“With family-centered therapy, my child was able to successfully enjoy daily activities…together with us.”
Abound in the joy of outdoor adventure!
Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Cocoa Beach, FL
You used to have a life! You used to DO things! You used to get out of the house.
But now, as a parent of a neurodivergent child, you have realized that your life and the life of your child has gotten very small.
Your child has sensory, motor and social/emotional challenges.
By spending your time and energy building a supportive environment that accommodates their needs at home, you realized you have also become isolated.
As a fellow parent, I know how important it is for our children to have caring relationships and positive experiences that support healthy development.
The outdoors is an ideal environment for this to happen.
It is well documented in research literature that the outdoors is beneficial for our health:
physically, to provide whole-body movement and exercise
for enjoyment and recreation
for our mental health as a restorative environment to reduce stress/anxiety, improve sleep
Have you had these thoughts as a parent?
My child needs to connect with family and make friends (AND--I feel alone and disconnected from family and friends).
Fun? Outdoors? Who has time for that? We are just trying to survive each day without my child having a meltdown.
It is so hard to figure out where to go and how to do it. It’s easier to stay home where it may not always be fun, but at least it is familiar and we all feel safe.
What if we go out and my daughter/son has a meltdown or can’t handle the outing? (AND— everyone will think I am a bad parent).
Local community sites don’t understand our family, our needs.
How am I going to get my kid away from a screen? Help!
You are NOT alone!
You have come to the right place.
Abound Therapy is here to come alongside you. We can give your child and your family the skills and opportunities to confidently connect to themselves, their people and the great outdoors.
Imagine your child enjoying time in the outdoors:
spending joyful, quality play time with you and your family—without a meltdown.
developing new healthy routines and habits.
taking opportunities to develop friendships.
asking to get off the couch and away from that screen!
Your child and your family living a richer, fuller, and bigger life together.
I am here for you! I believe that being neurodivergent is a unique strength and to be embraced. Let’s remove the barriers that are keeping your child from flourishing and experiencing more of life’s adventures by promoting participation in their own home communities. Place-based, outdoor experiences are a wonderful way to do it.
Abound Therapy offers:
Occupational therapy evaluation/treatment sessions in local outdoor community settings: home outdoor spaces, parks, beaches, pools: giving us access to sunshine, water and wide open green spaces for adventurous, meaningful experiences.
The treatment activities are tailored to the needs and interests of your child, and the goals that are collaboratively set with the parents/caregivers. They can include:
Gross motor activities: hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, water play/swimming, loose parts play
Visual and fine motor activites: nature study, birding, journaling, nature crafts, making/enjoying snacks
Self-regulation and social/emotional skills: mindfulness, sensory tools, coping strategies, child-led play, peer friendships, participating in a group.
Support and coaching for the family in practicing and using the skills learned in therapy and applying them in the home community environment.
Family group outdoor “play date” events
Peer group outdoor “play date” events
Ready for OT?
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Step 1: Contact Us
Are we a good fit? Let’s chat! I would love to schedule a 15-minute free consultation call to talk with you about the needs of your child and family. I can also answer any questions you may have about our program, our sites, and our activities.
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Step 2: Register
Register to schedule an OT evaluation , our next upcoming round of therapy sessions, and/or family/peer play date events.
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Step 3: Therapy!
Let the journey of growth begin!….We have our first occupational therapy visit where we meet your child, complete assessments and decide on treatment goals to support your family together as a team. Let’s watch your child bloom!
Together we’re on a mission to joyfully live this great adventure we call life by giving neurodivergent kids and their families the skills they need to confidently connect to themselves, their people, and the great outdoors.
Hi there!
I am Marielise Jacobs, your friendly neighborhood Occupational Therapist.
I’m passionate about helping neurodivergent kids and their families with enjoying outdoor activities for a richer, fuller, bigger life together.
I am an outdoor enthusiast myself, with over 30 years of combined experience between occupational therapy practice, outdoor education/adventure, and aquatic programming with children.
I currently work as a school-based OT, and I see you!—my students’ families are often exhausted and disconnected from each other and their local communities. I want to support you and your child in living a healthy, happy life.
We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place where we can participate in outdoor activities all year long. Outdoor adventure awaits!
Come on… Let’s learn and play together!
Who We Help:
We specialize in working with children with developmental diagnoses like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities, and/or sensory processing and motor coordination challenges, ages 3-12.
Sensory processing/regulation
Fine/Gross motor skills
Core strength, endurance
Emotional regulation
Social skills
Ready for change?
Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call, schedule a visit, or ask any questions about our programs.
Contact us by using the form below: