Does your infant or toddler show some of these concerns?

• Often irrtable, fussy
• Cries often or for lengthy periods
• Sleep problems
• Eating/feeding problems
• Poor ability to self-soothe (console or calm self)
• More extreme periods of distress or temper tantrums than expected for age
• Hypersensitivity to touch, sound, or other sensory elements
• Negative, defiant mood at home, but fearful and cautious away from home
• Withdrawn and difficult to engage
• Disorganized behavior, impulsive for age
• Difficulty playing constructively, inattentive for age
• Problems adjusting to changes in routine
• Fearful of new situations
• Often clingy
• Reacts negatively to holding, cuddling, or hugging

Infants and toddlers with substantial self-regulation problems often develop motor planning and executive function problems later in childhood.

Children's Theraplay can provide free screening to determine if an occupational therapy evaluation is recommended. Services include therapy to increase: self-soothing; periods of calm and playful behavior; play skills and exploration of objects and surroundings; rewarding parent-child interaction; and other skills.