Articles by: focustherapy
The “Publix Run” Success Guide: Using Fort Myers ABA Therapy Strategies to Turn Grocery Shopping Into a Learning Opportunity
Every parent knows that moment: You’re standing in the cereal aisle at Publix, your child is melting down because they can’t have the box with the cartoon character, and you’re wondering if you should just abandon the cart and leave.…
The “Playdate Playbook”: How to Facilitate a Successful Home Playdate for a Child with Social Communication Delays
For many parents, organizing a playdate seems like second nature—invite a friend over, let the kids play, and supervise from the sidelines. But for parents of children with social communication delays, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or…
Gestalt Language Processing 101: Fort Myers Speech Therapists Explain When Kids Learn Language in “Chunks” or “Scripts” (Echolalia)
If your child repeats entire phrases from their favorite movies, recites commercials word-for-word, or echoes sentences they’ve heard before, you might be witnessing something remarkable: gestalt language processing. For years, parents and professionals viewed this “scripting” or echolalia as a…
Managing Therapy Schedules: Tips for Busy Southwest Florida Families
Juggling therapy appointments alongside work, school, extracurriculars, and family life can feel overwhelming for Southwest Florida families. Between tourist traffic on US-41, severe weather, and the the constant hustle of daily life for parents with young children, our Fort Myers…
New Year, New IEP: Fort Myers IEP Assistance & Planning to Help Prepare for Your Child’s 2026 Meetings
January marks the start of a new year — and many new opportunities for your child’s academic growth and progress. If you’re a parent of a child in Lee or Collier Counties with an upcoming IEP meeting, you may be…
The “Routine Gap”: Fort Myers ABA Therapy Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Progress During Winter Break
‘Tis the season and the halls are decked, the house smells like cookies, and your child is buzzing with excitement about two glorious weeks of freedom. While winter break is a wonderful time for family connection and holiday magic, many…
From Sounds to Sentences: The Critical Connection Between Clear Speech and Reading Readiness
As Fort Myers speech therapists at FOCUS Therapy, we often see parents and caregivers who are focused on the immediate goal of clear speech. While helping your child say their /r/ or /s/ sounds is crucial, our work is about…
The “No Thank You” Plate: A Simple Feeding Strategy to Reduce Mealtime Power Struggles
As Fort Myers occupational therapists who specialize in pediatric feeding therapy, we at FOCUS Therapy understand the daily challenges families face when their child with autism struggles with extreme picky eating. If mealtimes in your home have become battlegrounds filled…
The Scoop on Zippers and Buttons: OT Strategies for Mastering Daily Dressing Skills
As Fort Myers occupational therapists, one of the most rewarding moments for us is when a child successfully zips their own jacket for the first time. The pride that lights up their face tells a story that goes far beyond…
It’s Not Just a Tantrum: Fort Myers ABA Therapists Offer 4 Reasons Your Child Does What They Do (and How to Respond)
Our Fort Myers ABA therapists at FOCUS Therapy recognize there are few things more challenging than watching your child melt down in the middle of the grocery store, refuse to get dressed for school, or repeatedly engage in behaviors that…