It is so great to meet you!
My name is Teresa Cao, MS, OTR/L.
I believe in empowering children by respecting their choices, communication styles, and body language. Therapy happens in a kind, safe environment that supports their growth toward independence and self-advocacy, not compliance.
My therapeutic approach focuses on understanding and integrating sensory systems to promote regulation before setting expectations. Your child's nervous system must be in a state that supports exploration before we can expect them to try new foods, tolerate challenging textures, or participate in family meals.
Together, we can create an environment where therapy feels natural and progress unfolds with your child's readiness and intrinsic motivation.
I am a Vietnamese American pediatric occupational therapist specializing in feeding therapy and sensory processing for young children.
I started my occupational therapy career working in a sensory integration clinic in California, where I received my certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration®. This foundation shaped how I understand developmental disabilities, neurodiversity, and the sensory-motor systems that support all learning and participation.
After several years practicing in California, I moved to Oregon to pursue a competitive pediatric fellowship at OHSU's Doernbecher Children's Hospital through the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program. During my fellowship, I completed clinical rotations in feeding, autism, neurodevelopment, early intervention, and NICU care. The LEND program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, neurodiversity-affirming care, and improving outcomes for infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities through evidence-based practice.
This training transformed how I approach feeding therapy. I learned to see feeding challenges not as behavioral problems, but as complex sensory-motor-developmental puzzles that require comprehensive assessment and responsive intervention.
Following my fellowship, I opened my private practice to work with families and young children experiencing feeding difficulties, sensory processing challenges, and developmental disabilities. I'm bringing this specialized expertise to Orange County families who deserve access to individualized feeding therapy.
Beyond direct clinical work, I'm passionate about mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists. I support pre-OT students and new graduates in discovering their paths within the profession, and I've published resources including "The Backbones to Becoming a Clinical Occupational Therapist," a fieldwork survival guide for OT students.
Outside of work, I spend time with my family, hike with my corgi, explore new coffee and ice cream shops, and always have a book in progress!
My Education and Training
CREDENTIALS
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
CLASI Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration®
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship
Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding: The Essentials by Catherine Shaker
Advanced Infant / Pediatric Dysphagia by Catherine Shaker
Neurobiology of Dysphagia by Feeders and Growers
Teaching Kids to Eat: Using Baby Led Weaning for Enhanced Feeding Outcomes by Feeders and Growers
Introduction to Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy by the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Ayres Sensory Integration®: Application & Individualization for ASD
EDUCATION
University of California, Los Angeles: Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology and Child Development
California State University, Dominguez Hills: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy