Thera-Peds MO

Private individual and group therapy, in the clinical setting or online, for children of all ages.

Services offered: occupational, and speech therapy, group coaching.

06/17/2026

"I had no idea that could affect development."

This is one of the most common responses we hear when parents learn about Primitive Reflexes.

Many challenges we see later in childhood—coordination difficulties, sensory struggles, regulation challenges, and learning concerns—can sometimes be connected to developmental foundations laid much earlier than parents realize.

Even before a baby takes their first steps, their first words, and before they leave the delivery room.

Does this information shed light on some questions you've had regarding your child(ren)? If so, share with us! 👇

06/16/2026

Summer is wonderful... until you hear 'I'm bored' for the 17th time. 😅

Lots of summer activities naturally support sensory exploration, movement, creativity, and regulation.

Here are a few simple favorites that don't require expensive supplies or a trip to the store...

06/15/2026

Being the parent who holds the boundary isn't always easy.

Sometimes it looks like tears at bedtime. It can sound like, "But I'm not tired!" Oftentimes, it feels like you're the bad guy. But children need more than comfort.

They need consistency, predictability, and they need adults who can lovingly hold the line, even when the reaction is big.

Boundaries help children feel safe because they create structure in a world that can often feel overwhelming.

That doesn't mean children will always like the boundary. It means they can trust that the adults in their lives will guide them, support them, and help them navigate difficult moments. A child's frustration doesn't automatically mean the boundary is wrong.

Sometimes it means they're still learning how to handle disappointment, transitions, and limits. And that's okay.

What's one boundary in your home that your child pushes back on the most? 👇

06/11/2026

This is one of our favorite developmental reminders, and it's worth revisiting.

One simple activity during infancy can have a big impact on future strength, coordination, and motor development.

Watch the video and tell us: Did tummy time come naturally for your baby, or was it a daily battle? 👇

06/10/2026

We love seeing local businesses create opportunities for sensory-rich play! ❤️

Sensory play isn't just fun—it helps children explore, create, problem-solve, and engage their senses in meaningful ways.

Activities like scooping, pouring, digging, and messy play can support:
✔ Fine motor development
✔ Hand-eye coordination
✔ Sensory exploration
✔ Creativity
✔ Learning through play

If you're looking for something to do with your little one, our friends at The Club House Play Café in Sullivan host a Sensory Play Day once a month! And as a bonus... they handle the cleanup. 😆

While we missed seeing today's session in time (sorry!), you can follow their page and view their calendar for the next event, along with tons of other fun they offer each week.

Have a favorite sensory activity your child never seems to get tired of, or a favorite place to take sensory-sensitive kids for summer activities? Share it below! 👇

06/09/2026

"He's smart, but every lesson ends in tears."

I've heard some version of this from countless homeschool parents.The natural response is to question the curriculum, your teaching, or even whether homeschooling is the right fit.

But sometimes the issue isn't the curriculum at all. Before we focus on academics, we need to look at two things:

👦 The child
🌎 The environment

Can your child focus while sitting still, or do they learn better with movement?

Is the room calm and organized, or filled with distractions?

Are sensory needs, attention challenges, or emotional overwhelm making it harder for their brain to access learning?

A child who is overwhelmed, dysregulated, or struggling to process their environment often can't show us what they truly know.

That's why simple changes can make such a big difference:

✔ Learning on the floor
✔ Standing at a counter
✔ Taking movement breaks
✔ Reducing distractions
✔ Adding sensory supports

Tears at the homeschool table aren't always a sign that something is wrong. They're often information. When we understand what those tears are telling us, learning can become easier for everyone.

Have you ever made a small change that completely changed your homeschool day? Tell us below. 👇

06/08/2026

"I know my child is smart. So why is learning such a struggle?"

If you've ever asked yourself that question, you're not alone.The Pyramid of Learning reminds us that academics aren't where learning begins.

Underneath reading, writing, math, and attention are foundational skills like sensory processing, body awareness, coordination, balance, and motor planning. When those foundational skills are still developing, school can feel harder than it needs to.

That doesn't mean your child is lazy. It doesn't mean they're choosing to struggle. And it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

Sometimes the path forward starts by strengthening the foundation first.

What is one thing you wish others understood about your child's learning journey?

06/05/2026

It's not always defiance.

A lot of parents come to us worried about reading, writing, attention, or following directions. But what if the struggle isn't actually at the top of the pyramid?

What if the foundation underneath learning needs support first?

Sometimes a child knows their letters but hates writing. Sometimes they understand the lesson but can't sit still long enough to show what they know. Sometimes they melt down during school and everyone assumes they're being difficult.

We're talking about the Pyramid of Learning and why sensory processing, movement, body awareness, coordination, and other foundational skills play such an important role in learning.

Have you ever had a moment when you realized your child's struggle wasn't what you originally thought it was?

Share with us and check out the Pyramid of Learning graphic in the comments. 👇

06/03/2026

Looking for a sensory-friendly outing this summer? 🩵

Saint Louis Science Center offers Sensory Friendly Science Time on Sundays from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, creating a more comfortable experience for children who may be sensitive to noise, crowds, or other sensory input. See details below.

Many families of sensory-sensitive children avoid places they think might be overwhelming. Opportunities like this can help children explore, learn, and have fun in an environment designed with their needs in mind.

What's one local sensory-friendly activity your family loves? Share it below so we can build a resource list for other families! 👇

06/02/2026

What's one thing your child absolutely refuses to wear?

I'll go first...

One parent told us her child wore rain boots every day for six months.

No exceptions. 😂

Socks?

Jeans?

Jackets?

Hair bows?

Tell us below!

Address

115 Progress Pkwy
Sullivan, MO
63080

Telephone

+15734683373

Website

http://www.therapedsmo.com/

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