Our Approach

At Amy Zier & Associates, everything we do is centered on the entire person. Since 1997, we have become one of the leading therapy specialty clinics focused on treating children with sensory integration disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, and learning and emotional challenges in the Chicagoland area. Every child is unique, and we design and develop an individualized program for each child. Through the DIR® relationship-based approach and Sensory Integration approach, children can build the foundation for critical developmental areas that directly impact learning concepts, building self-esteem, initiating problem-solving, resolving peer conflict and building relationships – with lasting impact.

Development and socio-emotional needs do not end in childhood. Our team of multi-disciplinary therapists and mental health professionals support children, parents, teens, families, and adults. We work together to personalize an approach that best suits your individual needs.

Relationship-Based Developmental Approach

At Amy Zier & Associates, we use an approach built on the belief that development occurs within the context of relationship. From the point of the parent-child relationship, the child develops the capacity to self-regulate, share attention, be reciprocal, explore and learn. Because of this, we encourage parents to take an active role. In addition, we follow a methodology that focuses on sensory integration and the brain – understanding how individual children process and respond to sensory information and how they use their bodies to successfully interact with the environment and people.

Through observation and assessment, we are able to identify the unique challenges and strengths of your child as they relate to the ability to process sensory information received through the senses – sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, position and movement of the body and the ability to recognize the force of gravity, head movement and balance.

Through the DIR® relationship-based approach and sensory integration approach, we are then able to build the relationships necessary between the child and the parent, the therapist and the parent, the child and the therapist and other key caregivers to build the foundation your child needs for emotional, sensory, motor, language and cognitive development to grow socially, emotionally and intellectually – with lasting impact.

Highly Specialized and Knowledgeable Therapists

Representing many of the very best and brightest individuals our profession has to offer, the therapists at Amy Zier & Associates are not only experienced in pediatric therapy but continue to strengthen their knowledge and skills through continuing educational experiences.

Our occupational therapists receive extensive training and supervision from senior practitioners and faculty from the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL) and Profectum. They are not only keenly focused on their patients, but also active partners with parents to ensure the best possible progress.

Unique Spaces

Therapy is most effective when clients feel comfortable and safe. The Amy Zier & Associates locations feel more like home than a typical healthcare setting. We designed every inch to maximize the potential for progress and achievement through the therapy we provide.

Interdisciplinary Input

Amy Zier & Associates understand that the effectiveness of our programs and services depends on our ability to make them part of your child’s life.

Because of this, we spend a lot of time getting out into the community and getting to know your child’s world and the teachers, caregivers, and others who are part of it. We work with professionals in disciplines such as nutrition, psychology, ophthalmology, optometry and others to strengthen the therapy, support and resources we are able to provide.