Practical, non-clinical guides for the moments before, between, and after visits. Read what's useful, skip what isn't.
Little guides for big steps
Preparing for an OT evaluation
Jot down 2–3 everyday moments that feel hard — real examples beat perfect descriptions.
Note what your child loves: favorite toys, games, characters, snacks.
Don't coach your child to "behave" — the real kid is exactly who we want to meet.
Plan a calm buffer before and after, if you can. Big days deserve soft edges.
What to bring to the first visit
Insurance card and any referral paperwork your plan requires.
Any previous evaluations or reports you'd like to share (optional).
A comfort item — a favorite small toy or lovey is always welcome.
Snacks, water, and a change of clothes never hurt with little ones.
Understanding sensory-responsive support
"Sensory-responsive" means we notice how a child experiences the world — sound, touch, movement, light — and adjust the environment and activities to fit. It's not about toughening kids up; it's about helping their bodies feel safe enough to learn.
Helping a child prepare for a new place
Talk about it simply and positively: "We're going to a place where you get to play."
Look at a photo of the building or room ahead of time, if available.
Keep goodbyes and hellos low-pressure; warm-up time is normal and welcome.
Afterward, name one good moment together — endings shape memories.
Insurance questions to ask
When you call the number on your insurance card, try asking:
"Does my plan cover outpatient pediatric occupational therapy?"
"Do I need a physician referral or prior authorization?"
"How many visits are covered per year?"
"What is my copay or coinsurance for OT visits?"
"Is Bloom & Grow Co. / Dr. Sarah Muir in network?"
Community resources
Local supports for families — early intervention contacts, libraries, parent groups, and more.
Links to be added with Dr. Muir's recommendations
a little check-in tool
How's your child's battery today?
Little bodies run on invisible batteries. Behavior is often just the battery gauge — here's a simple way to read it.
Full & ready. Playing, curious, bouncing back from little bumps.
Doing okay. Mostly fine — switches, sharing, and waiting take a little more help.
Running low. Quick tears, big reactions, clinging or hiding. The tank is draining.
All out. Meltdowns or shutdowns — everything feels too hard. Time to recharge, not to teach.
A low battery isn't a behavior problem — it's information. Rest, connection, snacks, and sensory breaks are how little batteries recharge. If the battery seems stuck on low, that's a good thing to bring to an evaluation.
A note about this page
Everything here is general educational information. It is not medical advice, and it does not replace an evaluation with a qualified professional. If you have concerns about your child's health or development, please talk with your pediatrician or contact Bloom & Grow through the secure portal.
Still have questions?
The FAQ covers the common ones, and the general contact form covers the rest.
