not your typical approach to autism
Apraxia-informed Occupational Therapy
& Caregiver Support
In-home therapy, virtual coaching, online courses, and mentorship to help you confidently support the autistic individuals in your life.
✵
Apraxia Informed
✵
Growth Mindset Approach
✵
Strengths-Based
We’re breaking out of the fluorescent-lit clinics, breaking free from old-school therapy techniques, and breaking through to a future where every neurodivergent individual can…
R I S E
Ever feel like therapy is something you get through instead of something that moves you forward?
Yeah, we’re not about that.
We believe real growth happens in real life—at the grocery store, in the kitchen, on the hiking trail—in your world. Our naturalistic, apraxia-informed approach meets your loved one where they thrive (not where they’re expected to “perform”). We don’t want them to simply go through the motions—we want them to build confidence, autonomy, and skills that truly carry over into everyday life.
That’s the SUNRISE way.
But we don’t stop there. Our courses and hands-on resources are designed to give you the tools you need to show up with confidence and the certainty that you are exactly the support your loved one needs.
-
IN-PERSON OT
Therapy that comes to you.
No more hearing about “it was great” at the end of session or feeling disconnected from the process. Our in-person occupational therapy meets you in your life—your home, local parks, beaches, and even out on the trails or in the mountains.
We set up real-world outings to places like Target, grocery stores, and malls. Need support during doctor visits, haircuts, at school, or dentist appointments? We’re there. The options are unlimited and always shaped by your loved one’s goals and interests.
Our passionate OTs specialize in intentional motor coaching, sensory integration, and so much more! We work with autistic individuals of all ages as well as those in the spelling and typing community, locally and virtually.
-
CAREGIVER COACHING
A plan that actually works—for your loved one and anyone supporting them.
Talking through your goals, challenges, and next steps is the key to real progress. Our virtual coaching model gives you personalized guidance and actionable strategies to support your loved one’s growth.
We offer support through phone or video calls - both with your loved one present for intentional motor workouts, or without them present, to spend time getting your questions answered and to give you applicable tips and strategies for your day to day as a family.
We also coach communication partners, support staff, personal trainers, and anyone else on the team - we’re here to collaborate with everyone. We’re always open to new ideas that will support you, your team of professionals, and your family every step of the way! -
ONLINE COURSES
If you’ve ever felt unheard in a room full of “experts,” you’re not alone.
Supporting an autistic or apraxic loved one comes with challenges, and we’re passionate about giving you the guidance and support you deserve. Our caregiver course provides practical tools and neurodiversity-affirming strategies to help your child, teen, or adult build autonomy, tap into their inner resiliency, and be the best version of themselves—without rigid therapy models or one-size-fits-all solutions.
We provide self-paced online courses, interactive webinars, and expert-led resources designed to fit your real life. No one knows them better than you do, and now, you’ll have the support to help them thrive. Because when caregivers feel confident and empowered, real change happens—for both you and your loved one.
WHAT WE DO
What is apraxia-informed, naturalistic therapy?
Have you tried all the things—endless sensory gyms, IEP meetings, and therapy sessions—only to feel like nothing truly sticks? If traditional therapy hasn’t worked the way you hoped, it might be time for a different approach.
Apraxia-informed, naturalistic therapy is a foundations first, real-world approach that supports motor planning, mental health, and nervous system safety in a way that is empowering and intuitive. Instead of repetitive tasks that aren’t age appropriate and don’t presume competence, we focus on meaningful aspects of everyday activities—things like intentional movement, self-care, hobbies, navigating spaces, and even meditation and overall fitness.
By working in real environments (homes, parks, and community spaces), we help neurodivergent individuals cultivate confidence, autonomy, and self-advocacy in ways that actually make sense for their brain and body. Our approach is deeply personalized, embracing each person’s unique strengths to foster independence and meaningful connections - on their terms, in ways that feel right for them.
A resource hub of courses, mentorship, training & more for parents, therapists, and educators
OT Level Up
We know one-size-fits-all doesn’t fit at all. That’s why we created OT Level Up—a growing hub of online courses, mentorship, and resources designed for OTs, PTs, SLPs, MTs, BCBAs, respite providers, parents, and caregivers who want to support apraxic and autistic individuals in ways that actually make a difference. We’re rewriting the rules and thinking outside the box to revolutionize the way we support this community! From formal trainings for therapists to practical, everyday tools for caregivers, we offer:
Amplifying Competence Caregiver Course – Practical strategies, meditations, and downloadable resources to help caregivers confidently support independence, communication, and growth.
Mentorship & Training for Professionals – CEUs, staff training, and real-world mentorship for therapists & educators.
And we’re just getting started. Have an idea for what’s next? Tell us. We’re here to push the boundaries, rethink therapy, and create better support for professionals, caregivers, and the incredible individuals we serve.
“We’re always evolving, creating, and expanding what we offer because this work is vital, and this community deserves the best we have to give.”
– ERIN CLARELLI
Learn more about SUNRISE
Meet Erin Clarelli, CEO & Founder of SUNRISE Therapies.
Meet Erin Clarelli, founder of SUNRISE Therapies—a passionate occupational therapist, educator, and advocate redefining what support looks like for autistic individuals, apraxic communicators, and their families. With a playful spirit and a deep commitment to the neurodiverse community, Erin isn’t just challenging outdated therapy models—she’s creating something better. She believes real progress happens when therapy is affirming, accessible, and rooted in respect. She’s on a mission to help individuals and families build confidence, gain independence, and rise and shine as their best selves!
SUNRISE Therapies
Core Values
Our values shape everything we do—from the way we support our clients to how we show up in our community. Behind every therapy session, every course, and every connection we build, there’s a purpose.
Press play to hear Erin share the core values that shape everything we do at SUNRISE Therapies.
Our San Diego & Long Beach Occupational Therapists
-
Amy Williams, M.S., OTR/L
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
-
Angelica Smith, M.S, OTR/L
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
-
Erin Clarelli, M.S., OTR/L
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
-
Jessica Jordan, M.S., OTR/L
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
WHAT WE DO BEST
Our APRAXIA &
AUTISM SPECIALTIES
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
Co-Regulation Strategies
Mind-Body Disconnect
Motor Coaching
Sensory Integration
Growth Mindset
Yoga & Meditation
Polyvagal Theory & Nervous System Safety
Non-Speaking & Unreliably Speaking Support
COMMUNITY and collaboration
Partnering with the Spellers Community
We’re proud to partner with SPELLERS Center San Diego and Autistically Inclined to offer specialized motor coaching, immersive assessments, and community-based support for spellers and their families.
FREE RESOURCE
Looking for OTs in your areas who truly understand apraxia, text-based communication, and the brain-body connection? We've got you covered- we made a list!
The Heart of SUNRISE—In Their Words
LATEST on the SUNRISE BLOG
