Request a Free Teletherapy Introduction
Use this form if you wish to have a complimentary 15-minute introductory session! Please provide preferred time of day/week and Annmarie will get back to you to schedule your connect.
You may also feel free to reach out to Annmarie directly through the e-mail listed below.
Fairfield County and New Haven County, Connecticut
Annmarie DeMarco OTR/L Practices
Sensory Integration
Sensory processing is an important part of each person’s life. By the time we are adults, most of us learn how to regulate sensory information (sounds, textures, visual input, movement) we receive in our environment, and then interpret that sensory information to be successful in our daily activities. When we have difficulty processing sensory information, it can make our daily activities very difficult, and sometimes almost impossible.
Tasks such as brushing teeth, sitting to attend to an activity, meal time, socializing with peers, and going out into the community can become very difficult.
There are many different strategies I use during treatment sessions in order to help a child become more aware of their sensory needs. My main goal is to provide children (and their families!) the tools they need to make them more successful within their daily lives, and take steps to engage in everyday activities more independently.
Primitive Reflexes
There are many primitive reflexes and they are all important. Since primitive reflexes are located at the brain stem, if a child retains these reflexes, higher learner and sensory processing (among other things) can be greatly impacted. Recurrent bed wetting, difficulty with coordination, riding a bicycle, swinging, writing, and reading are all issues that could be addressed and solved if the specific reflex is integrated.
There are assessments to check a child’s primitive reflexes, and if the reflexes are present, there are activities and exercises that could be done to integrate the reflex so it is no longer causing developmental issues.
Purposeful Play
A child’s main occupation is PLAY!
Occupational therapy should be fun! As an OT, I look for what is most meaningful and important to my kiddos, and facilitate therapy towards their preferred activity. By doing this, I’m able to increase motivation and engagement in the therapeutic play activity and see more progress.
The main goal of a treatment session is to generalize what we do in a play based setting to other occupations (activities) a child engages in such as meals , bed time, community outings, and bath time.
How it works
Our Treatment Process
All potential service needs will start with a complimentary virtual introduction and/or in-person evaluation. Further service needs will be determined and scheduled on a recurring basis as in-home or public place sessions (daycare, park, etc).
Sessions may include a variety of activities to accelerate the child’s development. Parents will always be informed on ways to implement these practices into their child’s daily lives!
All service sessions will be followed by an electronic, and printable, invoice summary of the visit that can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.
