When it comes to developmental issues, the sooner children receive intervention the better. The KCC has become a leader in the early detection and treatment of sensory-motor challenges. If you feel that any of these signs and symptoms apply to your child and you would like to speak to one of our staff members, please feel free to contact us at (248)737-3430. We look forward to helping in any way we can!
Occupational Therapy & Sensory Integration
Occupational therapy supports children in gaining independence and full engagement in all of their life activities. At the KCC, we focus treatment on sensory-motor skills and physical and cognitive abilities, as well as on social interaction.
Signs & Symptoms
A coordination disorder may be indicated by clumsiness, awkwardness of movement, and completing motor tasks by more difficult means than necessary. Children are often hesitant to attempt new tasks.
Gross motor delays may be indicated by difficulties with jumping, hopping, balancing, skipping, or running.
Feeding issues can include inadequate intake, food refusal, being selective about the type or texture of food, expelling or packing/pocketing food, oral motor weakness, gagging, biting of tongue or cheeks while eating, and difficulty using utensils.
Oral motor challenges may be indicated by difficulty chewing, sucking, blowing, and/or making certain speech sounds. Children are often unaware of food on their faces, have trouble keeping food in their mouths, or moving food around their mouths. The child may present with low muscle tone in the face (“long” or “droopy”), a “flat affect” look, open-mouth breathing, or excessive drooling.
Fine motor challenges may be indicated by difficulty with writing, self feeding, self dressing (buttons, zippers, snaps, tying), use of utensils, and other hand skills.
Not all children with learning, developmental, or behavioral problems have an underlying sensory integration disorder. There are certain indicators, however, that can signal that a disorder may be present. The following are a few of the possible signs.
- Overly sensitive to touch, movement, signs, or sounds.
- Under-reactive to sensory stimulation
- Activity level that is unusually high or low
- Coordination problems
- Delays in speech, language, motor skills, or academic achievement
- Poor organization of behavior
- Poor self concept
Typically, a child with a sensory integration disorder will show more than one of the above signs and may also be easily distracted, have social and emotional difficulties, be impulsive and lacking in self control, have an inability to unwind or calm themselves, and difficulty with transitions between situations.
Getting Started with OT
Our staff is excited to help you get started at the Kaufman Children’s Center! Here’s what to expect.
GIVE US SOME INFORMATION
If you have concerns about your child’s sensory-motor development, we ask that you provide some basic information by clicking HERE. We will follow up to let you know how we can help, answer any questions, and get your child scheduled for an evaluation.
COME IN FOR AN EVALUATION
Generally speaking, an evaluation by a KCC occupational therapist (OT) is required before therapy can begin. This allows us to formulate goals based on first-hand knowledge of your child. The evaluating OT will go over your child’s background with you, then the fun begins. Our therapists are entertaining and truly know how to engage children. The bulk of the evaluation will be spent one-on-one with your child, but you are welcome to observe.
SCHEDULE THERAPY
At the end of the evaluation, the OT will go over his or her findings with you. If therapy is recommended, our front office staff will make every effort to provide a schedule that works for your family. The OT will follow up with a formal, written report that will be mailed to your home within a few weeks.
BILLING & PAYMENT
The KCC bills directly to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, and Health Alliance Plan. For all other insurance plans, payment is the responsibility of the parent. Our front office staff is happy to provide you with the codes you will need to try to get reimbursement from your insurance company. The fee for evaluations is due the day you are here, and all other therapy is billed on a monthly basis. Payment is accepted in cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard.
OT Programs at the KCC
Occupational Therapy
Sensory Integration
Feeding Therapy
Therapeutic Listening
Handwriting Help
Craniosacral Therapy
Welcome to our Sensory Gym!
Children receiving occupational therapy at the KCC are greeted by a bright exciting space, including an overhead track system, multiple rock walls, and large castle structure with a slide. The gym was the first of its kind in Michigan and one of only a few in the United States.
Kids with sensory difficulties take in information through their senses, but often have a hard time making sense of that information, and adapting as conditions change around them. Most people are familiar with the basic senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell, but children often have the toughest time with the lesser-known senses that have to do with the movement of their bodies and how they relate to the space around them. Sensory integration therapy includes a lot of swinging and climbing exercises, to help with calming as well as increasing a child’s attention.
The KCC gym features a quad system – four overhead tracks branching from a center column. Therapists are able to hook a variety of swings and other equipment to the track and work with children using a bigger radius without worrying about hitting other children or staff. This allows therapists to push the intensity to a new level, making therapy more effective in a shorter amount of time. The gym provides the equivalent of four separate clinics, while still allowing OTs to treat in an open space that facilitates social interaction between the children. They also benefit from time spent working on quiet, calming activities in cozy nooks built into the bottom of the castle structure and inside the column from which the quad system spans, which is accessible through a kid-sized door.
Meet Our Occupational Therapy Staff
All members of the KCC staff represent the highest standards of excellence in their field and have extensive experience in pediatric therapy. Continuing education is supported and encouraged to ensure our methods are as up-to-date as possible. Our staff members are part of the KCC team because of their expertise, outstanding clinical skills, and their warmth and insight into children.
Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State University.
She was named the center’s assistant director in 2024 after serving as the director of occupational therapy and sensory integration programs since 2014.
Amy has previous experience working with inpatient orthopedic and outpatient pediatric patients in the hospital setting, as well as with spinal cord and traumatic brain injury cases.
She has been named a “Mom Approved Doc” by the readers of Metro Parent magazine.
Amy and her husband Josh have three children, and a crazy Australian Shepherd named Sadie.
Jeanette earned her bachelor’s degree in science and master’s degree in occupational therapy at Eastern Michigan University.
She was named the director of occupational therapy and sensory integration programs in 2024 after serving as the program’s assistant director since 2014.
Before coming to the KCC, Jeanette worked in a private pediatric sensory clinic in Chicago.
She presented at a national conference on CDKL5 after being invited by the parents of a child she treats with the rare genetic disorder.
Jeanette and her husband Greg have two sons and a daughter.
Lauren attended the University of Dayton for three years as a psychology major before earning a bachelor’s in health science and a master’s in OT from Wayne State.
She has previous experience working with special needs children as a camp counselor over five summers.
Lauren and her husband Brian have a dog named Louie. She enjoys painting, playing basketball, and doing yoga.
Carmen earned her BA in sociology from Chapman University and both a BS in health sciences and master’s in occupational therapy from Wayne State University.
She completed her level II field work here at the KCC.
Carmen previously worked as a nanny for children with ASD, a lifeguard and swim instructor, and as a diversity and equity program assistant.
She enjoys playing board games with her friends and boyfriend, reading, swimming, and finding new hikes around Michigan.
Marjorie earned her bachelor’s in occupational therapy from Eastern Michigan University.
She previously worked at the KCC as OT director before moving on to Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center in New York.
Marjorie has experience with early childhood programs in both the school and clinic settings and developed OT clinics for Sensory Systems.
Marjorie is married with two children. She enjoys yoga and is a dog lover, especially of her rescue Beagle mix.
Colleen earned her bachelor’s degree from Oakland University, and a second bachelor’s and master’s in occupational therapy from Baker College.
She has been married to her husband Anthony since 2015. They have a daughter, a son, and a Great Dane named Nala.
Colleen enjoys gymnastics, cheerleading, and spending time with her family.
Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Michigan State University. He went on to complete a second bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State.
Before coming to the KCC, he worked in the public school system with children who were severely multiply impaired, cognitively impaired, or on the autism spectrum.
Chris has served as the varsity soccer coach at Rochester High School since 2008.
He married his high school sweetheart, Carrie, and together they have a son and boy/girl twins.
Erin her bachelor’s degree from Alma College and another bachelor’s and her master’s in OT from Wayne State University in 2015.
She also has experience as an OT in the school setting. During the summer, she coaches the KCC’s Social All-Stars camp.
Erin has a scruffy dog named Farley and enjoys to hike and travel with him.
She played softball at Alma College and continues to love playing and watching sports.
Erin is an avid supporter of mental health!
Sandra earned her bachelor’s in health science and master’s in occupational therapy from Baker College.
She was twice named a “Mom Approved Doc” by the readers of Metro Parent magazine.
Sandra has two dogs (rescues named Maya and Ellie) and enjoys reading, cooking, and shopping.
Jamie earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Michigan State and her master’s in occupational therapy from Western Michigan.
She completed her level 2 fieldwork here at the KCC.
Throughout college, Jamie worked as a research assistant, teaching fundamental motor skills to children on the autism spectrum. She has also worked as a nanny and soccer coach.
Jamie enjoys being outside running, biking, paddle boarding and spending time with her dog, Theo.
Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from Concordia University and her master’s in occupational therapy from Eastern Michigan.
Throughout college, Julia worked as a preschool aide and did her level two student fieldwork working with kids with severe autism, ADD/ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
She enjoys spending time with her family and doing anything outdoors, such as camping and going to the beach.
Julia married her husband John in 2022.
Therapy Tips & Downloads
Great information from our staff and other contributors on helping your child to gain independence and full engagement in all of their life activities.
Sensory Processing & How Occupational Therapy Helps
Helping Children Develop Handwriting Skills
How to Treat Extreme Picky Eating in Kids
Conquering Cabin Fever with Winter Sensory Strategies
Sensory Ideas for School and Home
Sensory Suggestions for the Fall Season
Summer Sensory Ideas to Retain School Skills
