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June 2025 Connections
Information for caregivers to help children thrive!
| | Growing - and Gardening - with DFX! | | This month we invite you to grow with us! At DFX we think about growth year round, and especially in the spring when we start seeing changes in our gardens, and in summer when the plants are thriving. | | Occupational therapist Lindsay Beckerman set up our garden with fertile soil and gathered plants and seeds from Denver Urban Gardens for our team to tend with clients in therapy.
Kids at the clinic helped with planting - this year we have sunflowers, wildflowers, strawberry plants, herbs, and veggies galore!
Throughout the summer, children at the clinic will care for the garden—watering, weeding, and eventually harvesting what they've grown.
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Gardening offers so many developmental benefits, including:
- Attention & Patience – caring for plants over time helps build focus and consistency
- Fine Motor Skills – weeding, planting, and harvesting offer hands-on coordination practice
- Gross Motor Skills – carrying soil and water builds muscles and confidence and supports regulation
| | Gardening also helps kids understand where food comes from, which can spark curiosity and openness to trying new foods. Plus it is a great way to spend time outdoors and connect with nature. | | Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity to share with your child. If you already have a garden, you can involve your child in watering, weeding, or harvesting. If you’re just starting out, you can start small! Tomato plants grow well in containers and can be kept on a porch or balcony. Green onions can regrow in a cup of water on your windowsill—no soil needed! No matter the space, gardening is a great way to grow together. | |
CAMP DFX
Camp DFX is underway and our campers and team members are having a great time. We had a blast with our superhero theme during week one, getting creative with chalk, making slime, and catching bugs! During week two, campers have learned how to make embodiment and breath practices part of their daily routines.
Link to Instagram Video
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| | DFX's 2025 Soiree: August 28 | |
Our 2025 Soiree will be held at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science,
Thursday, August 28,
from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.
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JOIN US TO CELEBRATE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR DFX AND ALL THOSE WE SERVE!
We will formally welcome our new CEO, Beth Yohe, MS, to our community and celebrate the visionary leadership of Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L, and her transition to Director of Innovation. In addition, we will honor Randi J. Hagerman, MD, FAAP, with the DFX HUG award for her commitment to improving the lives of those with neurodevelopmental differences.
| | | Through hands-on activities and presentations during the event, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the transformative work that DFX is doing to improve the lives of children with developmental differences and mental health challenges. Attendees will be invited to support DFX by participating in a silent auction, games, and a paddle raise fundraiser while enjoying a delicious buffet dinner and beverages. | | Thanks to the Autism Community Store for organizing the Autism Resource Fair, and to everyone who stopped by the DFX table! | | Please be sure you have downloaded the Ocean Friends app so you can receive convenient messages from your child's therapist. Thank you for navigating these exciting changes with us! | | DFX is working to create systemic change by establishing a culture of engaged belonging in which children of all abilities and backgrounds will thrive. | | | | |
