FAQs

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) helps people build the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to take part in everyday activities that matter to them. For our clients, this might mean navigating sensory experiences more comfortably, building executive functioning skills, improving emotional regulation, or finding ways to make daily routines feel easier and more manageable.

What is neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy?

Neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy is an approach that views neurological differences — like Autism, ADHD, PDA, dyslexia, and more — as natural variations in the human brain, not problems to be “fixed.” In our occupational therapy sessions, we focus on understanding and supporting each client’s unique strengths, needs, and preferences, rather than trying to change who they are.

This means:

• We listen to and value lived experiences.

• We adapt environments and tasks to fit the person, instead of forcing the person to fit the environment.

• We never use harmful or compliance-based techniques.

• We celebrate all forms of communication, regulation, and self-expression — including stimming and other natural regulation strategies.

• The goal is to help each client participate more fully in the parts of life that matter to them, while feeling safe, respected, and authentically themselves.

As a neurodiversity affirming occupational therapy practice we value listening to and collaborating with neurodivergent individuals as we continue to learn and grow.

Do you take my insurance?

Lakeshore Affirmative Therapy PLLC is an in-network provider with BCBS PPO and Blue Choice PPO.

We can provide you with a “superbill” if you would like to seek direct reimbursement from your insurance carrier for “out of network” coverage.

We also work with private pay clients. Please reach out for pricing details.

How many occupational therapy sessions will I need?

The frequency and duration of your occupational therapy sessions will be determined at your initial evaluation. On average though, we have often found one therapy session a week to be most appropriate. While we love forming close relationships with our clients and their families, we do not see a need to have lengthy ongoing therapy services. Specific client-centered goals will be established at the initial evaluation and once our clients have demonstrated the necessary skills and tools to meet that goal, we celebrate and discharge!

Why we don’t use a behavioral approach for our autistic clients

Our clients are achieving their goals because they are intrinsically motivated and now have the skills and supports to be able to do so. We strongly agree with the sentiment from Ross Greene, “children do well if they can; if they can’t, we need to figure out why so we can help”. As occupational therapists, we are trained in activity analysis and together we will be able to figure out the “why”. From there we can foster new skills and provide client specific supports for success. There is no need for compliance-based strategies or extrinsic rewards/ bribes to get your child to brush their teeth, get dressed in the morning, or play nicely with their sibling. All children and adults have the intrinsic motivation to do well.

More importantly, we continue to listen to the lived experiences of autistic individuals as they recount the harm behavioral based therapy has had on them.

In doing so, we have found that we reach our goals faster and have a more meaningful impact when we use a strengths based approach.

Gender Affirming Occupational Therapy

We unequivocally affirm the rights, identities, and lived experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals. We recognize that gender diversity is a natural and valid expression of humanity and we reject all forms of discrimination and systemic bias that marginalize trans and gender-expansive communities.

As occupational therapy providers, we are committed to trauma-informed care that promotes the well-being of every client. This includes actively providing gender-affirming occupational therapy—supporting clients in engaging in meaningful, affirming, and identity-supportive occupations, whether that includes self-care routines, community based activities, or daily activities that align with one’s gender identity.

We believe that occupational therapy can play a vital role in gender affirmation. Our team engages in ongoing education, self-reflection, and advocacy to ensure that our practice is not only inclusive, but actively anti-oppressive and grounded in equity and respect.

How do I get started?

The best way to get started is to first schedule a consultation call. We’ll talk about your goals, answer any questions, and decide together if our services are the right fit.