OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY THAT

REIMAGINES POSSIBILITIES

FOR SAN FRANCISCO FAMILIES

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Mother and child hiking along a forest trail beneath sunbeams
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THE EVAN & CO. APPROACH

NEURODIVERSITY AFFIRMING

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Honoring and working with your child’s brain

CONNECTION FOCUSED

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Meaningful and authentic connection to your family

FUNCTION FIRST

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Support for what really matters in your day-to-day

Services

Young child in a pink shirt playing with a sensory box at a table.
Child exploring a rustic stick shelter in a sunlit forest
San Francisco cable cars traveling along Powell Street with pedestrians, historic buildings, and American flags.

ASHLYN SOUTHARD OTR/L

Ashlyn Southard hiking in a floral cap kneels on a wooded trail enjoys exploring nature while holding a large banana slug in San Francisco Bay Area.
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Hi, I'm Ashlyn! I'm a pediatric occupational therapist who supports families in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have a passion for helping children and families discover what's possible.

My approach is rooted in connection, curiosity, and a deep belief that every child deserves to feel understood. Through a child-led, neurodiversity affirming lens, I help children and families build meaningful skills.

I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work, shaping the way I connect with families and understand the challenges you face. My dream is to help families find the confidence to never let disability, or any challenge, hold them back from achieving their desires or living meaningfully.

Ashlyn Southard is trained to support Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), trained in Authentic AAC, a neurodiversity affirming approach to supporting functional communication.
Ashlyn Southard is a nature based pediatric occupational therapy certified in the ConTiGo Approach.
Ashlyn Southard has advanced training in providing nature based occupational therapy for children.
Ashlyn Southard has advanced training in providing nature based occupational therapy for children.
Ashlyn Southard has advanced training in the AEIOU approach, an integrated approach to pediatric feeding.

SUPPORT INSPIRED BY FAMILY

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My journey with occupational therapy began when I was just five years old, after my younger brother Evan was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome.

Growing up alongside my siblings, I learned the importance of connection, adaptation, and finding joy in everyday moments. I also experienced firsthand the challenges families with disabilities face while navigating a world that isn't always built with them in mind.

Those experiences shaped not only who I am, but the occupational therapist I've become. Today, I'm passionate about helping children and families discover new possibilities, build confidence, and move toward things that may have once felt out of reach.

I named my practice after my brother who taught me so much about what it means to live a meaningful life. Without him and my incredible siblings, I wouldn't be the person or therapist I am today.

Wherever you and your child are on your journey, I'm cheering you on and honored to be part of your team.

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Ashlyn Southard reading to her brother Evan when they were kids
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HEAR FROM THE FAMILIES I’VE WORKED WITH

“She is very attuned to what our son needs, and thoughtful, creative, and responsive in helping us figure out strategies that will work for him.”
— Happy Family
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“Amazing! 🤩 Life changing in many ways.”
— Supriya B.
“When we were matched with Ashlyn I immediately noticed her attentiveness and her ability to make a personal connection with my son. She shared how we could continue our son’s growth at the end of our sessions and our son absolutely loved her.”
— Happy Family
“Ashlyn’s warm, playful, and thoughtful approach has created a special connection with our son. His excitement for “Ashlyn days” is palpable.”
— Happy Family
“In just a few months, we’ve witnessed a noticeable improvement in our son’s regulation capabilities. ”
— Happy Family
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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