Does my child need Occupational Therapy?

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Children who could benefit from our services may display some of the following:

  • Dislikes being held or cuddled
  • Dislikes being on tummy
  • Has not reached developmental milestones
  • Has stiff or loose arms
  • Has non-fluid arm movements
  • Has weak arms/hands
  • Difficulty performing tasks with both hands
  • Difficulty cutting with scissors
  • Has poor handwriting
  • Is over or under reactive to touch, movement, sights, sounds, taste or textures
  • Dislikes wearing certain clothing
  • Difficulty using eyes and hands together
  • Difficulty dressing/tying shoes
  • Difficulty buttoning, snapping, zipping
  • Has trouble performing self-care tasks
  • Erratic arousal/alertness
  • Has poor attention to task
  • Difficulty with transitions
  • Has excessive tantrums
  • Difficulty with changes in routine
  • Difficulty making friends, interacting or keeping up with peers
  • Decreased self-esteem
  • Poor eye contact
  • Is clumsy and uncoordinated
  • Has difficulty maintaining posture
  • Is unable to sit still
  • Has poor balance and body awareness
  • Walks on toes frequently

Our Pediatric therapists have a passion for children, working to develop each child’s abilities.

Diagnoses and treatments include the following:

  • Developmental delays
  • Fine Motor Delay
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Brachial Plexus Injury
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Down Syndrome
  • Traumatic injury
  • Prematurity
  • Dyspraxia
  • Feeding Difficulties

Occupational therapists promote sensory processing, strength, balance, coordination, improved range of motion, activities of daily living and developmental progression through:

  • Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
  • Sensory Integration Treatment
  • Sensory Diet
  • Motor Control
  • Strengthening programs
  • Parent education/training
  • Developmental therapy
  • Custom orthotics
  • Adaptive equipment
  • Specialty programs include:
  • Suit erapy/eraSuit
  • PedFit
  • Sensory Processing/Integration
  • Torticollis Program
  • erapeutic Listening
  • How does your Engine Run?
  • e Alert Program
  • Yoga for Kids
  • Handwriting Without Tears
  • M.O.R.E. program
  • Interactive Metronome

Auditory Processing Disorder

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also known as (central) auditory processing disorder ((C)APD)

definition: a disorder that is marked by a deficit in the way the brain receives, differentiates, analyzes, and interprets auditory information (as speech) and that is not attributable to impairments in peripheral hearing or intellect

My child tends to cry when I use the vacuum or hair dryer. He covers his ears around crowds. My child has difficulty listening and following directions at home or in the classroom. Why? Your child may have what is known as an auditory processing disorder. Your child’s abnormal reaction to what we would consider normal noise or his inability to “listen” to directions in a noisy room may signal an auditory processing disorder.

 

How do I know if my child does have an auditory processing disorder?

First, you should have your child’s hearing tested to rule out any physiological and/or anatomical problems. Once cleared medically, you should have your child evaluated by an Occupational Therapist who is certified in the Therapeutic Listening Program.

How is therapeutic listening program implemented?

The Occupational Therapist assesses your child’s abilities through an evaluation and parent interview. Should an auditory processing disorder be established, your child will then be provided with personalized selected CD’s. Every 3 weeks a new CD will be provided to address current needs.

How long does the program last?

Therapeutic Listening Program lasts approximately 12 weeks.

How will the therapeutic listening program help my child?

Parents report improvements in their child’s ability to listen and follow directions. They note increased eye contact, increased attention to surroundings and greater interaction with peers. Tolerance for previously bothersome noises is greatly improved.

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists Discuss Best Gifts for Sensory Development

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It’s that time of year again, when we get to celebrate all our blessings throughout the year. Holiday season is a fun time to enjoy and show love to our family and friends. This time can be so stressful to find the JUST RIGHT gift for our little blessings with varying talents.

We have developed a list of fun games and toys to match your little blessings’ wishes and talents:

 

Gross Motor or Movement Toys

toys-for-gross-motor-movement-physical-therapy-brandon-flPush toys or kid shopping carts: These are motivating for children learning to walk or children who seek heavy work through pushing objects. Developmental age 12 months and up.

Radio Flyer Cyclone Cruiser: Great for children at the developmental age of 3 years or higher, who have full sitting balance and can play without stabilizing their hands on the floor, who may not be ready balance wise for a bike. 75lbs weight limit

Sensory Toys

Kinetic sand: This is perfect for kids who love messy play. Developmental age 2 years and up. This sand-like material molds and sticks together similar to playdough but feels like sand.

Tents or Cranium Super Fort Building set: A great, fun escape for a child who is overstimulated by their environment. Developmental age 3 years and older.

 

 

Fine Motor Toys

Perler beads: Small beads that you can place on boards to form different art projects, shapes, or patterns. Appropriate for children with a developmental age of at least 5 years old, who do not place objects in their mouth.

Scratch N’ Color: A great way to incorporate drawing and tool use without having to do writing. Kids can draw pictures on black paper using a small wooden dowel that scratches off to reveal colors underneath. Appropriate for developmental ages 5 years and older.

Bath time squeeze toys or cups: Practice pouring and squeezing during bath time. Developmental age 2 years and older. Be sure your child can sit upright or is fully supported when incorporating fine motor play during bath time.

ball-drop-game-for-babies-develops-sensory-skillsBusy Ball Drop: Working on grasp/ release with your child? Get a toy that is visually fun when a child releases the ball into it. Add a toy hammer, and you just included tool use in the fun.

Legos or building blocks: They make all sizes and types depending upon your child’s developmental age and if they place objects in their mouths. You can start your child with Mega blocks around the developmental age of 11 months.

Oral Motor

Include bubbles and all kinds of whistles as stocking stuffers. These are great to improve your child’s breath control, work on deep breathing, blowing, and possibly decrease oral sensitivities.

Play/Social/Games

Dress up medical kits: Your children have so many medical appointments; allow playtime to include doctor play and dress up to help decrease anxiety during these times as they begin to understand more about what doctors/nurses do.

Spot It!, Blokus, Rush Hour Jr, Head Bandz, Tapple, Mouse Match, Scatterpillar Scrabble, Diggity Dog, Don’t Break the Ice: All games for children with a developmental age of at least 4 years. Some rules may have to be adapted depending upon your child’s level. All of these games are easily adaptable.

 

The Physical Therapy Services team would love to discuss these and other ideas with you as the shopping season comes upon us. Also, see our Gift Giving Guide located in the lobby of both of our clinics for more ideas.

Our hope is for this season of giving and love to be full of enjoyment and peace