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Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services

Fairfield Connecticut Occupational Therapist

203-341-0178
943 Post Rd E Suite A
Westport, CT 06880
bbpedot@yahoo.com
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Testimonials

Playful, Caring Manner

Justine worked with both of my children from preschool through late elementary school. Her playful, caring manner and creative ideas for working on challenging skills made OT a fun and exciting after school activity for my kids, rather than a chore. Whether breaking down a complicated research project into manageable tasks, turning a frustrating diorama assignment into a successful fine motor experience, or teaching my child to ride a bike without training wheels, Justine was my rock when school or life presented a challenge that for my particular two children required different tools than what I had in my toolbox. My kids, now in high school and middle school, continue to use the techniques and strategies Justine taught them for success in school and in the tasks of daily living. I highly recommend Justine and her practice to any family experiencing the struggle of raising a child with sensory or learning differences!

Becca G., Westport Connecticut

2019-10-18T18:31:00+00:00

Becca G., Westport Connecticut

Justine worked with both of my children from preschool through late elementary school. Her playful, caring manner and creative ideas for working on challenging skills made OT a fun and exciting after school activity for my kids, rather than a chore. Whether breaking down a complicated research project into manageable tasks, turning a frustrating diorama assignment into a successful fine motor experience, or teaching my child to ride a bike without training wheels, Justine was my rock when school or life presented a challenge that for my particular two children required different tools than what I had in my toolbox. My kids, now in high school and middle school, continue to use the techniques and strategies Justine taught them for success in school and in the tasks of daily living. I highly recommend Justine and her practice to any family experiencing the struggle of raising a child with sensory or learning differences!
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/playful-caring-manner/

Leaps and Bounds

Our child has grown leaps and bounds in the time he has worked with Justine. The multi-layered approach of therapies has been both confidence and skill-building, and they have such a circle of trust between them. I often think his time at Building Blocks is the happiest time of the week.

Debbie O., Westport Connecticut

2019-10-18T18:32:00+00:00

Debbie O., Westport Connecticut

Our child has grown leaps and bounds in the time he has worked with Justine. The multi-layered approach of therapies has been both confidence and skill-building, and they have such a circle of trust between them. I often think his time at Building Blocks is the happiest time of the week.
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/leaps-and-bounds/

An Absolute Gem

Justine is an absolute gem. She and her team did a thorough assessment of my child, then clearly communicated the therapeutic plan.  She takes a holistic approach and creates an active partnership with both home and school. With her help, my child work through sensory issues which increased both ability and confidence.

Rachel M., Westport Connecticut

2019-10-18T18:32:39+00:00

Rachel M., Westport Connecticut

Justine is an absolute gem. She and her team did a thorough assessment of my child, then clearly communicated the therapeutic plan.  She takes a holistic approach and creates an active partnership with both home and school. With her help, my child work through sensory issues which increased both ability and confidence.
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/an-absolute-gem/

In a Word, Overwhelmed

On a long and extraordinary journey from there to here, Justine Bedocs has been a life line.  From the magic of a swing or ball pit, to the ability to write letters neatly in print as well as cursive, to the patients to add number neatly in columns Building Blocks OT was a large part of my son’s elementary education.


Fifteen years ago I was the mother of a three year old with multiple learning issues and a newborn who would soon be diagnosed with all the same, in addition to dyslexia.  I was in a word overwhelmed.


Today, I am the mother of an eighteen year old freshman in his first choice of first rate university, majoring in finance.  His younger brother, a sophomore in high school and an honor student.  Both boys have wonderful friend groups.  Most importantly, both boys are happy.


Justine and her bi-weekly space of fun, her advice on just how to set up a study place and countless other moments long the way helped my boys feel comfortable in their own skin.

Thank you Justine.

Juliet H., New Cannan, CT

2019-10-18T18:35:22+00:00

Juliet H., New Cannan, CT

On a long and extraordinary journey from there to here, Justine Bedocs has been a life line.  From the magic of a swing or ball pit, to the ability to write letters neatly in print as well as cursive, to the patients to add number neatly in columns Building Blocks OT was a large part of my son’s elementary education. Fifteen years ago I was the mother of a three year old with multiple learning issues and a newborn who would soon be diagnosed with all the same, in addition to dyslexia.  I was in a word overwhelmed. Today, I am the mother of an eighteen year old freshman in his first choice of first rate university, majoring in finance.  His younger brother, a sophomore in high school and an honor student.  Both boys have wonderful friend groups.  Most importantly, both boys are happy. Justine and her bi-weekly space of fun, her advice on just how to set up a study place and countless other moments long the way helped my boys feel comfortable in their own skin. Thank you Justine.
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/in-a-word-overwhelmed/

Calms Me Down

This is my OT and her name is Justine she has been helping me for about 3 or 4 years. She helps with anxiety. Anxiety means I panic a lot and she calms me down. Sometimes my clothes don't fit right or I don't feel like wearing it. So she brushes me and sometimes she puts lotion on me. Also she plays card games with me and she has a ball pit.

Samuel Z., 8 years old

2019-10-19T10:20:45+00:00

Samuel Z., 8 years old

This is my OT and her name is Justine she has been helping me for about 3 or 4 years. She helps with anxiety. Anxiety means I panic a lot and she calms me down. Sometimes my clothes don't fit right or I don't feel like wearing it. So she brushes me and sometimes she puts lotion on me. Also she plays card games with me and she has a ball pit.
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/calms-me-down/

Such a Big Part of my Life

I love coming to Building Blocks so much! I love to go in the gym and design different obstacle courses. I love to challenge myself on the trapeze bar to see if I can hang longer than I did last time. I also love climbing the layers suspended on the ceiling. They are velvety soft, and I relax and swing in them. Justine is such a big part my life and has helped me write better, helps me learn to control my emotional and interact with people better, and lets me have fun breaks. I love going there every week because I have so much fun and feel so comfortable there.

Emily, 8 years old

2019-10-19T10:23:44+00:00

Emily, 8 years old

I love coming to Building Blocks so much! I love to go in the gym and design different obstacle courses. I love to challenge myself on the trapeze bar to see if I can hang longer than I did last time. I also love climbing the layers suspended on the ceiling. They are velvety soft, and I relax and swing in them. Justine is such a big part my life and has helped me write better, helps me learn to control my emotional and interact with people better, and lets me have fun breaks. I love going there every week because I have so much fun and feel so comfortable there.
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/such-a-big-part-of-my-life/

Confidence has Skyrocketed

Having Justine involved in our daughter’s care and treatment is invaluable. As a mom, fellow-therapist and friend, my perspective is unique. I have known Justine for almost two decades. First as my mentor, next as my co-worker, then as my supervisor, now was my daughter’s occupational therapist- and throughout as my dear friend. Justine’s holistic approach to treatment is client-centered at it’s core and is constantly including family, school, and other therapists. Her seamless collaboration seems as if it’s just “part of the job”- until meeting other therapists and understanding her approach is dynamic and more comprehensive than most. Justine truly adores each of her patients and gives her all to each and every treatment session. There is always a take-home, carry-over suggestion or activity. When working with Justine, the therapy doesn’t end when the session is over; it carries through all week until the next session. My daughter can’t hardly wait for her next scheduled OT time. Since starting therapy with Justine, her confidence has sky-rocketed. She is always eager to “go to OT”. Not only has she made progress on her OT goals and objectives, she is showing general improvements in life skills as a whole. Most of all, her happiness is through the roof! Justine’s highly-skilled, comprehensive, fun and loving approach is unparalleled.

Christin D, Fairfield, CT

2019-10-21T18:22:48+00:00

Christin D, Fairfield, CT

Having Justine involved in our daughter’s care and treatment is invaluable. As a mom, fellow-therapist and friend, my perspective is unique. I have known Justine for almost two decades. First as my mentor, next as my co-worker, then as my supervisor, now was my daughter’s occupational therapist- and throughout as my dear friend. Justine’s holistic approach to treatment is client-centered at it’s core and is constantly including family, school, and other therapists. Her seamless collaboration seems as if it’s just “part of the job”- until meeting other therapists and understanding her approach is dynamic and more comprehensive than most. Justine truly adores each of her patients and gives her all to each and every treatment session. There is always a take-home, carry-over suggestion or activity. When working with Justine, the therapy doesn’t end when the session is over; it carries through all week until the next session. My daughter can’t hardly wait for her next scheduled OT time. Since starting therapy with Justine, her confidence has sky-rocketed. She is always eager to “go to OT”. Not only has she made progress on her OT goals and objectives, she is showing general improvements in life skills as a whole. Most of all, her happiness is through the roof! Justine’s highly-skilled, comprehensive, fun and loving approach is unparalleled.
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/confidence-has-skyrocketed/

Truly Eye-Opening

I was at Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy for my Level II clinical affiliation this past winter. My three months there solidified my love of pediatrics. I finally got to see what occupational therapy truly looked like in practice. Justine taught me so much about the profession and how to handle children in all aspects of life. She works with individuals in B23 through adulthood and services a vast range of socioeconomic populations. The work we did was truly eye opening. She shaped me into a true therapist and built my confidence in my abilities tremendously. She has been an incredible mentor and has hired me at Building Blocks, allowing me to continue to work with her and learn from her.

Julia chiapetta licensed pediatric occupational therapist serving children and families in Connecticut.

Julia C., Norwalk, CT

2019-10-29T13:45:41+00:00

Julia C., Norwalk, CT

Julia chiapetta licensed pediatric occupational therapist serving children and families in Connecticut.
I was at Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy for my Level II clinical affiliation this past winter. My three months there solidified my love of pediatrics. I finally got to see what occupational therapy truly looked like in practice. Justine taught me so much about the profession and how to handle children in all aspects of life. She works with individuals in B23 through adulthood and services a vast range of socioeconomic populations. The work we did was truly eye opening. She shaped me into a true therapist and built my confidence in my abilities tremendously. She has been an incredible mentor and has hired me at Building Blocks, allowing me to continue to work with her and learn from her.
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/truly-eye-opening/

Can’t Recommend Enough

Justine is a gifted therapist. When we started, my son was very shy and struggling. She worked hard to build their relationship, as well as his skills and self-esteem. She always found new ways to engage him and left him feeling proud of his accomplishments.  We were all so pleased with the results and can’t recommend her highly enough!

Linda G., Westport, CT

2019-10-29T17:45:47+00:00

Linda G., Westport, CT

Justine is a gifted therapist. When we started, my son was very shy and struggling. She worked hard to build their relationship, as well as his skills and self-esteem. She always found new ways to engage him and left him feeling proud of his accomplishments.  We were all so pleased with the results and can’t recommend her highly enough!
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/cant-recommend-enough/

Improve and Evolve

I have been going to Building Blocks for four years. Justine and I work on core strengthening and handwriting and I have seen them really improve and evolve. We get to play fun games. Justine lets me pick new games out. I do a lot of exercises and I have a program that Justine made me for home. When I do obstacle courses I don’t even realize that I am exercising. I just feel that even when I am working it is fun.

Bradley F., 8 years old

2019-10-30T20:58:13+00:00

Bradley F., 8 years old

I have been going to Building Blocks for four years. Justine and I work on core strengthening and handwriting and I have seen them really improve and evolve. We get to play fun games. Justine lets me pick new games out. I do a lot of exercises and I have a program that Justine made me for home. When I do obstacle courses I don’t even realize that I am exercising. I just feel that even when I am working it is fun.
https://connecticutoccupationaltherapist.com/testimonials/improve-and-evolve/
🧠✨ Does your child struggle with executive fu 🧠✨ Does your child struggle with executive functioning or motor planning?

Difficulty getting started, following directions, staying organized, getting dressed, learning new movements, or completing routines may reflect developing skills—not a lack of motivation.

🧠 Executive functioning helps children plan, organize, focus, manage emotions, and complete tasks.

🤸‍♂️ Motor planning helps children figure out how to move their bodies for everyday activities, play, sports, and new skills.

Occupational therapy can help children:

✅ Break tasks into manageable steps
✅ Improve planning, coordination, and independence
✅ Build problem-solving and self-regulation skills
✅ Gain confidence at home, school, and during play

✨ Small steps lead to big accomplishments!

📲 Swipe through our parent guide to learn more. Save and share with a parent, teacher, or caregiver!

#OccupationalTherapy #ExecutiveFunctioning #MotorPlanning #PediatricOT #explore
🦷🚫 TEETH ARE NOT FOR BITING PEOPLE! 💛 Do 🦷🚫 TEETH ARE NOT FOR BITING PEOPLE! 💛

Does your little one bite when they’re frustrated, overwhelmed, excited, or just need some extra sensory input? 😬🫣

You are definitely not alone! 💕

SO many parents come to me looking for help with biting, and it’s something I address frequently as a pediatric occupational therapist! 🌈🧠

Here’s what I want parents to understand. Biting is often a form of communication! 💬

Sometimes it means:
🌀 My body feels overwhelmed!
😤 I’m frustrated!
🦷 My mouth needs sensory input!
🥺 I don’t know how to tell you what I need!
⚡ I need help regulating my body!

And here’s something SO important! ❤️

We want children to understand that biting is not okay, but having big feelings IS okay! 💕

Instead of children thinking, “I’m bad” or “I’m not good,” we want to teach them what their bodies need and what they can do INSTEAD of biting! 🙌

✨ That’s why I created this simple, parent-friendly guide! ✨

It’s filled with practical pediatric OT strategies to help you understand WHY biting happens, support regulation, and teach safer replacement behaviors. 🧸🦷🌈

Because our goal isn’t just to STOP the biting. It’s to understand what’s driving it and help children develop the skills they need to succeed! 💪💛

👉 SWIPE through for simple strategies you can start using today!

💬 Have you dealt with biting at home or in the classroom?

📌 SAVE this post for later!
💕 SHARE it with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who could use these tips!

💛 Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy

#PediatricOT #Sensory #ParentingTips #Biting #Explore
What if we stopped asking, “What sensory activit What if we stopped asking, “What sensory activity should a child do at a specific time?” and started asking, “What is this child’s nervous system telling us right now?”

That is the shift.

Sensory supports can be incredibly helpful, but children do not always need the same input at the same time every day. Sleep, stress, transitions, noise, hunger, emotions, school demands, and the environment can all change what the nervous system needs in a given moment.

We should shift from following a rigid sensory schedule to observing first, then choosing regulation supports that match the child’s current needs.

Sometimes that may be heavy work or deep pressure. Sometimes it may be movement and alerting input. Sometimes the child may need less stimulation, a quieter space, or simply time to reset.

The goal is not just to “do sensory.” The goal is to support regulation, participation, body awareness, independence, and confidence.

Different moments. Different needs. The right regulation supports. 💛

#PediatricOT #SensoryProcessing #Explore #OccupationalTherapy #RegulationSupports
I thought this was so true and so funny 😂🧩 I thought this was so true and so funny 😂🧩

Scheduling OT clients around school, sports, siblings, therapies, cancellations, makeups… and then somehow fitting in your OWN kids’ lives and schedules too. 🤪

Basically one giant game of Tetris where the pieces never stop moving!

Who can relate? 😉🤪😜

#OccupationalTherapy #PediatricOT #OTLife #TherapistHumor #Explore
Here’s a simple visual for therapists to share w Here’s a simple visual for therapists to share with parents as a helpful handout on the developmental sequence of pencil grasps. ✏️

As a seasoned professional, one of my goals is to get practical, easy-to-use tools into the hands of as many therapists, parents, teachers, and caregivers as possible. If something I create can make a concept easier to understand or support a child’s development, I want it shared.

Please feel free to use it, share it, save it, and pass it along. I hope it helps! 💛
#PediatricOT #PencilGrasp #FineMotorSkills #Handwriting #Explore
Cutest William — a day in his OT session! 🤩 Cutest William — a day in his OT session! 🤩

Such huge growth today and such a gift to witness his progress in feeding and regulation skills. 💛 We are seeing him trying new texture foods, expanding his repertoire, and feeling more confident. He is also beginning to move toward more rotary chewing patterns, building upon all of the foods he already feels comfortable eating. His trach was removed a few months ago, and although he still has a G-tube, we are continuing to work on building safe and confident oral feeding skills.

We always start with high sensory input prior to feeding to help his body feel ready to learn. Today William wore his weighted vest and engaged in calming, organizing input including vibration plate + therapeutic music from Vital Links to support regulation and attention.

We also did gentle body massage and oral-motor input to the outside of his cheeks before moving into Z-Vibe work to help prepare his mouth for feeding success.

🥄 Then we moved into feeding!

We incorporated an acrylic stand mirror during feeding practice to support visual feedback and body awareness while eating. This helped William better understand mouth movements and positioning as we worked on oral control and coordination.

We are also introducing more intentional tongue and oral-motor awareness work, helping William become more comfortable handling food inside his mouth and learning how to use his tongue to move and manage food. We are working on tongue lateralization, positioning food onto the chewing surfaces, progressing from a munching pattern toward rotary chewing, and learning how to gather food together to form a manageable bolus for swallowing. 🤩

💡 OT TIP:
High sensory input before feeding or other challenging tasks can make a big difference. Movement, vibration, deep pressure, therapeutic listening, a metronome, or other calming and organizing input can help prepare the nervous system for participation.

✨ Small supports = big growth ✨

#Explore #PediatricOT #FeedingTherapy #SensoryIntegration #OTTips
FINE MOTOR + HANDWRITING STRATEGIES: A THERAPIST-F FINE MOTOR + HANDWRITING STRATEGIES: A THERAPIST-FRIENDLY GUIDE! ✨✏️

I know how much time therapists spend creating parent handouts, finding pictures, explaining tools, and putting together home programs — so I thought I would start sharing some of mine! 💛

My goal is to create resources that therapists can easily share with families and that parents can actually use at home — one less thing on your plate. 🌈

This guide focuses on the skills that support successful handwriting and everyday fine motor development, including:

🌟 Fine motor skills
🌟 Hand strengthening
🌟 Pencil grasp and pencil control
🌟 Visual motor integration
🌟 Visual perceptual skills
🌟 Bilateral coordination
🌟 Weight-bearing and proprioceptive activities
🌟 Handwriting strategies

You’ll also find some of my favorite tools and simple strategies for home, including different pencil grips, the HandyWriter, weighted writing tools, writing slant boards, adapted scissors, visual guides, spacing tools, and activities to strengthen the entire hand. ✋✏️

One of the biggest things I remind families is that handwriting is about so much more than holding a pencil!

Before we expect a child to sit down and write, we want to look at the foundations: shoulder stability, core strength, hand strength, bilateral coordination, visual attention, visual perception, motor planning, and the ability to coordinate what the eyes see with what the hands are doing.

Sometimes the best “handwriting practice” doesn’t involve a pencil at all. 💪🌈

Think:
✨ Animal walks
✨ Wheelbarrow walking
✨ Crawling
✨ Weight-bearing through open hands
✨ Playdough and resistive activities
✨ Clothespins and tongs
✨ Cutting activities
✨ Vertical surface play
✨ Visual scanning and visual perceptual games

SAVE this guide for your therapy toolbox and SHARE it with a parent, teacher, or therapist who could use a few new fine motor and handwriting ideas! 💾📤

These strategies are meant to provide general ideas and are not a substitute for an individualized occupational therapy evaluation when concerns are impacting a child’s participation or development.

#PediatricOT #FineMotorSkills #Handwriting #VisualMotor #explore
🌈 SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL TOOLBOX FOR PARENTS, TEACHER 🌈 SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL TOOLBOX FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS & THERAPISTS 🌈

Occupational therapy is personal to me. I truly love what I do, I love the children and families I work with, and I want to help as many people as I can. ❤️

After 25 years as an occupational therapist, I’ve learned there isn’t one strategy that works for every child or every moment. That’s why I created this Social-Emotional Handout & Toolbox for parents, teachers, therapists, caregivers, and anyone supporting children.

It’s filled with quick, practical tools you can reach for in the moment—recognizing body signals, emotional regulation, anxiety and worry, frustration and anger, transitions, flexible thinking, friendships, sensory strategies, movement, calming tools, and repairing after a hard moment.

My hope is that you save it, share it, and use it when a child needs a little extra support. Sometimes having the right tool at the right time can make all the difference. 💛

Please reach out anytime with questions, for additional resources, or if you’d like me to become part of your child’s team. Helping children, families, teachers, and fellow therapists is truly why I love what I do. 🌈

#PediatricOT #SocialEmotionalSkills #TeacherTools #TherapyTools #Explore
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