Amanda Padilla, MOT, OTRL

Occupational Therapist

Ann Arbor & Online

Hello, I’m Amanda Padilla, an occupational therapist with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Eastern Michigan University. I am passionate about neurodiverse-affirming and respectful approaches to therapy. My goal is to establish meaningful connections with my clients and their families, ensuring an inclusive and personalized therapy experience. 

I value a collaborative approach to care. I encourage and guide parents and caregivers to be a part of the therapeutic process. Additionally, I utilize Mala’s talented multidisciplinary team, collaborating with occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and educators. 

I have experience working with children and adolescents in both outpatient and school based settings, focusing on sensory integration and feeding therapy. I have certified training in the SOS Approach to Feeding and Beckman Oral Motor programs. I aim to provide a nurturing environment for my clients to feel safe, understood, and have fun while engaging in new skills, exploring their sensory needs, and learning about new foods. I utilize a child led, play based, and sensory enriched approach to therapy, working to help my clients feel empowered and embrace their own unique strengths. Additionally, I enjoy parent education/training and am passionate in addressing areas of need in fine motor, praxis, motor coordination, executive functioning, visual motor, and daily living skills.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and husband, taking our dogs on walks, spending time with friends, cheering on the Lions, and enjoying time on the lake. 

Enroll in care with Amanda

  • Masters of Occupational Therapy - Eastern Michigan University

    1. Neurodiversity-Affirming and Respectful Therapy Approaches: Focuses on embracing and supporting neurodiverse individuals' unique strengths.

    2. Child-Led, Play-Based Therapy: Uses play as a medium for skill development and therapeutic engagement.

    3. Sensory Integration Therapy: Helps clients understand and regulate their sensory needs.

    4. Feeding Therapy

      • SOS Approach to Feeding (Certified): A structured, play-based approach that addresses the sensory, oral-motor, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional aspects of feeding.

      • Beckman Oral Motor Program (Certified): Focuses on improving oral motor skills for better feeding and speech.

    5. Fine Motor Skill Development: Targets hand strength, dexterity, and coordination to enhance daily function.

    6. Praxis and Motor Coordination Training: Supports body awareness, motor planning, and coordinated movement.

    7. Executive Functioning Support: Helps with planning, organization, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

    8. Visual Motor Integration: Enhances hand-eye coordination necessary for activities like writing and sports.

    9. Daily Living Skills (ADLs and IADLs): Focuses on practical tasks such as dressing, grooming, and meal preparation.

    10. Parent Education and Training: Guides caregivers to support their child’s progress outside therapy sessions.

    11. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works closely with psychologists, social workers, counselors, educators, and other occupational therapists to provide comprehensive care.

    12. Sensory-Enriched Therapy Environment: Creates a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore and engage in sensory experiences.

    1. Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Feeding and Eating Disorders in Children, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)/Dyspraxia, Fine Motor Skill Delays, Visual Motor Integration Deficits, Executive Functioning Challenges, Delayed Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Oral Motor Delays and Disorders, Global Developmental Delays, Anxiety-Related Sensory and Feeding Issues.

  • Ann Arbor & Remote

Get to know Amanda

  • Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded." – Jess Lair

  • Temple Grandin – for her advocacy in neurodiversity, focus on sensory experiences, and commitment to helping others understand and embrace different ways of thinking.