Occupational Therapy
Language-based learning differences often have associated or co-occurring conditions that further impact the learning process (Deponio, 2004, Boada et al.,2012), with a number of studies showing significant co-occurrences with dyslexia:
- Statistics range that from 35%-50% of students with ADHD also have dyslexia (Germano et. al., 2010, Handler et al., 2011)
- Over 50% of those with dyslexia have a developmental coordination disorder (Kaplan et al., 1998)
- 50% of those with dyslexia display bilateral integration challenges (Wolff et al., 1990)
- Over 20% of those with learning differences have sensory processing difficulties (Green et al., 2003)
Occupational Therapy at Cambridge School
The Occupational Therapy Department at Cambridge School is available for students who require occupational therapy interventions to reach their full potential. Diagnostic and intervention services range from specific skill sets to the broader patterns of occupational performance.
Under the direction of Dr. Kathleen DeNault-Ridge, an NBCOT-certified and NJ-licensed occupational therapist, Cambridge offers intervention for students with the following challenges:
- Dysgraphia
- Dyspraxia
- Non-verbal learning differences
- Fine and gross motor challenges
- Oculomotor, visual perceptual, and visual motor challenges
- Sensory processing disorder (modulation, discrimination, and motor skills)
- Developmental coordination disorders
- Executive function and daily living skill difficulties
- Work production challenges
We are committed to designing intervention programs that address the unique needs of students — developing practical, adaptable, and sustainable strategies that serve to reduce barriers to learning and promote independent participation in learning. Treatment methods and protocols include:
- Play-based sensory integration therapy
- Kawar vestibular-auditory-ocular protocol (astronaut training)
- Core Concepts for Action program
- Size Matters handwriting program
- Yoga for the Special Child
- Developmental Pilates
- Therapeutic listening
- Alert Program for Self-Regulation
- MORE Curriculum
Our occupational therapy services model includes individual intervention for 45-minute sessions, classroom observations (with “push-in” as needed), and on-going teacher consultations. Our onsite facility provides a play-oriented setting for treatment that is furnished with a broad array of equipment, which has been purposefully designed to address the unique occupational behavior needs of each student — regardless of their age or ability level.
Contact Us To Learn More
For more information about the Occupational Therapy Department, please email Kathleen DeNault-Ridge.
Occupational Therapists
Kathleen DeNault-Ridge, Dr. OT, OTR/L, SIPT Cert.
- Specialist in Sensory Integration and Complementary Approaches: Therapeutic Listening, SAMONAS, Developmental Pilates
- SIPT Certification Through Sensory Integration International
- Basic Certification in Yoga for The Special Child
- NBCOT Certification since 1992
- NJ and PA OT Licensure
- B.S. in Occupational Therapy
- Post-Professional Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy