SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
At KidsThrive we are proud to offer specialized programs designed to meet the unique needs of each child and family. These programs are facilitated by highly trained occupational therapists with advanced expertise in evidence-based approaches. From sensory integration to listening therapies and emotional regulation support, our therapists bring specialized training that goes beyond traditional OT services, ensuring that every child receives the highest level of care, tailored to help them thrive.
SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), created by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a gentle, research-backed therapy that helps children feel calmer, safer, and more connected. Using specially filtered music, SSP reduces stress and improves social engagement, making it especially helpful for children with anxiety, autism, sensory processing differences, or trauma.
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This therapy works by stimulating the vagus nerve, a key part of the nervous system that helps regulate emotions and stress. By sending calming signals through music, SSP helps children feel more secure and better able to respond to other therapies. It’s a simple and non-invasive way to support emotional growth and resilience.
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SSP can be helpful for a variety of challenges, including attention difficulties, learning struggles, and even sleep or gut health issues. The music is delivered through headphones or speakers, depending on what the child finds comfortable. Backed by research, SSP is a proven way to help children connect with themselves, others, and the world around them.
KORRO AI
Korro AI is a playful, smart therapy platform that uses games and AI to help children develop motor coordination, visual-motor skills, executive functions, and more- all from your home or school. It adjusts in real time to each child, tracks progress automatically, and empowers parents and therapists with clear, actionable data. It’s like having personalized OT support that fits seamlessly into your child’s daily life.
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Korro AI shows exciting early promise, backed by a pilot study with positive outcomes and ongoing clinical work. But more high-quality research is needed before we can say it’s fully validated. If you're sharing information with parents or teachers, emphasizing both the potential and the need for more research will maintain trust and transparency.
DIR/Fl0ortime​
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DIR/Floortime® is an evidence-based approach that supports a child’s development by focusing on building strong, meaningful connections through play. This model helps children strengthen emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and social interaction while also addressing sensory, motor, and self-care skills. Instead of working only on isolated skills, DIR/Floortime meets the child at their current developmental level and builds upward by following their lead in play and interaction.
Research has shown that DIR/Floortime can improve attention, engagement, emotional growth, and flexible thinking, making it a valuable tool for children with autism, sensory processing differences, and other developmental challenges. By blending playful, child-led interactions with therapeutic goals, occupational therapists can create meaningful experiences that foster learning, independence, and confidence.
QuickShifts
(Vital Links)
QuickShifts are evidence-based sound listening programs designed to support focus, regulation, and learning through the power of music. Developed by Vital Links, these short audio tracks use specifically engineered rhythms, frequencies, and musical patterns to help the brain process sensory information more efficiently.
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QuickShifts can be used to improve attention, emotional regulation, postural control, coordination, and social engagement. Because they are non-invasive and easy to use, children can listen through headphones during therapy sessions or at home as part of their daily routine.
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Research shows that QuickShifts help the nervous system become more organized and balanced, allowing children to be more present, flexible, and ready to participate in therapy and everyday life. Their accessibility and effectiveness make them a practical tool for supporting growth across multiple developmental areas.
Zones of Regulation
The Zones of Regulation is a social-emotional learning curriculum designed to help children build self-regulation skills. It gives kids and caregivers a shared vocabulary to identify and discuss their emotions, energy levels, and states of alertness.
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Using this curriculum, your occupational therapist will support your child in developing a set of cognitive and sensory-based tools to better manage their emotions and energy levels.
