May 13, 2025
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are common among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with studies suggesting that up to 70% of children with autism experience GI symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These issues can exacerbate behavioral problems, interfere with therapy, and impact overall quality of life.
Research Insight:
According to Miller et al. (2009), “GI issues are prevalent in children with autism and can contribute to significant behavioral challenges, making treatment more complex.” This connection highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both GI and behavioral concerns in children with ASD.
How Superstars Helps:
At Superstars, we integrate nutritional therapy with occupational and speech therapies to address the GI issues commonly associated with autism. Our team works with parents to create meal plans that accommodate food sensitivities, promote digestive health, and support overall nutrition. Additionally, we offer oral-motor therapy to help children improve chewing and swallowing skills, which can be particularly beneficial for children with sensory sensitivities related to food textures.
By addressing both GI concerns and developmental challenges, we aim to improve children’s health, reduce the impact of GI issues on behavior, and enhance overall development. This integrated approach helps children feel better physically, which in turn supports their emotional regulation and engagement in therapy.
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or sensory processing disorders often experience hyperactivity, emotional overwhelm, and emotional dysregulation. These challenges can manifest in a variety of ways, such as tantrums, impulsive behaviors, emotional outbursts, or difficulty focusing. Calming techniques are essential tools that can help children manage these intense emotions […]
Social skills are essential for building relationships and thriving in school and social settings. Occupational therapy (OT) supports children in developing social skills by providing structured opportunities for practice and enhancing their ability to engage with peers. Research Insight: According to Gresham (2007), “Group-based occupational therapy can significantly improve social skills, including taking turns, sharing, […]
The transition from home to school can be challenging for children with developmental delays or disabilities. Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in preparing children for the school environment by helping them develop the necessary skills to succeed in the classroom. Research Insight: Research by Koh et al. (2008) found that “children who receive […]
Assistive technology (AT) plays a significant role in supporting children with developmental challenges by providing them with tools to perform daily activities independently. Occupational therapy (OT) integrates AT to enhance children’s functional abilities. Research Insight: According to King et al. (2003), “Assistive technology can significantly improve children’s functional performance and participation in daily activities, allowing […]
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle with attention, focus, and task completion. Occupational therapy can provide children with the tools and strategies they need to improve attention and develop organizational skills. Research Insight: A study by Green et al. (2006) demonstrated that “children with ADHD who participated in occupational therapy showed significant […]
Parent involvement is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of occupational therapy. Parents play a key role in reinforcing therapy goals at home, and when they actively participate in their child’s treatment, children achieve better outcomes. Research Insight: A study conducted by Baker-Ericzen et al. (2005) found that “parents who were actively involved in their child’s […]
Self-care skills are an essential milestone in every child’s development. For children with developmental delays, acquiring self-care skills like dressing, eating, and brushing teeth can be a significant challenge. Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children develop these skills, which are key to fostering independence. Research Insight: Research from Baker-Ericzen et al. […]
Fine motor skills are vital for performing tasks like writing, eating, and dressing. For many children with developmental delays or disorders, such as ADHD or Down syndrome, these skills can be difficult to develop. Occupational therapy provides targeted interventions that help children improve their fine motor abilities. Research Insight: According to the American Occupational Therapy […]
Sensory processing difficulties can affect children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other developmental disabilities, making it hard for them to process and respond to sensory information in their environment. Sensory Integration Therapy is an effective treatment approach that helps children regulate their sensory experiences. Research Insight: As Jean Ayres, a pioneer in sensory […]
At Superstars Child Development and Research Centre, we believe that every child has the potential to lead a fulfilling, independent life, no matter their neurodevelopmental challenges. Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and cerebral palsy improve their ability to function independently […]
In today’s digital age, gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and video games have become integral parts of children’s lives. With the internet providing endless learning resources, digital devices can serve as powerful tools for communication, learning, and development. For children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and sensory processing issues, these devices […]
Diagnostic intervention aims to treat the underlying causes of a child’s challenges, while symptomatic intervention addresses the immediate symptoms. Both approaches have their place in therapy, but the most effective treatment plans often incorporate both. Research Insight: As Miller (2011) explains, “While symptomatic interventions are important for managing behaviors, diagnostic interventions that address underlying causes […]
Focusing on age-appropriate skills in therapy is essential for helping children develop the necessary abilities to interact with their peers and succeed in academic, social, and daily life environments. Research Insight: As Gresham (2007) points out, “Focusing on age-appropriate skills promotes the child’s self-esteem and encourages social acceptance by their peers, leading to better social […]
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have difficulty with working memory. Research suggests that working memory impairments are common in children with ASD, particularly in tasks that require verbal and non-verbal memory (e.g., recalling spoken or written instructions or remembering the sequence of actions in a task). These difficulties can significantly impact their daily […]
When providing therapy for children, it is important to consider both their developmental age (the stage at which they function in cognitive, emotional, and motor skills) and their social age (the age at which they can engage socially with peers). These two factors can be different, especially in children with developmental delays, and impact how […]
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more likely to experience epilepsy, with studies suggesting that 20-30% of children with autism also have a history of seizures. The interaction between autism and epilepsy can exacerbate the child’s challenges, particularly in areas such as behavior, communication, and cognitive functioning. Research Insight: Tuchman and Cuccaro (2011) emphasize […]
Optokinetic training focuses on improving visual-motor integration, a critical skill for children to track moving objects, maintain focus, and engage in tasks that require eye-hand coordination. This type of training is particularly beneficial for children with developmental coordination disorder or ASD, who may struggle with visual processing or eye movement control. Research Insight: According to […]
At Superstars Child Development and Research Centre, we believe that therapy should not just be about structured sessions but should be integrated into a child’s natural environment. Context-Based Intervention and Parent Education are central to this approach, enabling children to thrive both within therapy and in their everyday lives. These principles emphasize the importance of […]
Muscle tone, proprioception, and the vestibular system are all interconnected and play a vital role in a child’s overall sensory processing and motor development. When one or more of these systems is underdeveloped or misaligned, it can significantly impact the child’s ability to engage with their environment, perform motor tasks, and engage socially. For children […]
Perceptual-motor training is a therapeutic approach aimed at improving a child’s ability to integrate sensory input with motor output. This type of training is especially beneficial for children with developmental challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and cerebral palsy, who often face difficulties in motor coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. Research Insight: According […]
The vestibular system—the part of the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation—plays a critical role in maintaining physical equilibrium and coordination. For children with developmental disorders like ASD, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, the vestibular system may not function optimally, leading to difficulties with balance, coordination, and movement. Research Insight: As Ayres (2005) […]
