Occupational Therapy

Has your child seen multiple providers who have focused on deficits and neurotypical norms, leaving you feeling completely defeated and overwhelmed?

Are you tired of the same approaches that just haven’t been working for your neurodivergent child?

You’re not alone.

You are the expert on your child, and your intuition is telling you that there must be a better way to see the progress that your child is capable of. Maybe the traditional behavioral models don’t align with your parenting philosophy or have prioritized compliance and rote skills, failing to harness your child’s interests and strengths. You need someone who will help your child feel seen and heard and will support you in navigating all of your questions.

That’s where Defining Development comes in.

With over 12 years of experience working with disabled children with a range of emotional, sensory, and motor differences, Defining Development’s founder, Larissa Balik, firmly believes that there’s no substitute for a tailored approach to support your family and to meet the individualized developmental needs of your child.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy in South Orange, New Jersey

Have questions or concerns in any of the following areas?

Schedule a time to connect with us today about our in-home services.

— Sensory Processing

— Regulation

— Engaging and Relating

— Early Developmental Milestones

— Shared Attention

— Organization and Planning

— Self-Control

— Flexible Thinking

— Fine Motor

— Self-Care

Autism services and sensory support in South Orange, New Jersey

Our Process

  • We’ll have a free phone consultation to get to know each other and learn more about your goals and our work together.

  • Next we’ll schedule an initial evaluation to better understand your child and family’s needs. Evaluations typically last about 1.5 hours.

  • We’ll develop a plan to support your child and family. This typically includes weekly or biweekly 30- to 60-minute sessions. We usually ask for a 10-week commitment. Questions about payment? Visit our FAQs

  • We’ll continually reflect on progress and reassess priorities for your child and family.

Larissa breaks from traditional practices by using her advanced certification in DIRFloortime® to inform her work as a pediatric Occupational Therapist and support children with neurodevelopmental differences.

Larissa fosters children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and motor development through playful, authentic, and affectively driven interactions. She helps parents to increase their confidence and comfort in using effective strategies that support their child’s growth. This customized approach guarantees noticeable and meaningful results.

Occupational Therapy and DIR Floortime for neurodivergent children
Occupational Therapy and DIR Floortime for Autistic children

We look forward to partnering with you to harness your child’s incredible potential!