Dedicated to rising above expectations

Aisha Martins MSOT, OTR/L

Founder // Occupational Therapist

Welcome to RISE Harbor,

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My name is Aisha Martins and I am so happy you've found us! I am a neurodivergent, pediatric occupational therapist who has been practicing for five and a half years and is passionate about neurodiversity affirming care, executive functioning and sensory supports. I spent the first five years of my career working throughout New York City and the surrounding boroughs at a variety of specialized schools, outpatient clinics and within client homes.  I specialize in working with children aged 3-10 with various developmental disabilities, particularly the autism population and those with significant sensory preferences. My passion population is autistic children with co-occurring ADHD as well as those with mild to moderate behavioral challenges and/or suspected Pathological Demand Avoidance.  I am a certified handwriting specialist and have obtained additional trainings in CPI (crisis prevention intervention) and the Zones of Regulation program. 

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My why:

I was born with a birth injury called Erb's Palsy which impacts the range of motion in my left arm. Having received occupational and physical therapies as a child, I have a unique perspective and lived experience that provides me with additional insight into what families may need and how they may feel as they make efforts to better understand their children.

I was fortunate to be raised in a family that spoke openly about my birth injury, celebrated my differences and provided me with the tools to feel empowered by my disability. Throughout my school years, I struggled like many of my students, with maintaining attention, had high sensory needs and had difficulty with overall executive functioning. It was not until I was 27 years old that I was diagnosed with ADHD which further catapulted my passion for neurodiversity advocacy.