Foundations Pediatric Therapy is a Nature-Based, Neurological Pediatric Therapy for Lifelong Success.
I’M Danielle Connor, A Pediatric Occupational Therapist
I am a playful, intentional occupational therapist with experience in diverse populations and age ranges. I use a neurological approach to address areas of need such as self-care, self regulation and fine motor skills. My practice is neurodiversity affirming, welcoming clients and families of all abilities and gender identities. It is my belief that therapy can be fun, meaningful and have lifelong effects, which is why I started Foundations Pediatric Therapy.
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational therapy is a holistic approach to addressing dysfunction through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, known as occupations. It works from the ground up, supporting development by addressing underlying skills required to perform desired tasks.
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Schedule a free consultation.
About Danielle Connor & Foundations Pediatric Therapy
I am a board certified occupational therapist licensed in the state of Washington. I obtained my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Carroll University in 2018. I have specialized training through Masgutova. After school, I became a travel therapist and served the community through a variety of settings across the country, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and schools. Upon settling in Seattle, I worked in outpatient pediatric therapy and fell in love with the practice and region. Years of diverse experience has allowed me to further cultivate my passion for serving the pediatric population, thus creating Foundations Pediatric Therapy.
I have specialized training in Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) as well as Move Play Thrive – Brain and Sensory Foundations, both of which emphasize reflex integration as their approach to dysfunction. Working through this lens has allowed me to treat motor, cognitive, self-care, social-emotional and sensory processing needs. Cultivating foundational skills through movement and mindfulness is at the core of my beliefs. With Foundations Pediatric Therapy, I strive to create a platform for healthy functioning that is rooted in self-awareness, confidence and joy in engagement.
Parent education in the occupational therapy process is essential to wraparound care. When parents learn how their child is understanding their body, they can better empathize and support desired areas of growth.
As needed, I also collaborate with providers such as speech therapists, physical therapists, ABA therapists, neuropsychologists as well as teachers to support performance across contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
General
Children have jobs, or “occupations,” that they engage in each day. This can include play, academic performance, social emotional functioning and self-care. Sometimes children have a harder time growing in one or more of these areas, and having an occupational therapist holistically evaluate and treat the underlying skill deficit can help support optimal functioning.
Physical therapy (PT) addresses your child’s ability to move through their environment. It looks at factors such as muscle strength and tone, flexibility, motor coordination, gait and balance as they relate to overall engagement. Therapeutic activities between PT and OT may overlap, yet your child’s goals differ between disciplines.
Does your child…
- demonstrate difficulty regulating their emotions?
- have a hard time successfully coordinating or manipulating eating utensils?
- present with “big reactions” to sensory stimuli (loud/unexpected noises, clothing textures, car rides)?
- appear clumsy or uncoordinated?
- demonstrate difficulty with age-appropriate performance tasks, such as tying their shoes or riding a bike?
- avoid or demonstrate difficulty with self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing or toileting?
- have a hard time sitting still or following directions?
- demonstrate self-harm – such as head hitting or biting their hand – when frustrated?
- have trouble with fine motor tasks such as handwriting, cutting or manipulating buttons?
- experience difficulty falling or staying asleep?
- have difficulty with bedwetting or constipation?
- have a hard time identifying and acting on internal body sensations, such as pain, hunger or the need to use the restroom?
- demonstrate decreased confidence?
- express frequent or irrational fears that limit daily engagement?
Benefits and Needs
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADD/ADHD
- Anxiety
- Birth trauma
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Developmental Delay
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
- Fine Motor Delay
- Hemiparesis/Upper Extremity Injury
- Learning Disabilities
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Prader Willi Syndrome
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Spina Bifida
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Fine Motor
- Gross Motor
- Visual Motor/Visual Perceptual
- Oculomotor
- Executive Functioning
- Sensory Processing
- Self Regulation
- Adaptive Skills – bathing, toileting, teeth brushing, dressing, etc.
- Social Emotional Functioning
Services
Insurance is not accepted; however, documentation can be provided for you from Foundations Pediatric Therapy to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is encouraged to check with your insurance provider to better understand what your specific plan covers and the process to receive reimbursement.
Foundations Pediatric Therapy can provide Occupational Therapy without a diagnosis so long as there is an area of need that lies within our scope. Some insurance companies require a diagnosis in order to provide reimbursement.
Services can be paid for through a secure online billing system. Acceptable forms of payment include private pay, credit/debit cards as well as HSA/FSA cards.
Should you seek insurance reimbursement, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company. This is a detailed invoice that outlines the services provided, kind of like a receipt. Sometimes insurance companies provide out of network benefits, for which you may receive partial reimbursement for services. It is encouraged to call your insurance company prior to initiating services.
Our Process
Don’t hesitate to reach Out to see if occupational therapy might be a good fit for your child.