Welcome!
I am a longtime pediatric OT practitioner with a passion for interoception and executive function. If you’re looking for strengths-based ideas to help connect the brain and body, you’re in the right place! I’m a lifelong learner who loves evidence, integrating a child’s strengths into therapy, and sharing my knowledge with others through authorships, live presentations, mentorships, and courses.
INTRODUCING THE
Train Model of Executive Function.
During my doctoral work on autism and executive function, I realized how important overall regulation and thinking skills are to the play and learning of children. Research showed that we needed a framework to guide our assessment and interventions in this critical area. So, I created the Train Model.
Anyone can use the Train Model! It uses the metaphor of a train system and integrates the most recent evidence with our occupational therapy practice framework.
Using a child’s strengths, valuing neurodiversity, and meeting kids where they are, the Train Model provides a visual describing the complex interplay between thinking and doing skills. It provides strategies to boost theory of mind, interoception, metacognition, time management, and regulation that can be built into any setting!
Cara’s Books
Throughout her career, Cara Koscinski has written multiple books to guide OT practitioners, educators, and caregivers.
Executive Function Using the Train Model
Executive function skills develop soon after birth and continually build until a child’s mid-20s. This book will change everything you know about executive function and using a child’s STRENGTHS to support thinking and doing skills. Regulation affects a child’s ability to plan, organize, manage time, and access higher-level brain function. In this upcoming book, learn the relationship between a train, the environment, a child’s strengths, theory of mind, and interoceptive awareness.
COMING SOON
The Parent’s Guide to Occupational Therapy for Autism & Special Needs
This handy book is perfect for new pediatric OT clinicians. It is categorized by skill and each contains activities to work on the skill that can be used immediately in your practice. Sensory, handwriting, toileting, motor skills, feeding and so much more! Award-winning book
Interoception: How I Feel, Sensing My World from the Inside Out
Interoception is what makes you, you, and me, me. It is important to feel comfortable and regulated when learning new skills. If you’re feeling hungry, your emotions feel ‘off’. Regulating emotions knowing when to eat, drink, go to the toilet, feeling pain, your breathing, and heart rate all depend on our internal awareness.
Special Needs SCHOOL Survival Guide
Navigating the school system can be daunting. Learn how an IEP, 504 plan, accommodations, modifications, and more can help increase children’s learning. Contains hundreds of tips and easy-to-implement ideas.
Sensorimotor Interventions
Children often struggle with fidgeting, decreased attention, and immature motor patterns, manifesting through frustration and behavior issues. Difficulties in many areas occur when our body’s systems are not integrated to form a strong foundation. This book contains a quick checklist to assess critical areas and tons of fun ideas to connect movement, vision, and strengthening of core muscles that kids will love and that you can use immediately after reading!
My Mighty MITO - for Kids with Mitochondrial Disorder
This is the perfect book for your child! It has colorful and fun illustrations. Mitochondrial disease affects people of all ages. Often, children benefit from books that explain symptoms and feelings in clear wording and bright photos. 'My Mighty Mito' has space for your child to personalize the book in the front as well as room for your child to write his/her own feelings and symptoms to help them know that other children go through similar experiences and that they are not alone.
The Weighted Blanket Guide
All your questions about weighted blankets are answered in this book.
Cara is a passionate and engaging presenter who loves working with groups of clinicians and educators.
Why Learn From Cara?
UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
Cara is the caregiver for her adult autistic son. She has the unique perspective of both a therapist and a mother. Cara passionately advocates for her students and families.
MENTOR & EDUCATOR
Cara loves mentoring future OT practitioners and has led Clinical Applications in Pediatrics courses at the MOT and OTD levels. If you’re seeking a capstone mentor, contact Cara!
AUTISM SPECIALIST
Working with autistic individuals is Cara’s passion. It’s important to find the person-environment fit! Cara’s doctoral work focused on autism, and she earned status as a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) by the International Board of Credentialing.
