supports regulation needs through the use of strategies, tools, and calming techniques in order to self-soothe or respond in times of stress.

Co-regulation and self-regulation are part of the developmental process. In order to move from a co-existing place to a place of independence, the child needs to develop emotional intelligence and social emotional learning. All of this is part of typical development.

Resources:
🪞 https://www.theottoolbox.com/zones-of-regulation-activities/
🤝https://www.theottoolbox.com/co-regulation/
🍃 https://www.theottoolbox.com/mindfulness-for-kids/
🤗https://www.theottoolbox.com/emotional-intelligence-2/

05/25/2026

The Indianapolis Children's Museum is selling tickets for an adaptive experience to better serve those with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities! If interested, read the flyer for more information.

04/30/2026

Happy OT month! Every month is OT month here at Happy Hands Therapy!

04/30/2026

April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness month, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate and recognize our friends with autism brains!

Autistic people deserve the right to live, work, play, learn and feel in a way that is authentic to them. We have come so far, but still have so long to go!

This month (and all months) one of the best things we can do is listen to the perspectives of autistic people. One of those perspectives is that most people in this population prefer the term “autistic person” rather than “person with autism” because the latter implies that autism is bad. The more we commit to learning the better we can do! Happy Autism Awareness Month!

03/19/2026

Great change of perspective!

03/12/2026

What exactly is occupational therapy?

Is it fine motor therapy?
Do we help people find jobs?
Do we only help kids with sensory issues?
Do we only work on the upper body?

No way!!

OT is actually rooted in mental health- we started working with soldiers after WWI who were “shell shocked” from the war. They found that working on meaningful activity helped with symptoms of PTSD. How cool is that!

When humans are engaged in things that are meaningful to them, they are generally happier and healthier. When they aren’t, that’s where OT can step in.

Today, you can find OTs working on all kinds of occupations, with a TON of different interventions that may involve the body, mind, nervous system, environment, and awareness of what occupations, routines, and roles are most coveted to a particular client.

Whether it’s taking up a beading project, going for a walk with your family, playing with your dog, cooking/baking, reading a book, pulling up your pants after going to the bathroom, or making it through a school day without melting down, OT is a profession that cares, and can help you with the things that are important to you ❤️

Here at Happy Hands we love helping kids and families thrive, being outdoors, crafting, being an aunt, celebrating with family and laughing with friends! What are some of your favorite occupations? Let us know in the comments!

03/01/2026

Exactly why a whole child perspective helps children thrive.

02/19/2026

It may be difficult for a child to stand in one place without leaning on something or someone if their nervous system is processing proprioceptive input differently.

It’s like their brain is screaming, “where am I right now?!” Kids know what to do to get the input they need and may start leaning, pushing, pulling, jumping, and crashing on people or things to let their brain know, “I’m right here, see?” The only problem is: it’s often not enough, and shows up in places where adults might go, “Hey, keep your hands to yourself!”

Children with proprioceptive input differences may also use too much force for tasks like writing or putting toys together, often leading to things breaking and causing lots of frustration.

If you’d like help getting your child the input they need, give us a call today at (219) 200-2283!



Note: This is not intended to be medical advice. Please seek assistance from a licensed occupational therapist for specific recommendations for your child.

This pertains to ALL of us…
The proprioceptive system is responsible for body awareness, helping us understand where our body is in space without needing to look. This system guides movements and posture and plays a big role in coordination and motor planning.

When kids have proprioceptive difficulties, it can show up as:
🤕Clumsiness: Bumping into objects or people often, or struggling with coordination.
🤼Rough Play: Pushing, hitting, or crashing into things because they may seek out more sensory input.
✂️Difficulty with Motor Tasks: Tasks like writing, cutting with scissors, or catching a ball may be challenging.
🪑Poor Posture: Slumping at a desk or leaning on walls.
🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️Low Awareness of Personal Space: They may stand too close or be unaware of boundaries.

Supporting kids with proprioceptive issues often involves heavy work activities to provide deep pressure input, which helps regulate their sensory system and improve body awareness.
🧰Here are some resources: https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-sensory-activities/
🧰https://www.theottoolbox.com/heavy-work-activities/

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day!❤️

We hope you’re spending this day doing the things you love, with the ones you love. For us, that’s breaking out the pink and red play-doh and making friendship bracelets! It works on essential fine motor skills necessary for a variety of tasks, such as dressing, holding a pencil, brushing your teeth, and more! Not only that, it also helps you access fun things that make you happy, like playing with play-doh😉

Note: This is not intended to be medical advice. Please seek assistance from a licensed occupational therapist for specific recommendations for your child.

02/13/2026

At Happy Hands Therapy we respect all forms of neurodiversity. What does this mean? We recognize that all brains are capable, valuable, and cool!

Some brains like to play pretend, some like to line up cars, and others like to crash and jump!

Though different brains may have different challenges, it’s important for kids to understand that no matter what brain they have, they are just worthy and valuable as other brains.

With the right tools and support, all kids can thrive. Therapy sessions at Happy Hands focus on making sure your child has the right support for their unique neurotype so they can access the things that are important to them, and to you.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and your child, give us a call today to discuss further!

(219) 200-2283
[email protected]