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Dr. Kathrine Koehler-Hak
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"If they want to teach us about playing,
they should let us play!"
Iain, age 9
At Lark Cottage, we believe children should be seen as children – not a disability. What they want and need more than anything is a sense of safety and belongingness. They want help and guidance from the adults in their lives so they can join in and play with the other children in their classrooms, neighborhoods, churches and other community groups. It is through play that all children develop the social and communications skills that are so essential to happiness and success later in life. Yet children with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, often feel as though they are on the outside looking in when it comes to play.
I offer a broad range of unique therapies & traditional therapies (cognitive behavioral therapy, direct instruction), I have had tremendous success using everyday activities that are engaging, fun and naturally require social interaction with peers to facilitate social skills for children of all ages. High interest, play-based approaches such as LEGOS, puzzles, robots, art, photography, books and movies are used as therapeutic tools. As long as these activities are done with an emphasis on building confidence, social skills, communication skills and self-esteem, they are a fun, healthy and effective way of helping children experience success in social interactions. Because these are the same types activities other children engage in, they are free of the stigma that can sometimes be attached to kids with disabilities. I invite you to visit the services offered section of this web page to read about the different play-based approaches used at Lark Cottage.
At Lark Cottage, I work with children with all types of disabilities and needs. From young children learning basic concepts and communication to adolescents navigating the daily challenges of high school, I focus on strengths and areas of interest to facilitate successful experiences. Whatever the needs of your child, I am confident I can develop a program to address his or her needs in a fun, supportive, and most importantly successful way. Many parents find their child actually looks forward to time at Lark Cottage and is genuinely enthusiastic about the sessions. Instead of therapy, think of it as a play date. Please give a call or email and set up an initial meeting for you and your child. I look forward to meeting with you and inviting you into our family at Lark Cottage.
Signed,
Dr. Kathie
I offer a broad range of unique therapies & traditional therapies (cognitive behavioral therapy, direct instruction), I have had tremendous success using everyday activities that are engaging, fun and naturally require social interaction with peers to facilitate social skills for children of all ages. High interest, play-based approaches such as LEGOS, puzzles, robots, art, photography, books and movies are used as therapeutic tools. As long as these activities are done with an emphasis on building confidence, social skills, communication skills and self-esteem, they are a fun, healthy and effective way of helping children experience success in social interactions. Because these are the same types activities other children engage in, they are free of the stigma that can sometimes be attached to kids with disabilities. I invite you to visit the services offered section of this web page to read about the different play-based approaches used at Lark Cottage.
At Lark Cottage, I work with children with all types of disabilities and needs. From young children learning basic concepts and communication to adolescents navigating the daily challenges of high school, I focus on strengths and areas of interest to facilitate successful experiences. Whatever the needs of your child, I am confident I can develop a program to address his or her needs in a fun, supportive, and most importantly successful way. Many parents find their child actually looks forward to time at Lark Cottage and is genuinely enthusiastic about the sessions. Instead of therapy, think of it as a play date. Please give a call or email and set up an initial meeting for you and your child. I look forward to meeting with you and inviting you into our family at Lark Cottage.
Signed,
Dr. Kathie
