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In-person OT
OT Evaluations
Virtual Services
Sensory Gym Design
Custom Equipment
Clinical Supervision
International Intensives
My name is Markus Jarrow and I’m a Brooklyn-based pediatric occupational therapist specializing in Sensory Integration (SI), Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), and DIR/Floortime. Over two decades of diving deep into these treatment models, I began to see how well they complement each other to support all aspects of a child’s development. Along the way, they merged organically - with a unique twist or two of my own - into what is now the Ground upP™ approach.
That same approach drives every sensory gym I design. Each climbing wall, inclined ramp and swing point is there for a clinical reason - to support sequencing, motor planning and because it’s ridiculously fun.
I believe in empowering neurodivergent children through a robust and respectful bottom-up approach
What sets the Ground upP™ approach apart from top-down, skill-based methodologies? It’s simple. It goes beyond symptoms and behaviors to address a child’s core sensory, motor, and social-emotional challenges. By supporting the whole child and embracing their strengths and passions within a dynamic relationship, it empowers kids to adapt, generalize, and thrive no matter what life throws their way.
“Any family or therapist that has the opportunity to work with Markus has signed up for a masterclass in OT.”
As a clinician, Markus is truly world-class. His treatment style is focused, methodical and intense, yet equally full of joy, creativity, movement and play. Markus is an expert in sensory processing, motor systems, and DIR/Floortime, at a level that leaves an indelible impact on the treatment outcome of every child and family he works with. - Sandy Song OTR/L
Beautiful trunk extension without the compensatory shoulder hike we often see. This is a variation of one of my favorite activities for trunk strength and overall regulation and organization. Prone work against gravity is tough, but vestibular activation and pure fun help the child rise to the challenge.
The Lycra layers stay stored neatly on wall hooks and then set up quickly for endless bouncing, balancing, wiggly climbing, and body-awareness play. For a whole new experience, cross the monkey bars and drop down into the Lycra sheets. Want an extra challenge? Try climbing the Lycra back up to the monkey bars!
A ‘Brooklyn, by Night’ themed sensory gym seamlessly integrated into the heart of a family’s living space. The climbing wall, ramp and platform became architectural features connecting the kitchen and den. Every detail was designed to blur the line between therapy, architecture, and imaginative play, creating a space that feels as much like part of the home as it does a place for movement and exploration.
The Humpty Bumps Buzz Machine in all its glory. I designed it for a brilliant two-year-old with near-total blindness. Each hump is a different texture for tactile mapping, LED lights for contrast, and a button that activates a vibration motor to make the whole structure buzz. And Wally loves anything that buzzes!
I offer a variety of OT services and custom sensory gym design
as well as custom equipment fabrication, clinical supervision and a variety of virtual and consultative services
Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out through the contact form and we'll try to make it happen!
Looking for an OT in NYC? Already getting OT but curious about the Ground upP™ approach? I provide home-based occupational therapy in NYC specializing in young children with sensory processing differences, autism, gross and fine motor challenges as well as babies with neuromuscular difficulties. Alongside weekly sessions, I book local intensives and supplemental sessions as scheduling permits.
Sessions generally take place in the home and formats range from weekly, to one-offs or series of “booster” sessions (2-3 hours), to full-day intensives. I realize that some families do not have the availability or means for ongoing treatment or just simply want to supplement their current therapy program. If equipment or a particular environment is needed to meet a child’s sensory or motor needs, I usually recommend designing a sensory gym or therapeutic play space in your home (see Sensory Gym Design below).
"We started working with Markus when my baby was only 10 months old as I’m a huge believer in early intervention and Markus played a big role in getting him to walk. He’s an OT but worked with our baby almost like a PT, combining sensory and movement HOLISTICALLY and really seemed to know how to connect our kiddo to his body. The improvement within only a few sessions was astounding." - AS, mother of a toddler
Think your child might need OT? Wondering if they’d benefit from a Ground upP™ approach? I offer both informal Screenings and formal Evaluations to determine whether your child needs services or a change in approach.
Screenings happen in a single home visit with a parent interview, informal assessment, and comprehensive clinical observations of your child. You get a similar depth of analysis, shared in a follow-up call instead of a written report, which makes a Screening faster and more cost-effective. It's often all that's needed if your child has received services before, or if you're curious whether a Ground upP™ approach could get them to that next level.
Full Evaluations are a more extensive process. They generally involve standardized testing, often include a school visit, and come with a detailed written report.
*International services available upon request. Out-of-state services subject to state licensing regulations. Virtual and consultative formats are available - see below.
“We met Markus for a comprehensive evaluation and intensive and he immediately gave us tremendous insight into our son’s sensory and specific proprioceptive issues. Only then was I able to understand some of the unique behaviors. We literally saw progress after the first day."
- Mary, mother of Frank
Outside of NYC and looking to enhance your child’s therapy? Feel stuck or like your child has plateaued? Have a dedicated but less experienced therapy team that could use support?
I provide a range of Virtual Services for children and families. When COVID made virtual sessions the norm, they were a real challenge for many. But the medium also opened unexpected doors, and in the right formats it turned out to be highly effective.
Sessions
For younger kids with sensory differences or autism, virtual sessions often revolve around coaching parents in Floortime strategies and sensory integration techniques, both of which work well virtually. For older, more independent kids, virtual sessions can be very effective for movement and strengthening, and for building social-emotional skills through pretend and role play.
Screenings / Consultations
Want a fresh, expert set of eyes on your child? I'll informally assess your child, review their history, current performance and what's happening in therapy, then offer a new perspective and a treatment plan. This can be just for your family, or set up with your OT and team so they're better equipped to help your child reach their potential.
Ongoing Case Support
Intrigued by the Screening and interested in more? Ongoing support starts with me mentoring your OT or therapy team in the perspectives and techniques we discussed, then evolves with your child's needs as they progress. That can include the theory behind each methodology, hands-on technique training, video review and feedback, and Floortime coaching - as a quick intensive or over a longer stretch, depending on needs and availability.
*Subject to state regulations. International services available
"During covid we had to switch to virtual sessions and Markus somehow managed to motivate my daughter, who had already fully embraced her inner teenager, to participate in zoom sessions. He came up with silly things and tapped into her passions and got her exercising and moving all around her room, which was a big help during those difficult days."
- Jen, mother of Jamie
Already receiving therapy but feel like your child has plateaued? Feeling stuck? Have a dedicated but less experienced OT and want to provide them with additional support? Book a Virtual Consultation and get a fresh, expert set of eyes on your child.
Through a variety of means, I’ll informally assess your child, review history, current level of performance and what’s happening in therapy. A fresh perspective and treatment plan will then be provided. This can be for family purposes or arranged with your OT and other team members to best support them to help your child to reach their potential. This is available for children of all ages, diagnoses and presentations.
This service is a consultative process when designed for your therapist / therapy team. Subject to state regulations. International services available upon request. I'm going virtual case support and clinical supervision for members of your therapy team are also available. Please see below
Be the first!
Struggling on those restless rainy days? Have your couch and bed become full-time playgrounds? Kids glued to the iPad screen? Let me design a Sensory Gym and transform part of your home or apartment into a wonderful therapeutic play space.
Every design is tailored to your child, your family and your home, from a small playroom or bedroom project to a full basement build. Daily sensory and movement input is critical for every kid's regulation and development, whether or not they receive therapy. A play space at home makes that possible, and it instantly takes any home-based therapy to the next level.
I also consult with clinics and schools on new gym designs, upgrades to existing gyms, and fabrication of custom equipment. Please see Custom Equipment on the services page.
Not local? I can work remotely from your floor plans to draft the design, order equipment and put together a custom plan. My fabrication team can build the pieces and ship them to you, or your own contractor or handyman can build from my drawings. I can then oversee installation in person or by video call, and train your family and therapy staff on the equipment.
“Both of our children absolutely adore the gym, and we love that it enhances our home’s decor rather than detracting from it. It has been a fantastic addition to our lives, and we truly appreciate Markus’ expertise and creativity.” - Maya, mother of Leela
I've had the great fortune of working with hundreds of extraordinary kids and families, each with their own story. Every one of them taught me something that helps me better serve the families who come next. I've also had the privilege of supervising inspired minds from across OT, PT, speech, psychology, social work and education. Few things are as rewarding as that 'aha moment' when a clinician grasps a new concept or pulls something off in a session for the first time. Here are some of the lovely things these folks have to say.
Read More“We were frustrated with other programs and services and felt stuck until we met Markus”
“We’re so happy with the sensory gym that Markus designed and put together for us”
“...as a DIR instructor at ICDL, I’ve always wished he’d come teach courses with me!”
“…he taught me so much about sensory integration that completely changed my practice as a PT”
