Autism & UF: Conference 2025
July 25 – July 26 Autism &UF: Conference 2025 This FREE two-day conference will consist of sessions focused on supporting students with autism and related disabilities in the classroom on…
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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).
For children with communication disorders, a UF group offers promise
UF Health Rehab Helps Students with Communication Difficulties With a weekly communication group, persons living with communication difficulties can use augmentative and alternative communication devices to engage with others.
Stomp the Swamp 2025
Event Details Date/Time/Location Saturday, March 29, 20259:30am – 11:30am; Registration opens at 8:30amBen Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL Registration: Open Soon- Stay Tuned Event Description The 16th Annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism Acceptance and Awareness hosted by the UF CARD Constituency Board will be…
Constipation in the Autistic Pediatric Population
Written by Evette D’Avy Reed, PT In a study published by the World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics in 2021, it is stated that one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions noted in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is chronic constipation. Constipation is defined by the CDC as a condition…
New Resources Added
Handouts for Easy Access UF Health CAN has uploaded some comprehensive resources and handouts for persons living with ASD, including exercise tips, applying to college, employment tips and more.
5 Ways to Promote Exercise in Children with Autism
Written by: Madelyn Debski and Donna Wolcott, PT Exercise is the basis of a healthy lifestyle for children as it increases bone strength, maintains a healthy metabolism, and aids cardiovascular fitness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children and adolescents should have at least 60 minutes of physical…
2024 Autism and UF Conference
The Autism & UF Conference is an annual conference aimed at providing high quality professional development to a variety of professionals, including educators, researchers, mental health counselors, psychologists, occupational, physical, and speech therapists, physicians, and caregivers involved in the lives of individuals with ASD. This event will consist of two…
Call for Artists & Performers
Are you a CARD Constituent who wants to showcase your talents? Then join UF CARD for…Celebrating Autism in the Arts!Saturday, June 29, 20241 p.m. – 3 p.m.at theStraughn IFAS Extension Professional Development Center2142 Shealy Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608Open to artists &…
Addressing Feeding Disorders with Cultural Compassion
UF Health Psychology Addressing Feeding Disorders with Cultural Compassion Vivian Ibañez, M.D. with the Florida Autism Center and UF Health CAN specializes in navigating the complex challenges faced by families…
