It is so great to meet you!

My name is Teresa Cao, MS, OTR/L.

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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, navigate 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 and listening to the lived experiences of those I serve.

My training transformed how I approach feeding therapy. What may seem like behavioral problems are really complex dependencies between sensorimotor development and the environment that require thorough assessment and responsive intervention. But the clinical piece is only part of it. Understanding the caregivers and their family as a whole, their environment, their cultural context, and what kind of support they're actually looking for matters just as much. Meeting them where they're at, listening before problem-solving, and honoring what they want for their child and their family life is what makes the work meaningful.

Following my fellowship, I started my private practice in Oregon to work with families and young children experiencing feeding difficulties, sensory processing challenges, and developmental disabilities. Now, 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

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certificate in ayres sensory integration badge
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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

SOS Approach to Feeding by Dr. Kay Toomey

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