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Helping children
and families thrive.
Home and school-based occupational therapy (OT) empowering children to reach their full potential. Serving seacoast New Hampshire and Southern Maine.
Coaching services for parents and caregivers available throughout the US.
MY APPROACH
I believe that building a relationship with your child is an important first step in the therapeutic process. Meeting your child where they are and building on their strengths and interests creates a trusting environment that allows your child to grow and thrive. This approach leads to positive and lasting changes in their development, connections with others, and joyful engagement in the world around them. I help children develop a strong sense of self, reduce stressors, and achieve independence. I empower parents, educators, and caregivers by providing the education and tools to support and advocate for your child.
ABOUT ME
Founder/owner of Suzanne Dodier Occupational Therapy, LLC
I am an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in a variety of pediatric and adult settings. I have dedicated the past 14 years to working with children in the school setting. I am passionate about helping children gain confidence and skills to improve all aspects of their daily lives, and I find great joy in their success. I honor and celebrate neurodiversity and promote self-advocacy and a strong sense of self for all children.
Certifications and Areas of Interest
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Learn Play Thrive, LLC Approach to Autism
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Kelly Mahler's The Interoception Curriculum®
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Get Permission Approach to to Anxious Eaters/Anxious Mealtimes
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Sensory Processing
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Executive Function
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Size Matters® Handwriting Program (SMHP)
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Handwriting without Tears®
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Reflex Integration
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The Zones of Regulation™
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Board Certified Occupational Therapist, Licensed in Maine and New Hampshire
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Member American Occupational Therapy Association
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Member National Board Certified Occupational Therapists
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Certified in CPR and CPI.
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
Occupational therapy, or “OT”, supports your child’s and family’s ability to participate in meaningful daily activities, or “occupations”. Since play is the main occupation of children, the skilled use of play-based activities, along with task and environmental modification, helps your child achieve independence, success, and happiness.
OT can support children with a variety of needs including sensory processing, motor or behavioral challenges, and diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, and developmental delay. To address “challenging behaviors”, occupational therapists look for the “why” – an underlying skill deficit, environmental factor, or a task demand that exceeds the child’s abilities.
These are some common areas I address:
Sensory Processing
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Seeks or avoids movement
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Seeks or avoids textures
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Sensitive to noise or lights
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Clumsy or uncoordinated
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Identifying body signals
(hunger, pain, toileting)
Fine Motor Skills
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Holding crayon/pencil
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Using scissors
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Eating with utensils
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Manipulating fasteners (buttons, zippers, laces)
Self
Regulation
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Impulsivity
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Paying attention
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Difficulty with transitions and changes in routine
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Managing emotions
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Regulating energy level
Visual Motor Skills (eye-hand coordination)
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Handwriting
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Coloring and drawing
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Catching a ball
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Spatial concepts
Executive
Function
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Following multi-step directions
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Time management
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Flexible thinking
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Planning and organizing
Activities of Daily Living
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Selective eating
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Dressing skills
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Hygiene (brushing teeth, bathing, toileting)
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Daily routines
SERVICES
Initial Consultation - FREE (15 minutes): Conducted via telephone or video call, we will discuss your child and determine if my services are a good fit for you and your child.
Occupational Therapy Evaluation*: Identify your child’s strengths and challenges through parent and child interview, standardized testing as appropriate, and clinical observation during play-based activities. We will collaborate to establish a plan and goals to best meet your child’s needs. A formal report is included.
OT Therapy Session* (typically 45 minutes): Individual sessions will meet your child where they are and will be centered around their strengths and interests. My focus is to provide the “just right challenge” through play activities to achieve goals that are important to you and your child. These sessions primarily take place in your home as this is where your child will be most comfortable. We also have the option to work in the community such as a park or any environment that works for your child to succeed. Parent involvement is encouraged.
OT Summer Services*: Help get your child ready for school, continue their progress, or boost their handwriting skills over the summer! No evaluation required. We will come up with a plan that fits your summer schedule. Pricing upon request.
Coaching Calls: Conducted via telephone or video call, coaching sessions assist parents and caregivers looking for insight or tips regarding your child's sensory processing, executive function, activities of daily living, etc. Coaching is also available for school-based occupational therapists looking for mentorship.
School Contracting: Complete OT evaluations, participate in the development of individualized education plans, and deliver therapy services. I have extensive background consulting with teachers, parents, and staff to support the unique needs and learning styles of each student. I am knowledgeable of the special education process and experienced with its documentation requirements.
*Telehealth options can be explored for some situations. A travel surcharge may be applied for in-person therapy sessions outside the service area.
At this time, Suzanne Dodier Occupational Therapy, LLC is a private pay company for occupational therapy services. Forms of acceptable payment are cash, check, or electronic payment. We are not currently in network with insurance providers, however a superbill can be provided upon request for potential reimbursement from your insurance provider. We highly recommend contacting your insurance provider to determine reimbursement rates for out-of-network OT services.
