Sarah Julia Shahparast, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Summit, NJ
Families in Summit and nearby communities turn to Sarah Julia OT for warm, evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy that supports sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor development, handwriting skills, and confidence at home and in school.
Our team specializes in working with neurodivergent children, including autistic, ADHD, and sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant learners. We use a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach that celebrates each child’s individuality and supports them in meaningful and practical ways. Whether your child is struggling with participation at school, emotional regulation, handwriting, fine motor skills, or sensory challenges, we partner with you to build the skills they need to thrive.
Why Families Choose Sarah Julia OT​
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Many families reach out us looking for:
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A more personalized, high-touch OT experience
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An OT who understands neurodivergent learning profiles
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Support that easily transitions between home and school
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A therapist who collaborates directly with teachers
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Practical strategies they can use immediately
We believe that occupational therapy should feel safe, playful, and empowering—not clinical or overwhelming. Every session is built around your child’s interests and strengths to maximize engagement and meaningful progress.
We Provide In-Home & School-Based OT
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Children learn and regulate best in the environments where they spend the most time. That’s why we provide both in-home and school-based occupational therapy. Working directly in a child’s natural routines allows therapy to support real moments throughout the day, including morning transitions, meals, play, homework, and bedtime. We also collaborate with teachers and providers to strengthen classroom participation, handwriting, attention, and emotional regulation. When therapy supports both home and school, children make faster and more meaningful progress.
Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation
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Many children benefit from support with sensory processing and emotional regulation. Some seek constant movement, while others are easily overwhelmed by sound, touch, or visual input. Through sensory-rich play, movement activities, calming strategies, and body awareness work, we help children develop the tools they need to stay regulated, participate more fully, and feel confident in everyday routines.
Handwriting, Fine Motor, and School-Readiness Skills
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We support children with fine motor development, pencil grasp, cutting skills, handwriting, letter formation, coloring, drawing, and visual-motor integration. Therapy is engaging and play-based, helping children build the strength, coordination, and confidence needed for school-related tasks. We also support early executive functioning, attention, and organization to help children succeed in busy classroom environments.
Autism and ADHD Support
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Our team specializes in supporting autistic and ADHD children using a child-led, neurodiversity-affirming approach. We focus on emotional regulation, communication through play, flexible thinking, frustration tolerance, sensory processing, and daily living skills. Therapy celebrates each child’s strengths and supports them in developing meaningful and functional skills in ways that feel safe and empowering.
Serving Children and Families Across Union and Essex Counties in NJ
We proudly support families across Union and Essex Counties, including the towns of Summit, Chatham, Millburn, Short Hills, Madison, Westfield, Livingston and Florham Park. Whether your child needs help with sensory processing, handwriting, emotional regulation, or school readiness, we bring therapy directly to the environments where children learn and thrive.
Please Don't Hesitate to Reach Out​ with Any Questions
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If you are noticing challenges with sensory processing, emotional regulation, handwriting, fine motor skills, or participation at school, we are here to help. We work closely with families to build meaningful and lasting skills through a warm and child-centered approach. Please reach out anytime. Our team is here to support your child.