VanKids Pediatric Therapy

VanKids Pediatric Therapy Occupational therapy for children ages 2–19, supporting self-regulation, fine/gross motor skills, and daily routines through play-based care.

Services include assessment, treatment, and parent support, offered in-clinic, home, and in school environments.

💡 When Lights and Visual Environments Feel OverwhelmingSome children may be particularly sensitive to bright lights, fli...
08/24/2026

💡 When Lights and Visual Environments Feel Overwhelming

Some children may be particularly sensitive to bright lights, flickering lights, visual clutter, or busy environments. Others may actively seek visual input as a way to stay engaged or regulated.

These differences in visual sensory processing can sometimes affect a child’s ability to focus, regulate, transition between activities, or participate comfortably at home, school, or in the community.

How can OT support this?
Occupational therapy can help identify how a child responds to different types and levels of sensory input and develop strategies that support their individual regulation needs.

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, our sensory room includes a variety of lighting options and sensory tools that can be incorporated into play-based activities. Depending on the child, these may be used to provide calming, organizing, or alerting sensory input.
We may incorporate:�
🔹 Different types of lighting and visual input�
🔹 Movement and gross motor activities�
🔹 Proprioceptive and vestibular input�
🔹 Tactile sensory tools and fidgets�
🔹 Quiet spaces and environmental modifications

The goal is not to eliminate sensory input or make children “tolerate” things that are uncomfortable. Instead, we work with the child to understand their sensory preferences, build regulation strategies, and support participation in meaningful activities.

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, a Vancouver-based occupational therapy clinic, we aim to provide a welcoming, supportive, ...
08/20/2026

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, a Vancouver-based occupational therapy clinic, we aim to provide a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment where children and youth can participate in therapy at their own pace and in ways that align with their individual needs and strengths.

Through play-based, neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy, we support the development of skills that promote participation and independence in everyday activities, including fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, self-care, and social participation.

Our approach focuses on more than skill development alone. We consider each child’s individual strengths, interests, sensory needs, and functional goals to make therapy meaningful and relevant to their daily lives.

📍240 - 10151 No.3 Road, Richmond BC
💻 vankidstherapy.ca
📞 (604) 821-5136

Ever wonder how to help a child through a meltdown? 🧠💛Whether it’s sensory overload, frustration, transitions, or a chal...
08/17/2026

Ever wonder how to help a child through a meltdown? 🧠💛

Whether it’s sensory overload, frustration, transitions, or a challenging moment, big behaviours are often a sign that a child is having a hard time regulating—not simply “misbehaving.”

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, occupational therapy can help children develop the skills they need to regulate their bodies and emotions so they can better participate in everyday activities—whether that’s playing, learning, communicating, getting dressed, transitioning between activities, or interacting with others.

We support emotional regulation through:
1. 🤝 Co-regulation — helping children feel safe, calm, and supported before expecting them to regulate independently.
2. 💭 Identifying feelings — helping children recognize, understand, and communicate what they’re feeling.
3. 🧠 Practicing regulation strategies — teaching children simple, realistic strategies they can use when emotions become overwhelming.
4. 🧸 Tools, equipment & sensory-motor strategies — using sensory tools, therapy equipment, movement, heavy work, deep pressure, and other sensory-motor activities to support regulation based on each child’s individual needs.

As OTs, we look at why a child may be having difficulty regulating and how their sensory, motor, emotional, and environmental needs may be affecting their ability to participate in daily life. We then work with the child and family to develop practical strategies that can be used both in therapy and at home.
Remember: connection comes before correction. A regulated child is better able to learn, communicate, problem-solve, and participate. 💛

📍 Unit 240 – 10151 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC�
🌐 vankidstherapy.ca�
📞 (604) 821-5136

Book your FREE 15-minute consultation today!�We’d love to connect with you and learn how we can support your child. 💛

Climb, Hang & Regulate! 🧠💙Ever notice your child constantly climbing, hanging, jumping, pushing, or crashing into things...
08/13/2026

Climb, Hang & Regulate! 🧠💙

Ever notice your child constantly climbing, hanging, jumping, pushing, or crashing into things? They may be seeking proprioceptive input!

Proprioception is our body’s sense of where it is and how it’s moving. Activities like climbing, hanging, pushing, and pulling activate muscles and joints, providing strong sensory input that can help some children feel more organized, calm, and regulated.

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, we look beyond the behaviour to understand what your child’s nervous system may be seeking. We use purposeful movement and play to support sensory processing, self-regulation, body awareness, and motor skills.

🧗‍♂️ Our clinic has the equipment and sensory-friendly environment to help kids safely climb, swing, crash, move, and explore the sensory input their bodies need.
Sometimes, the best way to help a child regulate… is to let them move!

📍 #240 - 10151 No.3 Road, Richmond, BC
📞 (604) 821-5136

Your child’s brain is always learning!Did you know the brain can change and build new connections through repeated exper...
08/10/2026

Your child’s brain is always learning!

Did you know the brain can change and build new connections through repeated experiences? This is called neuroplasticity—and it’s one of the reasons pediatric occupational therapy can be so powerful.

In pediatric OT, we use play, movement, practice, and meaningful everyday activities to help children develop and strengthen skills such as:

🔵 Fine motor & handwriting skills�
🟡 Gross motor & coordination�
🔵 Attention & executive functioning�
🟡 Self-regulation & sensory processing�
🔵 Self-care & independence�
🟡 Feeding & daily routines

The goal isn’t simply to “practice a skill.” It’s to create meaningful, motivating opportunities for the brain to learn and adapt.

Every game, movement, challenge, and successful attempt is an opportunity to build skills—and confidence!

Why do we use a vibration plate in OT?🤔Here, one child is placing Squigs onto a mirror while standing on the vibration p...
08/06/2026

Why do we use a vibration plate in OT?🤔

Here, one child is placing Squigs onto a mirror while standing on the vibration plate, while another is using a marker to connect the Squigs together—targeting visual-motor integration, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and postural control.

The vibration plate provides proprioceptive sensory input (input to our muscles and joints), which may help some children improve body awareness, balance, attention, and regulation, preparing their bodies for learning and play.

Every child has unique sensory needs, so activities are always individualized by our occupational therapists. 💛

Every child develops at their own pace and we’re here to support them every step of the way!At VanKids, we offer - Compr...
08/03/2026

Every child develops at their own pace and we’re here to support them every step of the way!

At VanKids, we offer
- Comprehensive OT Assessments
- Individualized Treatment Sessions
- Home and School Visits
- OT Assistant Sessions

Our goal is to help children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive at home, school and in the community.

📍 #240 - 10151 No.3 Road, Richmond BC
📞 Accepting new clients
💻 Learn more at vankidstherapy.ca

Fine Motor Skills ✋ involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers that allow children to complete everyday tasks wi...
07/30/2026

Fine Motor Skills ✋ involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers that allow children to complete everyday tasks with confidence and independence.

These skills are essential for:
🔹Self-care – using utensils, brushing teeth, dressing (buttons & zippers), opening containers�
🔹School – writing, drawing, cutting with scissors, colouring, and completing classroom activities�
🔹Play – puzzles, arts and crafts, beading, and manipulating small toys

In occupational therapy, we work on foundational skills such as:�
🤲 Bilateral coordination (using both hands together)�
👆 Finger isolation�
🔄 In-hand manipulation�
💪 Hand and pinch strength�
🦾 Wrist stability�
✏️ Pencil grasp and control�
👀 Hand-eye coordination (visual-motor integration)

Signs your child may benefit from fine motor support:�
• Tires quickly during colouring or writing�
• Has difficulty using scissors�
• Struggles with buttons, zippers, or opening containers�
• Finds handwriting frustrating or messy

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, we use fun, play-based activities to help children develop the skills they need to participate confidently at home, school, and in the community.

If you have concerns about your child's fine motor development, we'd be happy to help! ✌️

Meet Leo Tam, the Occupational Therapist Behind VanKids Pediatric Therapy! 👋He holds a Master of Science in Occupational...
07/24/2026

Meet Leo Tam, the Occupational Therapist Behind VanKids Pediatric Therapy! 👋

He holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia.

Leo has worked across several pediatric clinics in the Lower Mainland and has experience supporting children with disabilities in a school setting, delivering neurodiversity-affirming and client-centred care. Through these experiences, he has developed individualized treatment plans focused on sensory integration, fine and gross motor development, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social participation.

Leo believes that meaningful progress happens through collaboration. He works closely with families, educators, and other healthcare professionals to develop evidence-based, individualized programs that empower children to reach their developmental goals and become more confident and independent in their daily lives.

Outside of the clinic, Leo enjoys playing volleyball, mentoring youth, and taking his dog on nature walks.

📍 Proudly serving children and families in Richmond, BC, and the surrounding communities. VanKids Pediatric Therapy looks forward to being part of your child's journey! 💙

Executive functioning is like your child's brain manager.These are the mental skills that help children:�🔵 Plan ahead�🟡 ...
07/23/2026

Executive functioning is like your child's brain manager.

These are the mental skills that help children:�
🔵 Plan ahead�
🟡 Remember information�
🔵 Manage time�
🟡 Stay organized�
🔵 Stay focused
🟡 Reflect on their thinking and problem-solve (metacognition)

When executive functioning skills are challenging, everyday tasks like getting ready for school, completing homework, following instructions, or staying organized can feel overwhelming.

The good news? Executive functioning skills can be strengthened with the right support and strategies. Occupational therapists may use tools such as:
�✅ Visual schedules�
⏰ Timers and time-management supports�
🏃 Sensorimotor movement breaks�
💺 Sensory seating tools�
🎯 Goal-setting and planning strategies

At VanKids Pediatric Therapy, we help children and teens develop practical executive functioning skills through individualized, play-based interventions that support success at home, at school, and in the community.

Address

Unit 240/10151 NO. 3 Road
Richmond, BC
V7A4R6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm

Telephone

+16048215136

Website

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