More Than “Life Skills:” Teaching Advocacy Through Occupational Therap

One of the most meaningful reminders of why I do this work arrived in my inbox recently. It was a full circle moment, from being told I would never succeed, to empowering others to do just that. It was a message from a former high school student I worked with, letting me know they had just graduated and were heading to college. Their story stayed with me, because it reflects two core truths in occupational therapy: progress is rarely linear, and feedback—when approached with curiosity instead of fear—can be deeply transformative.

Aya PorteFebruary 15, 2026Occupational Therapy, OT, School Skills, Challenges

Helping Kids Develop Self-Advocacy Skills in School

One of the most valuable life skills we can teach our kids doesn’t come from a textbook or test—it’s the ability to speak up for themselves.

Self-advocacy is a cornerstone of independence, confidence, and emotional regulation. I’ve covered this topic at home, but it’s just as important at school. In school, self-advocacy can be the difference between a child silently struggling and a child who gets the support they need to thrive.

Aya PorteJune 15, 2025OT, Occupational Therapy, Self-advocacy, Aya Porté, School Skills, SchoolComment