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When most people picture pediatric occupational therapy, they imagine a sensory gym — swings, mats, and colorful equipment filling a big open room. But in this episode of Coral Currents, I sat down with Kim Santos, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, who reminds us that true therapy happens where real life happens.
Kim has worked across outpatient clinics, schools, and homes, and she’s seen the same misconception over and over: families think that without a sensory gym, therapy can’t be “high quality.” Her response? “A majority of OT therapy is the OT using themselves as the tool — learning how to see yourself as the child’s best access to better therapy.”
Through creative, practical examples, Kim walks us through how everyday objects — pillows, blankets, laundry piles, even lighting — can become powerful tools for emotional regulation and sensory integration. Instead of focusing on expensive materials, she focuses on accessibility and empowerment. “Your home and your natural environment are the best places for therapy to happen,” she says.
We also talked about the importance of emotional regulation — both for kids and the adults supporting them. One of Kim’s favorite mantras is “Regulation before expectation.” Just like adults can’t perform well when they’re rushed or stressed, kids can’t meet learning or behavioral goals when they’re dysregulated.
Our conversation is a reminder that in-home therapy isn’t a limitation — it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to meet kids where they are, teach families how to use what they already have, and create sustainable routines that fit into real life. As Kim puts it, “The environment is the best therapy you can give a child, because that’s where life happens.”
This episode will inspire every OT, SLP, and parent to rethink what “effective therapy” really looks like — and how powerful it can be when the tools come from the child’s own world.
🎧 Listen to Coral Currents Episode 12 now — and discover how you can make therapy thrive beyond the walls of a clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sensory gym-based therapy and how does it compare to in-home OT?
Sensory gym-based therapy uses specialized equipment — swings, crash pads, climbing structures — to deliver Ayres Sensory Integration in a clinic setting. In-home OT works within the child's natural environment, which offers different advantages: real-context observation, family coaching in situ, and generalization that doesn't require transfer from clinic to home. Both are valuable; the right choice depends on the child's needs and what's accessible.
What is the Coral Currents podcast about?
Coral Currents is a podcast by Grow with Coral that features conversations with pediatric therapists — OTs, SLPs, and PTs — about clinical topics, independent practice, and the realities of working with children and families. Episodes cover everything from specialized techniques like DMI and sensory integration to the business of independent practice and provider burnout.
