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A smiling woman with long light brown hair and earrings, with a circular digital badge around her featuring the text "SHE / HER".

Amanda Padilla, MOT, OTRL

Occupational Therapist

Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills & Virtual

Hello, I’m Amanda Padilla, an occupational therapist with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Eastern Michigan University. I am passionate about neurodiverse-affirming and respectful approaches to therapy. My goal is to establish meaningful connections with my clients and their families, ensuring an inclusive and personalized therapy experience. 

I value a collaborative approach to care. I encourage and guide parents and caregivers to be a part of the therapeutic process. Additionally, I utilize Mala’s talented multidisciplinary team, collaborating with occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and educators. 

I have experience working with children and adolescents in both outpatient and school based settings, focusing on sensory integration and feeding therapy. I have certified training in the SOS Approach to Feeding and Beckman Oral Motor programs. I aim to provide a nurturing environment for my clients to feel safe, understood, and have fun while engaging in new skills, exploring their sensory needs, and learning about new foods. I utilize a child led, play based, and sensory enriched approach to therapy, working to help my clients feel empowered and embrace their own unique strengths. Additionally, I enjoy parent education/training and am passionate in addressing areas of need in fine motor, praxis, motor coordination, executive functioning, visual motor, and daily living skills.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and husband, taking our dogs on walks, spending time with friends, cheering on the Lions, and enjoying time on the lake. 

Work with Amanda

  • Masters of Occupational Therapy, Eastern Michigan University

    1. Neurodiversity-Affirming and Respectful Therapy Approaches: Focuses on embracing and supporting neurodiverse individuals' unique strengths.

    2. Child-Led, Play-Based Therapy: Uses play as a medium for skill development and therapeutic engagement.

    3. Sensory Integration Therapy: Helps clients understand and regulate their sensory needs.

    4. Feeding Therapy

      • SOS Approach to Feeding (Certified): A structured, play-based approach that addresses the sensory, oral-motor, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional aspects of feeding.

      • Beckman Oral Motor Program (Certified): Focuses on improving oral motor skills for better feeding and speech.

    5. Fine Motor Skill Development: Targets hand strength, dexterity, and coordination to enhance daily function.

    6. Praxis and Motor Coordination Training: Supports body awareness, motor planning, and coordinated movement.

    7. Executive Functioning Support: Helps with planning, organization, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

    8. Visual Motor Integration: Enhances hand-eye coordination necessary for activities like writing and sports.

    9. Daily Living Skills (ADLs and IADLs): Focuses on practical tasks such as dressing, grooming, and meal preparation.

    10. Parent Education and Training: Guides caregivers to support their child’s progress outside therapy sessions.

    11. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works closely with psychologists, social workers, counselors, educators, and other occupational therapists to provide comprehensive care.

    12. Sensory-Enriched Therapy Environment: Creates a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore and engage in sensory experiences.

    • ADHD, Autism & AuDHD

    • Anger, Impulsivity & Defiance

    • Anxiety, Panic Disorder & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Developmental Delays

    • Eating & Feeding Disorders

    • Executive Functioning

    • Learning Differences & Academic Challenges

    • Life Transitions

    • Motor Coordination & Gross Motor Deficits

    • Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

    • Physical Disabilities or Injuries

    • Pregnancy & Postpartum

    • Self-Esteem

    • Sensory Processing

    • Sleep Issues

    • Toileting Issues

  • Infants & Toddlers, Children (4-10), Preteens, Teens, Adults, Seniors (65+), Families

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Aetna

    • Blue Care Network – For clients with a formal Autism diagnosis from a referring provider

Get to know Amanda

  • Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded." – Jess Lair

  • Temple Grandin – for her advocacy in neurodiversity, focus on sensory experiences, and commitment to helping others understand and embrace different ways of thinking.

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