I am occupational therapist, Barbara A. Smith, M.S., OTR/L. I have been working with children and adults with developmental and/or learning disabilities, writing books and giving seminars for over 40 years! Now that I am 70 years old, I have retired from clinical work and am focusing on updating this website and continue to share my work via the RecyclingOT blog, Facebook and Instagram. You may notice that some of my blog posts address my aging journey with tips on pain, exercise, relaxation and my personal challenges as the mother of an adult son with many challenges related to autism and mental health.
Work settings over the following 40 plus years have included
1) sheltered workshops
2) community residences
3) public schools and special education collaboratives
4) state institutions
5) early intervention; and
6) hippotherapy settings.
7) day programs.
I have certifications in Sensory Integration and hippotherapy. I have contributed to a variety of journals and am author of
- The Recycling Occupational
- From Rattles to Writing: A Parent’s Guide to Hand Skills
- From Flapping to Function: A Parent’s Guide to Autism and Hand Skills
- Still Giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer’s Victim You Love
If you have any questions about my blog, books, and social media- please contact me at RecyclingOT@Gmail.com
Please learn more about my occupational therapy story at: https://2019.recyclingot.com/about/
I wrote The Recycling Occupational Therapist after
recognizing that I could make my own therapeutic activities far more quickly, easily, cheaply and effectively by using every day recycled throwaway…. It was originally published in 1996 by Therapy Skills Builders. They sold it to Pro-Ed and in 2012 when it was put out of print- I published it on Amazon. The original price rose from $42.00 to $62.00 and is currently sold for $35.00 on Amazon or $25.00 if purchased through paypal.
The Print Edition is Sold on Amazon for $35.00 and Kindle for $9.99 at the following link: https://amzn.to/3Zdq0gG
Another option is to purchase a brand new Spiral bound edition sold by the author using Paypal for $25.00 with free shipping.
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/XBMTMG87MTG6Q
I conceived of the idea that a fine motor book niche needed to be filled- while working young children receiving occupational therapy services in a public school.
This was a time before smart phones, but thumbs on play stations were becoming prevalent. Many mothers needed to work outside of the home due to financial need and/or personal fulfillment (that would be me) and these parents simply did not spend as much time in outdoor and non-structured play … the type of play that is essential for learning. My book details typical fine- motor development and the activities that promote it…
The previous publisher- Therapro, Inc. is no longer selling the first edition that is still listed on Amazon. I am trying to get this old listing removed but Amazon does not make it easy!!!
The print 2nd edition is sold on Amazon for $14.95 and on Kindle for $9.99 at the following link: https://amzn.to/3ToJlrt
I wrote From Flapping to Function: A Parent’s Guide to Autism and Hand Skills after recognizing that parents needed a resource focused on hand skills.
The market was already saturated with books addressing social, communication, executive function sensory, functional skills and independence…. My book examines the impact of these domains on the development of hand skills.
Sold on Amazon with print edition costing $14.95 and Kindle at $9.99 using the following link: https://amzn.to/3XB6nxS
Pediatric Book Bundle for $25.00 with Free shipping. I will mail directly from Amazon – WHEN you use the following PayPal link:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2ATGQUA7Z4GZ4
I wrote Still giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer’s Victim You Love- when my mother was starting to demonstrate symptoms.
At the time, my 12 year old son was struggling with the social challenges related to autism. I was working in the public schools and fulfilling my role as a sandwich generation, middle aged mom and daughter.
Kindle edition is sold on Amazon for $9.99 at the following link:
The print edition is sold new by author at the following pay pal link:
paypal.com/ncp/payment/LL7BB63QMX73E
Additional Resources
Rumble videos: occupational therapy activities
Blog posts- both here on Word press and RecyclingOT.blogspot.com
Join over 20,000 followers on my Face book page THE RECYCLING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST….
….and on Instagram
I’d love to hear your ideas, too!
Disclosure: Information on this website should not be construed as medical or therapy advice and is provided only as general information. Please consult your physician and other health professionals for specific advice.