Laura
Bullying does not always look like name-calling or obvious cruelty. For children with limb differences, social harm often exists on a spectrum from subtle exclusion to hurtful “joking,” sometimes coming from close friends. This post explores bullying as a systems issue and explains why adult support matters.
Supporting a child through bullying or social exclusion requires balance. This post offers practical, developmentally informed guidance on how to talk with your child, when adult intervention helps, and how to strengthen friendships and social support over time.
When a child stares, asks questions, says something hurtful, or touches your child’s limb difference, it can be hard to know how to respond. Is it bullying — or something else? This post helps you understand the difference between curiosity, social behavior, and true bullying, so you can support your child with clarity and confidence.
Language around limb difference and limb loss can feel confusing, especially when similar bodies are described using different words. This guide explains the differences between congenital limb difference and acquired limb loss, explores why terminology varies, and offers a thoughtful framework for using respectful, person-centered language.
A quick guide to upper-body strengthening tools that work well for children and adults with upper limb differences. This post reviews the specific products I use as a partial-hand adult and pediatric OT, why strengthening supports overuse prevention, and what to consider when choosing tools for different anatomies. Educational only; not medical advice.
Limb different toys are fabulous for all children for so many reasons! There now are so many incredible options available at the click of a button
People with one-sided upper limb differences (ULD) experience increased risk of developing overuse syndrome over their lifetimes due to strain on the dominant side. Learn all about overuse syndrome and what parents and practitioners can do to help
I wrote this letter to express empathy for all my mother went through raising a child with a hand difference — and to thank her for all the support and love she gave me over the years.
Overhearing a parent talking to their child with a limb difference inspired me to think about what I would have liked to have heard as a child. Here it is in letter format.
Children with upper limb differences often learn from people with two hands—and that means adapting every new activity. It’s easy to miss how hard their bodies are working. Let’s help them become body sleuths and learn to tune into their own needs.