Author Archives
Kelly Beins

Kelly Beins

Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L is a seasoned therapist with more than 23 years of experience in occupational therapy (OT). Kelly received her BA in psychology and her bachelor of health sciences in OT from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. She received her specialty certification in sensory integration in 2005 and has an extensive clinical background combining OT and sensory integration with behavioral health interventions. Kelly is a newly published children’s author of a book series about a young sheep with sensory processing disorder (https://www.otc-frederick.com/ovis-the-sheep/), and she approaches her work with an intuitive, empathic, and playful style while implementing the most current evidence-based interventions available. Kelly also owns and operates her own group private practice in Frederick, MD, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. You may learn more about her practice, books, and unique approach to therapy by visiting her website.

HELP: Why Does My Child With Autism Flap His Hands?

HELP: Why Does My Child With Autism Flap His Hands? https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/child-with-autism-flap-hands/

Is it better to let a child with autism flap his hands or should you stop it?– Jane Dear Jane, This a good question an one I’ve been asked many times about as an occupational therapist because many people consider it to be “self-stimming” and “sensory” in nature. This is possible, but as with any […]

Continue reading

Help: How Do I Know If My ASD Child Has Memory Issues?

Help: How Do I Know If My ASD Child Has Memory Issues? https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-child-has-memory-issues/

For the purposes of IEP interventions, what is the best way to find out if your child has short term memory issues? What can cause this? I have read that it is associated with Asperger’s syndrome but what is the cause, i.e., auditory/ sensory processing, hyperfocus, petit mal, ADHD?  My son is highly distractive and has learning difficulties […]

Continue reading

Help: How Can I Stop a Child From Headbanging?

Help: How Can I Stop a Child From Headbanging? https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/stop-a-child-from-headbanging/

Headbanging may be a scary and upsetting thing to watch your child do. It is considered a self-injurious behavior (SIB),  but SIB’s and/or headbanging are NOT considered a core symptom of autism, although children with autism are at greater risk of SIB’s such as head-banging. It is also important to note that just because your […]

Continue reading

Q&A Expert Advice on How to Manage ASD Behavior Without Yelling

Q&A Expert Advice on How to Manage ASD Behavior Without Yelling https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/managing-asd-behavior-without-yelling/

My grandson has mild autism and is doing well after going to therapy. But I wanted to know, do we have to shout at the child and scold him when doesn’t follow our instructions? His doctor said if he is not scolded he will not be corrected. Is it true? Sometimes I feel so sad […]

Continue reading

HELP: My Special Needs Child Struggles with Motor Skills at School

HELP: My Special Needs Child Struggles with Motor Skills at School https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/child-struggles-with-motor-skills/

My son who is nine years old has delayed milestones. He has difficulty with repetitive speech and cannot communicate about what is done or taught in class. He is a very bright student, but due to weakness and his lack of fine motor skills, he is not able to copy from the blackboard. He also lacks […]

Continue reading

Q&A HELP! I Don’t Know How To Handle Inertia With Autism

Q&A HELP! I Don't Know How To Handle Inertia With Autism https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/how-to-handle-inertia-with-autism/

Do you have any information on inertia and the best ways to help a young girl diagnosed with autism handle it? –Anne Hi Anne. As an occupational therapist, we specialize in helping people with the motor planning part of inertia (also known as the clinical term “praxis”). Motor planning is a higher level skill than […]

Continue reading