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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).

Tourette Support Group Cookie Decorating Party

Thank you for another successful party and time for peer (and parent) engagement.   If you would like more information on how to get involved in our Gainesville/Lake City Support Group, please contact Heather Simpson.

Sleep Strategies for Parkinson’s Disease

Sleep is critical part to physical, psychological, cognitive & emotional health. With a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, sleep patterns can be largely affected and create difficulties with any of the following: Time it takes to fall asleep Difficulty staying asleep Sleep quality Need to get up frequently to utilize…

Tourette Syndrome and Dating

Getting older with Tourette Syndrome can be challenging in many aspects, including the impact that tics can have on social interactions. Dating and meeting other people can be extremely stressful in general, but to those with tic disorders, can be particularly hard. When it comes time for dating,…

Visual Changes and Parkinson’s Disease

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) difficulties related to the eyes and vision often progress alongside other PD symptoms. Some vision difficulties are related to changes in the movement of the eyeball. These are motor symptoms, similar to other motor symptoms that are caused by loss of…

Back To School Tips for Tourette Syndrome

It’s that time of the year to get back to school. It can be difficult for children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and the comorbid conditions to handle transitions and changes in their daily life, and transitioning back to school can be particularly hard. It is important to starting planning ahead…

Anger Outbursts and Tourette Syndrome

Children and adults with Tourette Syndrome can experience a phenomenon called “Rage Attacks” in which the person has an unexplained outburst of uncontrollable rage or anger. These “attacks” are typically not goal directed and do not seem purposeful or tantrum like. These periods of rage are more common at home…

How to Increase Awareness of TS in your Community

May 15-June 15 2015 is national Tourette Awareness Month.  Many clinics and counties are prompting awareness of Tourette Syndrome across the county.  If you are looking for ways to increase awareness in community, explore the following options. Join or create a Tourette Association of America support group Join the…

Social Concerns Related to Tourette Syndrome

Occasionally children with Tourette Syndrome can demonstrate difficulties with peer and adult social relationships. Having appropriate social skills is an important part of development, peer relations and school success. Many times, children with poor social skills can be extremely bright, but are limited in school because of their delayed social…

Tremor Management for Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremors

Tremors are involuntary abnormal movements that make the affected parts of the body look like it is trembling or shaking. Some tremors can be rhythmic, some can be intermittent. Some tremors can appear at rest, and some can appear only during functional tasks. Tremors can come in many different patterns…

Benefits of Rehab Services for Management of Tourette Syndrome

Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapy services are skilled trained professionals that assist in the rehab process of various conditions throughout one’s lifespan. Rehab services are widely and commonly utilized for management of orthopedic conditions such as pain, broken bones or developmental delays in various forms. Occupational Therapy is now becoming…