SENDING WARM THOUGHTS

As we navigate another cold snap, we're all looking for ways to overcome cabin fever. We're strong advocates for bundling the whole family up and getting outside - even for a short time - to play in the snow or go for a walk.

But once you are back inside, what's next? You might be running out of creative ways to engage with your kids. Here are a few suggestions from our team, activities that can be done with minimal preparation, that will activate sensory, motor, and communication skills, and can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

THINKING OF SUMMER and SUMMER CAMP

Another way to take your mind off the cold weather is to start planning summer activities. Summer camps offer a variety of benefits that can contribute to your child’s overall well-being.

Building Social Skills and Connections

Summer camp offers children a unique opportunity to develop important social skills in a safe and supportive environment. Kids can practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving with peers. For many children, this is a chance to increase their confidence in social settings and learn to navigate new relationships—all of which support emotional and social growth.

Supporting Health & Well-Being

Camps also provide an opportunity for children to build capacities around mental and physical health. Through opportunities to play outside, kids benefit from the restoration inherently possible in nature. Outdoor play also facilitates gross motor skill development, including physical coordination, strength, and stamina. These experiences promote healthy habits and also have a positive impact on mental health.

The social connections, physical activity, opportunities for independence, and emotional growth that children experience at camp can have a lasting impact.

INTRODUCING CAMP DFX!

Camp DFX will offer a supportive, enriching day camp experience specially designed for children ages 6 to 12. The activities will be grounded in our Therapy that fits approach and guided by our speech-language and occupational therapists. We are limiting enrollment to 8 campers per week to ensure each child receives individualized attention and care.

Applications for Camp DFX are open through March 1st to children who are currently being seen at DFX. Apply now to secure your child's spot!

Cost: The cost is $650 per camper per week for Weeks 1, 2, or 3, and $520 per camper per week for Week 4, a 4-day week due to the July 4 holiday.

Week 1: June 9–13

SUPERHERO CAMP

Week 2: June 16–20

MINDFULNESS MATTERS

Week 3: June 23 - 27

WATER WONDERLAND

Week 4: June 30 - July 3

ANIMAL KINGDOM

DEVELOPMENTAL FX IS SHARING EXPERTISE WORLDWIDE

Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L, presented a three-day workshop for Polyvagaal Instituut of the Netherlands from February 8 -10th, focused on polyvagal theory and sensory integration, and exploring the concepts of neuroception, interoception, and co-regulation.

In mid-February, Tracy will be joined by Kelsey Forbringer, MS, OTR/L, in Athens, Greece, where they have been invited to deliver a two-day course for Greek occupational therapists on the Sensory Diet.

Lindsay Beckerman, MOT, OTR/L, who leads DFX's OT and feeding therapy program and is also a professor for SOS Approach to Feeding, will be in Hong Kong this month teaching at the conference "When Children Won't Eat: Picky Eaters versus Problem Feeders".

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sending love your way

from all of us at DFX!

Visit the "Give" page of our website to learn about how you can support our work or click on the button below to donate.

DFX is working to create systemic change by establishing a culture of engaged belonging in which children of all abilities and backgrounds will thrive.