Over the course of an hour, a multidisciplinary team of mental health, occupational therapy, and speech therapy professionals guided kids through a series of playful, skill-building activities, all wrapped in Halloween magic.

The session began with a “Halloween Feelings Check-In,” where kids chose from a pumpkin face that matched how they felt.  Some kids reported they were silly, excited, or maybe a little nervous. Together, they learned that all feelings are okay and that Halloween can be both fun and a little scary sometimes.

Next, the Speech Therapy team helped children practice communication skills for trick-or-treating. Whether through verbal words, AAC (alternative and augmentive communication) buttons, or sign language, every child found their own way to say “Happy Halloween”, “Trick or treat!” and “Thank you!” A parent shared afterward, “My child said that they learned different ways to get trick or treats, and they seemed to feel more excited and less stressed about the events.”

In the Candy Dish Challenge, occupational therapists turned a favorite Halloween moment into a sensory adventure.  Kids reached into a bag filled with unknown things to pick out treats, practicing fine motor skills and self-control along the way.

The group then took on the “Spooky Decorations Walk,” exploring different levels of Halloween spookiness while learning coping strategies like deep breathing, grounding through the five senses, and checking in with a trusted adult when things felt “too spooky.”

The session ended in a joyful Halloween Parade, where children showed off costumes, practiced their new skills by trick-or-treating around the Encompass office, and reflected on one thing they felt confident doing this Halloween.

Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition reminded families that every child can shine on Halloween when they have the tools to communicate, self-regulate, and set boundaries. Most importantly, it created space for kids to celebrate exactly who they are.

The post Building Bravery and Belonging at Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition first appeared on Encompass.

Life Happens—But Therapy Can Still Happen!

Bad weather? Is someone in the family sick? Is your schedule too tight to make it to the clinic? Telehealth gives you options so your child can keep making progress—even when leaving the house is hard.

Why Families Choose Telehealth:

• Consistent therapy, even when you can’t come in
• Stay warm and safe during winter storms
• No travel or traffic stress
• Real-life practice in your home routines
• Parent coaching helps you feel more confident
• Research shows telehealth works just as well as in-person therapy

What Does a Telehealth Session Look Like?

Child + Clinician Session
The therapist works directly with your child online. Fun, engaging activities using games, books, and movement. Best for kids who can follow some directions and stay focused on a screen.

Parent Coaching (with your child present)
The therapist coaches you while your child participates. You learn how to support skills during play, meals, or routines. Great for toddlers, early learners, or children needing more support.

Parent-Only Session
Just you and the therapist talk (your child doesn’t need to be there). Learn new strategies, ask questions, or talk through challenges. Perfect for behavior, feeding, or communication goals that happen during daily routines.

Bigger Gains at Home? Yes, It’s Possible!

Learning happens best where your child lives, plays, and eats. Telehealth happens in your home—so therapy connects directly to real life!

Skills learned at home are more likely to “stick.” When children practice new words, sounds, behaviors or movements in the places they use them most, they’re more likely to remember and use those skills naturally.

Parents become powerful partners in progress. You’ll learn tips and tools to support your child between sessions. This often leads to faster progress and more confidence at home.

Tips for a Smooth Session:

• Find a quiet space with few distractions
• Use a laptop or tablet if you can, but a phone can work in a pinch!
• Keep common toys or snacks nearby if your therapist recommends them
• Be ready to try something new—we’ll guide you every step of the way

Real Feedback from Families Like Yours:

“I didn’t think telehealth would work, but my daughter talks more during our routines now than ever before.”

“Coaching gave me tools I didn’t know I needed—and now I feel like part of the team.”

“Winter snowstorms don’t cancel therapy anymore!”

Need to Reschedule? Ask Us About Telehealth Instead!

Staying on track is easier than ever. Let’s find a format that works for your family.

Questions or Concerns?  Just ask your therapist.

Learn More About Encompass Pediatric Therapy Services:

Watch our Encompass It All Video

Listen to our Parent Talks Podcast

References

Camden, C., Pratte, G., Fallon, F., Couture, M., Berbari, J., & Tousignant, M. (2020). Diversity of practices in telerehabilitation for children with disabilities and effective intervention characteristics: Results from an international systematic review. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 8, 585. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.00585

Lindgren, S., Wacker, D., Suess, A., Schieltz, K., Pelzel, K., & Kopelman, T. (2020). Telehealth vs. in-person behavioral parent training for children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 174(5), 427–434. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0230

Sivaraman, S., & Fahnhorst, S. (2020). Comparison of in-person and telepractice service delivery for school-age children with speech sound disorders: A pilot study. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 29(4), 2382–2390. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_AJSLP-20-00199

Knutsen, J., Wolfe, A., Burke, B. L., Hepburn, S., Lindgren, S., & Coury, D. (2022). A systematic review of telehealth interventions for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 43(9), 569–585. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000001064

The post Telehealth: Helping Your Child Thrive—From Home! first appeared on Encompass.

In this episode of our Parent Talks podcast, we take a deeper dive with members of our Pediatric Therapy team: Occupational Therapy Supervisor Lisa Krejci, Speech-Language Supervisor Jim Engracia, and Child and Family Therapist Amber Eckert. Together, they provide a closer look at their work – challenges kids might be facing when they seek services, what therapy sessions look like, the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration, the importance of family partnership, and more.

Resources:

Watch our Encompass It All video on Encompass Pediatric Therapy Services

Contributors:

Lisa Krejci, Encompass Occupational Therapy Supervisor

Jim Engracia, Encompass Speech-Language Pathology Supervisor

Amber Eckert, Encompass Child and Family Therapist

Caley George, Encompass Marketing and Communications Manager

Thanks for listening!

View All Podcast Episodes

The post Parent Talks Podcast: Pediatric Therapy Services first appeared on Encompass.

In response, the Encompass Pediatric Therapy team put their heads together to create Confidence Camp: Back to School Edition. Meeting the week before school started, this interactive group therapy adventure had a big impact on our kids! Over five sessions, children worked with 19 therapists from Mental Health, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, each contributing to an immersive, fun, and effective experience. The camp was carefully designed to help kids not only build emotional resilience but also equip them with the skills needed for a smoother transition into school.

Here’s a glimpse into their journey:

Session 1: Saying Goodbye to Summer & Preparing for Change
The camp kicked off by helping kids reflect on the joys of summer, while gently preparing them for the changes ahead. Through art, story-sharing, and emotional recognition exercises, kids were encouraged to identify and label their feelings, whether excited, nervous, or sad. Therapists supported them in expressing these emotions, fostering an environment of comfort and understanding. Sensory tools and relaxation techniques were also introduced to help kids manage their anxieties and feel grounded when things change.

Session 2: Back-to-School Routines
Next, it was all about routines! Kids practiced structuring their mornings and evenings using visual schedules, which helped them understand the predictability of their day. The group engaged in games and social stories that focused on creating structure, learning how to manage transitions, and navigating unexpected changes. All of these are skills they’ll carry with them throughout the school year. Each camper took home their own personalized visual schedule.

Session 3: Friendship & Communication Skills
Making friends and communicating effectively can sometimes be tricky. This session offered playful ways to build confidence. The kids participated in activities like Friendship Bingo and role-playing scenarios, practicing conversation starters, and learning how to cooperate during group activities. Therapists worked on social initiation, choices, turn-taking, and empathetic listening, helping kids feel more comfortable approaching and connecting with their peers. Several kids reported that their favorite part of camp was “making friends”!

Session 4: Coping with Worry & Big Feelings
This session was all about empowering kids to manage their emotions and face worries head-on. The children created their own “worry monsters” to help externalize their anxieties. Therapists introduced calming tools such as breathing exercises, fidget toys, and grounding techniques to help children regulate their emotions. They also practiced identifying and expressing their feelings, which is an essential skill for emotional health.

Session 5: Problem-Solving at School
Finally, the kids explored how to tackle problems that may arise in school, whether it’s a lost pencil or a friend who’s upset with you. Through role-playing and hands-on challenges, such as organizing a messy table of school supplies, kids learned how to use problem-solving frameworks and manage stress during overwhelming situations. The camp wrapped up with kids taking home their own coping cards to remember how to handle challenges in the future.

We are proud of how this collaborative approach from multiple disciplines created such a lasting impact on Encompass kids. From the tactile sensory supports provided by our occupational therapists to the communication strategies from our speech therapists, or the emotional validation from our mental health therapists, every part of camp helped build well-rounded emotional resilience. We’re excited to offer more topic-based Confidence Camps in the future, allowing kids to continue to grow emotionally, socially, and physically, as they become more confident in managing life’s challenges.

Next Up: Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition

Get ready for a spooktacular time at Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition!

Join us on October 30th from 4:15-5:15 pm, or October 31st from 2:00-3:00 pm, for a fun-filled group therapy session focused on boosting confidence through Halloween-themed activities. Whether it’s practicing relational skills, building self-esteem, or mastering the art of the perfect costume compliment, your child will leave feeling ready to take on the world.

After the session, we’ll have a practice Trick or Treating session at the Encompass Child Development Center, where kids can apply their newfound confidence in a safe, festive environment. Don’t miss out on this fun, confidence-boosting therapeutic adventure and register quickly, as spots will be limited!

Learn more or register: https://bit.ly/3I3dJFe

The post Confidence Camp: Back-to-School Edition first appeared on Encompass.

At Sensory Adventures Camp, children aged 5-8 who may not thrive in typical camp environments are given a safe, supportive, and therapeutic space to be seen, heard, and valued. Our pediatric therapy team understands the significance of meeting children where they are emotionally and developmentally. Many traditional camps simply aren’t equipped to provide the individualized support that children with mental health, speech, or occupational challenges need.

This is where Sensory Adventures Camp stands out. With a foundation built on Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI) and DIR Floortime, this camp offers an approach that is not only trauma-informed but intensely focused on supporting children’s developmental needs. The program is thoughtfully designed to support children in managing emotions, developing social skills, and improving communication. Our dedicated therapists create a nurturing environment that honors each child’s unique sensory needs and emotional journeys and will integrate one-on-one therapeutic support throughout the camp day:

• Mental health therapists will help children build and practice emotional regulation skills, learn to advocate for their own needs, and develop trust in safe adults.
• Occupational therapists will support children in navigating their sensory experiences and improving their ability to regulate.
• Speech therapists will guide children in enhancing their communication skills, focusing on peer interactions and functional communication.

This multidisciplinary approach ensures every child’s unique needs are met while they enjoy fun, hands-on learning that emphasizes play, creativity, and connection.

Understanding Physical Cues

One of the most exciting parts of Sensory Adventures Camp is the focus on interoception (the ability to recognize and interpret the signals our bodies send us). For many people, understanding physical sensations like hunger, tiredness, or anxiety can be challenging. Children will learn and practice how to identify and respond to these sensations, which will help them build self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Peer Interaction

Peer communication will be a major focus of camp. Through structured play and small group interactions, children will practice and improve their social communication skills in a low-pressure/low-demand, supportive environment. Group interactions will be based on shared special interests so that kids aren’t trying to connect with peers or activities they don’t find interesting.  Learning to connect with peers, express emotional and physical needs, and understand relational cues is essential, but can be difficult. By focusing on these skills in a calm, structured environment, Sensory Adventures provides a foundation for future social authenticity.

Self-Advocacy

Another key part of the camp’s mission is to teach children how to advocate for themselves. Whether asking for a break when they’re feeling overwhelmed, requesting sensory tools, or simply expressing a need, learning to communicate needs effectively is an important skill for all children, especially those with neurodiverse profiles.  When kids can advocate for themselves either verbally or through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, their levels of frustration and aggression decrease significantly.

Trusted Relationships

The Sensory Adventures Camp is led by a trauma-informed educator who understands the importance of building trust before attempting learning activities. Many of the children who attend camp may have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety, so having a safe adult who can connect with them through playful interactions and guide them through challenging moments is essential. This trust-building aspect is a cornerstone of Sensory Adventures Camp, ensuring that every child feels supported, seen, and heard throughout their time at camp.

Play!

At Sensory Adventures Camp, the learning process is grounded in hands-on play and curiosity-driven exploration. We know that children learn best when they are engaged and excited, so each day is filled with opportunities for kids to explore, create, and discover. Whether they are playing in sensory-rich activities or engaging in imaginative group play, the goal is always to spark curiosity, build a love for learning, and create memories of feeling connected with others that will stay with them long after camp ends.

By incorporating play-based therapies into the daily routine, kids are given the chance to practice real-world skills in a safe environment. Play is THE work of childhood, and we firmly believe that through play, children can express themselves, develop essential relationship skills, and experience joy.

Ultimately, Sensory Adventures isn’t just a summer camp. It’s a carefully crafted therapeutic experience designed to meet the unique needs of neurodiverse children in a way that traditional camps simply can’t. By integrating trauma-informed care, interoception practices, and peer communication skill-building into each day, this camp offers more than just play; it offers a chance for children to feel seen, heard, and supported. If your child is looking for a place to grow, learn, and explore, without the pressures of a traditional camp, this is the perfect place. Give your child the gift of a summer filled with support, understanding, and fun that could make a lasting difference in their emotional, social, and developmental growth.

Details About Encompass Sensory Adventures Camp

Ages: 5-8 years old

Dates: Monday-Thursday, August 4 – August 14, 2025; 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Cost: $1,500 for the full two-week program

Location: Encompass Early Learning Center on Boalch Ave.

Program Includes: Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health therapy integrated throughout the day (Therapy will be billed to insurance).

Registration: https://bit.ly/4jGVFi5

For more information, please reach out to Megan Walsh, Encompass Mental Health Director, at megan.walsh@encompassnw.org

The post Sensory Adventures: The Therapeutic Summer Day Camp Your Child Deserves first appeared on Encompass.

Mosaic began receiving support from Encompass Child Care Health Consultation (CCHC) Nurse, Caitlin Young. Our CCHC team provides free support to licensed childcare programs, preschools, and other care provider programs, empowering providers to nurture the healthy development of the children in their care. When Caitlin learned about the unique needs of many Mosaic students, she suggested the school might benefit from the Encompass Community-Based Services program.

Centered around therapy services provided in a child’s natural environment in childcare and preschool settings, the Community-Based Services (CBS) program supports the occupational, speech-language, and mental health goals of children, 3-years-old and up. By working inside the community, the program reduces barriers to access and widens support services for children and families.

Christine jumped at the opportunity to be included. Her own child began receiving services in the classroom and other families quickly followed suit. What began as Encompass visits two days a week expanded to four days a week, with more than half of the students at Mosaic currently receiving services as part of their natural preschool day.

One Mosaic family began their Encompass journey with our Early Support for Infants and Toddler program when their child was 2 years old. As they looked for a preschool program and discovered Encompass provided onsite therapy services at Mosaic, it helped make their decision. Not only does their son receive regular therapy services he wouldn’t be able to get otherwise, but his therapists are also able to see him in his natural environment with his peers. They see how he responds to distractions or how he is socializing and can provide appropriate support in that setting.

“He also gets more contact. Therapists are there four mornings a week. He wouldn’t get this kind of support if we had to work around school.”

The family also praised the collaboration between therapists and educators. When teachers realized that some of the child’s challenges typically occur during morning outside time, they scheduled his therapy time around that play session. As he fully engages with his peers outside, his therapists are positioned to observe, provide support where needed, and offer coaching to teachers about tools and techniques that work best for him.

Christine echoed the benefits of the therapist and educator collaboration.

“When a child is experiencing challenges, the therapist can work with that child in their natural setting. Teachers can continue with the rest of the class but also have an opportunity to observe what is happening with the child and therapist. This gives them tools they haven’t had before, and often tools that work for one kid, end up working for all.”

Christine also stressed that the benefits extend right to Mosaic Montessori as a whole. Preschools often aren’t equipped to handle students with neurodiverse profiles. As a result, some of her students started with one school but couldn’t stay or just didn’t have the support needed, so they left.

“Many of those kids have found refuge here. The schools that don’t have Encompass are missing out.”

Another benefit she has witnessed is the normalization of therapy.

“Other kids see and want to join in. Sometimes the whole class gets involved and it makes the kid receiving therapy not feel singled out, but instead, special.”

While the Community-Based Services program has a far-reaching impact on her preschool program and families, Christine also expressed her gratitude for the personal difference in her family.  As a working mom with a son requiring additional support, she simply cannot leave work or pull him out of school for the level of care he needs. Because of the Encompass CBS Program, she doesn’t have to. The benefit to her son can’t be understated.

“He wouldn’t be able to be the very best him without that support.”

Resources:

To learn more about the Encompass Community-Based Services program and where it’s offered, visit https://encompassnw.org/program/pediatric-therapy/community-based-services/.

Watch our Encompass It All Spotlight on Community-Based Services here: https://youtu.be/t8W8Hu5pT10

Take a deeper look at Community-Based Services with our Parent Talks Podcast: https://encompassnw.org/understanding-community-based-services/

If you are a center provider and would like to learn more about offering Community-Based Services in your program, reach out to pediatrictherapy@encompassnw.org.

The post An Outside Lens on Community-Based Services first appeared on Encompass.

Centered around therapy services provided in preschools and childcare settings, the program supports the occupational, speech-language, and mental health goals of children, 3 years old and up. Services are provided in small groups or one-to-one in the classroom or childcare center with an emphasis on supporting participation in the natural setting.

By working inside the community, Encompass demonstrates its ongoing commitment to partnership, reducing barriers to access, and widening support services for children and families in the Greater Snoqualmie Valley.

In this episode of our Parent Talks podcast, we sit down with Encompass Pediatric Therapy Director Rachel Peterson to learn more about how the Community-Based Services program works and its profound impact on children, families, and educators. Encompass Lead Teacher Madi Shinn and Encompass Child and Family Therapist Molly Steuber share their insights on the importance of therapist and educator collaboration, how this unique approach normalizes therapy, and why early support sets children up for a smoother transition to elementary school.

Resources:

Learn more about Encompass Community-Based Services

Watch our Encompass It All Video on Community-Based Services

The post Understanding Community-Based Services first appeared on Encompass.

In this month’s Parent Talks podcast, we sit down with ESIT Director Jessie Scanzon and Family Resource Coordinator Brooke Boevers to take a deep dive into understanding the ins and outs of the ESIT program and how it partners with families to build healthy foundations for children.

All children under 3 are entitled to a free developmental screening at no cost to the family. If you have questions about your child’s development, reach out to the Encompass ESIT team at 425-888-3347.

If you are outside the Encompass service area of the Issaquah, Riverview, Skykomish, or Snoqualmie Valley School Districts, contact the Washington State ESIT program at (800) 322-2588.

Don’t struggle. Call.

Resources:

Encompass It All Spotlight: Early Support for Infants and Toddlers

Encompass Early Support for Infants and Toddlers 

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families – ESIT

Encompass Blog: When Baby is Born Early 

Thanks for listening!

View All Podcast Episodes

The post Parent Talks Podcast: Understanding Early Support for Infants and Toddlers first appeared on Encompass.