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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).

What is Sensory Integration Dysfunction related to Tourette Syndrome

“Sensory integration theory proposes that sensory integration is a neurobiological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment.”  (1)   Children with Tourette Syndrome can demonstrate signs of Sensory Integration Dysfunction related to poor…

Tablet/iPad Apps for People with Parkinson’s Disease

Using your tablet or other mobile device can be a great resource for compensatory strategies and training at home.  There are thousands of applications (apps) that you can find by searching on your device, so here are some tips to find some particularly helpful ones. Look for apps that keep…

Techniques to Improve Sleep Patterns of Children with Tourette Syndrome

Children who suffer from Tourette Syndrome can have a high likely-hood of having difficulty falling asleep at night.  This can be due to the comorbid condition of Sensory Integration Dysfunction.  Listed below are several strategies to explore at night to assist with the sleeping process.  Before completing any of the…

Strategies for School Success with Tourette’s/Tics

The start of the school year can be a stressful time for any student, but for children with Tourette’s or Tics, it can be particularly difficult.  Social anxiety, stress of testing and the business of school activities can create havoc for a child with tics.  During this time, you might…

Apathy and Parkinson’s Disease

One of the biggest non-motor complaints for Parkinson’s patients is a decline in motivation to participate in daily activities.  If it is taking every effort to get off your couch or out of your bed to engage in desired activities, you may be experiencing a very common symptom of Parkinson’s…

Tourette Syndrome Latest Treatment Research

Occupational therapists are one of the most recent rehab services to start treatment for children and adults with Tourette Disorder.   In 2013, Occupational Therapist, Jan Rowe, released a research study on the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention of Tics/Tourette (CBIT).  You can find the promising research results at:…

Stress Management Related to Parkinson’s Disease

Stress can have a large influence on PD symptoms such as tremors, rigidity and balance difficulties. It is important to manage your stress during your daily activities in order to ensure most function and safety.  Listed below are several simple strategies on quick ways to manage your stress: Deep Breathing…

Now offering a non-drug treatment for Tics/Tourette’s

Traditionally, Tourette’s Syndrome/Tics have been treated effectively with medication.  Currently, there is a relatively new non-drug treatment that is creating a stir in the Tourette’s rehab world that is used in conjuction with medication.  This program is known as Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). This program is available for…

Fine Motor Coordination Activities for Patients with Parkinson’s

People with Parkinson’s Disease can see limitations in fine motor coordination which can lead to difficulties with manipulating items such as buttons, makeup and small items around the house.  There are several activities at home that you can do to maintain and increase coordination in your hands, as listed below:…

Tips and Strategies for Manipulating Buttons and Zippers

Explore adaptive device Button Hooks with zipper pulls Attach rings to the ends of the zipper to increase size of zipper Use velcro on the inside of your clothing instead of buttons Try adaptive strategies Leave shirt buttoned to pull on and off Wear clothing with elastic waist bands versus…