Avatar

All Posts by

Heather Simpson, OTR/L

Heather Simpson graduated with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Early Education from the University of Florida in 2007. Following her Bachelor’s degree, Heather received a Master’s in Occupational Therapy, in 2009, from the University of Florida. Since completion of graduate school, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient neurology, inpatient physical rehabilitation and pediatric rehab. Currently, Heather splits her time between Shands Rehab at UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration and Shands Rehab for Kids at Magnolia Parke.
Heather provides occupational therapy evaluations and treatment for patients seen in the Ataxia clinic and Muscular Dystrophy clinics. She also evaluates and treats a variety of other movement disorders diagnoses including Parkinson’s, Parkinsonisms, Dystonia, Essential Tremor and Tics/Tourette’s Syndrome.
Heather has received specialized training for LSVT BIG ® and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).

TAA Virtual Conference 2020

May 15 & May 16, 2020 2020 Virtual Conference – FREE The Tourette Association of America is excited to launch their Inaugural Virtual Conference on May 15 & 16. This…

Tourette Syndrome and COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted our daily lives in all domains, including socially, medically, educationally, and economically. Children and adults living with tic disorders…

Strengths of Tourette Syndrome

This Valentine’s Day is a great time to teach children living with Tourette syndrome some self-love, but focusing on the positive strengths that are associated with the condition. Children living with Tourette syndrome (TS) or a Tic Disorder (TD) often face many challenges, often in multiple…

Ringing in 2020 with Tourette Syndrome

With 2019 coming to an end and the holiday season wrapping up, we look forward to the New Year of 2020 right around the corner. Traditionally during this time, many individuals and families create a New Year’s Resolutions to ring in the New Year…

Managing the Holiday Time with Tourette Syndrome

As this time of year approaches, and the shopping, time spent with family, and the extra days off of school or work, it is an exciting time of the year. However, research has shown that this might be a particularly stressful time for both children and adults with Tourette Syndrome(TS)…

Bullying Prevention & Tourette Syndrome

As in any diagnosis that would set a child apart from their classmate, having a tic or Tourette disorder can, unfortunately, make your child a target for bullying. While that increases the likelihood, unfortunately, bullying can happen to children of all shapes, sizes, and personalities.  Even more complicated, bullying can…

Living with Parkinson’s Disease…One Breath at a Time

By: Zachary BB Pindar, OTS Rigid joints, achy backs, tremoring fingers… health professionals typically ask individuals with Parkinson’s disease an endless list of questions concerning motor troubles. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what an individual with the disease typically experiences. Under the condition’s observable surface…

#OCDweek for OCD Awareness and Advocacy

Sunday, October 8-October 14, 2017 is the International OCD Foundation Awareness Week. This week is dedicated to promoting unity, awareness, and support for those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders. This week is recognized nationally and promoted within each Center of Excellence. Here…

Back to School with Tourette Syndrome

The summer is winding down, back-to-school shopping is inevitable and parent-teacher conferences are right around the corner. With the laid-back atmosphere of the summer, it can be difficult for children with Tourette syndrome (TS), as well as their parents to get transition back to the structured setting of school. When…

Research Breakthrough on Genetics and TS

In June of 2017, researchers have located highly genetic risk indicators for Tourette syndrome (TS). A study, funded by the Tourette Association of America (TAA), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), was completed which analyzed…