Thinking Zebras
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
About Thinking Zebras
Welcome to Thinking Zebras !!
My name is Smita Prakash, the founder of Thinking Zebras. I am an Occupational therapist, a mom of 2 very smart girls and a very energetic dog, a runner, and a yoga enthusiast. Of all of my roles, my most favorite is being an OT. It gives me reasons to be passionate and pushes me to do more.
I am a Senior Occupational Therapist working in a school in New York City, where I work with children ages 4 and up. I am also a New York State Early Intervention evaluator and a provider for children ages birth -to- 3years. I have also worked and led a team of therapists at an international school in Singapore, where we had to relocate for a few years because of my husband’s job. In my role as a lead therapist in an international setting, I not only had a chance to collaborate and work with therapists from different countries, but it also allowed me to understand the cultural nuances of families of children with special needs. Before working in a school setting, I worked at a children's hospital in New York City, where I had an opportunity to provide rehabilitative care to children with very complex medical conditions.
TRAINING FOR A
HALF MARATHON!
In medical schools, many doctors learn the saying, “When you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras”, and are taught to focus on the likeliest possibilities when making a diagnosis, not the unusual ones. At “Thinking Zebras” (TZ) we think differently. We look at the unique abilities of each child, their strengths and differences. Our approach lies in finding those unique strengths in each child to help them cope. In doing so, our aim is to spread awareness about their disability, shift the mindset from tolerance to acceptance, and create a new culture of looking at children with disabilities through the lens of strength. Nothing gives us more joy than working with children and empowering them.
MEET GINGER
My Happy Furry!
On this website, you'll find information on identifying and supporting various skills in children with diverse abilities. While the activities are designed to aid children who may be struggling, they are beneficial for all children. I will share simple, enjoyable activities you can do with your child at home to enhance their abilities. My goal is to demystify the therapy process by sharing activities that parents can do at home with their child. Whether they're waiting to find a therapist or seeking ways to promote specific skills. ​
YOGA WITH GINGER
​​​​
Thank you for visiting Thinking Zebras. I hope you find it helpful.​
Warm Regards From my family to Yours
Smita
MY TEAM
That loves Traveling
All smiles at a dinner in Portugal
I hope you enjoy this information as much as I do. Each child's challenges are unique, so please assess your child's abilities and adapt the activities as needed, always prioritizing their safety. These activities are not medical advice. If you have any doubts, please consult your child's pediatrician or an occupational therapist.