In-home pediatric occupational therapy in Austin
Everyday skills, meaningful growth.
I bring occupational therapy to your child at home and at school, where the hard moments actually happen, and coach your family so progress carries through the whole week.
Free and no obligation.
Alissa Ruder, OT, MOT- Licensed occupational therapist
- Ages 4 to 16
- One therapist, every session
Does this sound familiar?
Most families reach out after months of small struggles that add up. If a few of these ring true, a quick call can help you decide whether OT is the right next step.
Tap the ones that ring true. I’ll add them to your request form below.
The Meaningful Motion approach
Skills learned where they’re used.
In a clinic, a child can master a skill on Tuesday and never use it at home. Therapists call that gap carryover, and it’s where a lot of progress quietly stalls.
So I work where your child’s life actually happens: at your kitchen table, in their bedroom, in their classroom and on the playground down the street. Every skill is practiced in the place it’s needed.
Their world is the therapy room.
Real routines, real materials, real distractions. We practice in the exact places your child needs these skills, so there’s less to translate from session to everyday life.
Your family is part of the plan.
You’ll see what we work on and leave every visit with a few simple things to try, so the hour we spend together keeps going all week.
One therapist, every session.
No rotating staff and no waiting rooms. Your child builds trust with one person who knows them well, and you always know who to call.
Wherever your child’s day happens.
At home.
Morning routines, mealtimes, homework and play, in the space your child knows best.
At school.
In the classroom or on the playground, when your child’s school welcomes it.
Out and about.
Parks, playgrounds and community spaces, for the skills that show up beyond the front door.
“The goal was never a good hour in a therapy room. It’s an easier morning, a calmer bedtime, a kid who feels capable at school. That’s why I come to you.”
What we work on
Occupational therapy builds the skills behind everyday independence. Here’s where I can help.
Sensory processing and regulation
Feeling comfortable in their body and calm in a busy world.
Fine motor skills
Stronger, steadier hands for buttons, scissors, utensils and play.
Handwriting and visual-motor skills
Clear, comfortable writing and the eye-hand coordination behind it.
Gross motor and coordination
Balance, strength and confidence for the playground, PE and sports.
Executive functioning
Getting started, staying organized and moving smoothly between tasks.
Daily living skills
Dressing, grooming and self-care routines that build real independence.
Play and social participation
The confidence to join in, take turns and connect with other kids.
Emotional regulation and coping
Understanding big feelings and having real tools to handle them.
How we get started
Book a free 20-minute callStep 1: A free 20-minute call
Tell me what you’re seeing. I’ll ask a few questions, and together we’ll decide whether OT is the right next step.
Step 2: An evaluation at home
I assess your child in a familiar setting, so I see how they really move, play and cope day to day. You’ll get clear goals in plain language.
Step 3: Sessions built around real life
45 to 60 minutes, once or twice a week, at home or at school, focused on the goals that matter most to your family.
Step 4: Coaching between visits
Simple, specific strategies for you and the other adults in your child’s day.
Step 5: Regular check-ins
We review goals together and adjust as your child grows, so you always know where things stand.
Meet your therapist
Hi, I’m Alissa.
I knew I wanted to be an occupational therapist when I was thirteen. By fourteen I was spending my summers working with children with disabilities and assisting OTs at summer camps, and I never looked back.
As a licensed OT, I’ve worked with children and families in homes, schools and hospitals. Each setting taught me something, and together they taught me this: the real work happens in a child’s everyday life. I started Meaningful Motion to bring therapy there, with the time and continuity families deserve.
My training spans psychology, kinesiology and occupational therapy, so I look at the whole child: how they move, how they feel, and how they get through their day.
- Working alongside kids since age 14
- Home health, school and hospital experience
- Master of Occupational Therapy, Eastern Michigan University
- B.S. in Kinesiology
- Licensed occupational therapist in Texas
Common questions
Meaningful Motion is private pay. I’m happy to talk through rates and scheduling on our free call.
Hands-on and built around play. We might practice buttons while getting dressed, work on handwriting at the homework table, or use movement games that help your child feel calm and ready to focus. You’re welcome to join in, and I’ll show you what to keep practicing during the week.
If daily routines, schoolwork or big feelings are getting harder instead of easier, it’s worth a conversation. That’s exactly what the free call is for, and if OT isn’t the right fit, I’ll tell you.
Mostly in your home, and at school or out in the community when it helps. Schools need to approve visits, and I’m glad to help with that conversation.
Mostly children 4 to 16. If your child is younger or older, reach out and we’ll talk.
Sessions run 45 to 60 minutes, usually once or twice a week, depending on your child’s goals.
Families across the Austin area. Not sure if you’re in range? Just ask.
Let’s talk about your child.
Tell me a little about what’s going on, and I’ll be in touch to set up your free 20-minute call.
Prefer email? alissa@meaningfulmotiontherapy.com
Request sent.
Thank you. I’ll be in touch soon to set up your free call.