Limb Difference

Part 1: Understanding Bullying, Exclusion, and Social Systems

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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.

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Part 2: Practical Guidance for Parents

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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.

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Understanding Limb Difference Language & Terminology

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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.

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How to Talk to Your Child about Limb Difference Overuse Syndrome

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An age-appropriate guide to introducing upper limb difference body care and overuse syndrome awareness with your child, without fear, pressure, or singling them out. Designed to support whole-family conversations about strong, sustainable bodies.

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Upper body strengthening tools for upper limb difference

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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.

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Blue background with a lighter blue circle and white text that says, “2025 update | limb different toys & dolls” and a pink teddy bear with a limb different arm and @ontheotherhandtherap

Limb different toys & dolls matter – here’s why

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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

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Prevent, Reduce, & Treat Upper Limb Different Overuse Syndrome

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People upper limb differences (ULD) are at heightened risk of developing overuse syndrome over their lifetimes due to strain on the dominant side. Learn how to reduce the effects of overuse syndrome through intentional choices of adaptive equipment, awareness of biomechanics and posture, examination of societal messages, etc.

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Blue background with text that says "MOTHER'S DAY letter to my mother" and a graphic of a pink envelope with a pink heart and @ontheotherhandtherapy

Mother’s Day Letter to my Mom

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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.

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Letter from a Parent to their Child with a Limb Difference

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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.

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Fortune Teller with Reflection Questions for Children with Upper Limb Differences

“How to think like an OT”

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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.

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