Welcome!
I am a longtime pediatric OT practitioner with a passion for interoception, behavioral concerns, and executive function. If you’re looking for strengths-based ideas to help connect the brain and body, you’re in the right place! I’m a lifelong learner who loves evidence, integrating a child’s strengths into therapy, and sharing my knowledge with others through authorships, live presentations, mentorships, and courses.
INTRODUCING
The Executive Function Express.
While completing my doctoral work on autism and executive function, one truth stood out: regulation and thinking skills are foundational to how children play, learn, and grow. Although executive function doesn’t fully mature until around age 25, critical developmental windows begin in infancy and continue throughout childhood.
The research was clear—we needed a practical, strengths-based framework to guide assessment and intervention. That’s why I created The Executive Function Express (formerly known as the Train Model of EF).
This unique program uses a train system metaphor to make complex cognitive skills easy to understand and apply. Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming practices, the model meets children where they are, building on strengths and supporting areas of need.
With vibrant visuals and actionable strategies, the Express helps boost core skills like theory of mind, interoception, metacognition, time management, emotional regulation, and more. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or caregiver, there's a seat for you on board!
🚂Hop on the Track to Thriving.
The Executive Function Express is rolling in!
The Executive Function Express
A Transformative Guide to Building Essential Skills Through Visual Learning and Neuroaffirming Support
All aboard! Executive function skills don’t suddenly appear at age 25, they begin developing in infancy and grow over time. From early play to teenage decision-making, critical skills like planning, self-regulation, and flexible thinking must be nurtured throughout childhood with intentional support, practice, and guidance.
The Executive Function Express is more than a book, it’s a powerful, game-changing resource for parents, therapists, educators, and caregivers supporting children with autism, ADHD, ADD, learning disabilities, and executive function challenges. The program focuses on strength-based strategies that give real-world success.
Over 450 pages of Tips, Tools, & Support! This book will be your new Go-To Guide for Success in building executive functions.
Cara’s Published Books & Projects
Throughout her career, Cara Koscinski has authored several books designed to support occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and caregivers in their work with children and families.
Interoception Activity Adventures:
Exciting Activities for Developing Interoception!
🩷Packed with fun and engaging activities designed to help your child fine-tune this incredible sense. Kids will learn how to link emotions to body signals, embark on sensory scavenger hunts, learn about how movement affects emotion, increase awareness of hunger, thirst, and toileting, build activities to support sleep and rest, and create calming spaces. This book provides hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and entertaining. It's unique because it's strengths-based and provides goals, examples, and resource pages
The Parent’s Guide to Occupational Therapy for Autism & Special Needs
This handy book is perfect for new pediatric OT clinicians. It is categorized by skill and each contains activities to work on the skill that can be used immediately in your practice. Sensory, handwriting, toileting, motor skills, feeding and so much more! Award-winning book
Interoception: How I Feel, Sensing My World from the Inside Out
Interoception is what makes you, you, and me, me. It is important to feel comfortable and regulated when learning new skills. If you’re feeling hungry, your emotions feel ‘off’. Regulating emotions knowing when to eat, drink, go to the toilet, feeling pain, your breathing, and heart rate all depend on our internal awareness.
Special Needs SCHOOL Survival Guide
Navigating the school system can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. This essential guide demystifies IEPs, 504 plans, accommodations, modifications, and other vital tools that support student success. Packed with hundreds of practical tips and easy-to-implement strategies, this book empowers caregivers, educators, and therapists to confidently advocate for children with diverse needs.
Sensorimotor Interventions
Children often struggle with fidgeting, decreased attention, and immature motor patterns, manifesting through frustration and behavior issues. Difficulties in many areas occur when our body’s systems are not integrated to form a strong foundation. This book contains a quick checklist to assess critical areas and tons of fun ideas to connect movement, vision, and strengthening of core muscles that kids will love and that you can use immediately after reading!
My Mighty MITO - for Kids with Mitochondrial Disorder
This is the perfect book for your child! It has colorful and fun illustrations. Mitochondrial disease affects people of all ages. Often, children benefit from books that explain symptoms and feelings in clear wording and bright photos. 'My Mighty Mito' has space for your child to personalize the book in the front as well as room for your child to write his/her own feelings and symptoms to help them know that other children go through similar experiences and that they are not alone.
The Weighted Blanket Guide
Curious about weighted blankets but not sure where to start? The Weighted Blanket Guide answers all your questions—clearly, concisely, and backed by research.
Co-written by pediatric occupational therapist Dr. Cara Koscinski and weighted blanket company owner Eileen Parker, this easy-to-read guide explores how weighted blankets can support children and adults with anxiety, autism, sensory processing differences, and sleep challenges.
Whether you're a caregiver, therapist, or simply curious, this guide is your go-to resource for understanding and safely using weighted blankets.
Cara is a passionate and engaging presenter who loves working with groups of clinicians and educators.
Why Learn From Cara?
UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
Cara is the caregiver for her adult autistic son. She has the unique perspective of both a therapist and a mother. Cara passionately advocates for her students and families.
MENTOR & EDUCATOR
Currently accepting students for spring 2026
Cara loves mentoring future OT practitioners and has led Clinical Applications in Pediatrics courses at the MOT and OTD levels. If you’re seeking a capstone mentor, contact Cara!
AUTISM SPECIALIST
Cara is passionate about autism. It’s important to find the person-environment fit! Cara’s doctoral work focused on autism, and she earned status as a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) by the International Board of Credentialing.
