tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49694032989639451852024-03-28T13:04:39.392-04:00Therapy in Action - Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLCAmazing Kidz Therapy - Pediatric Therapy BlogAmazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-48453099317023480452024-03-28T12:13:00.001-04:002024-03-28T12:13:10.906-04:00What is a Phonological Process?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgGR5lwZGLiLZzIe8h97gLeiA1gSZHOytFMQZIZesrvZAoL0wYFCwjAPZJKyV92LMhVBUUOnxQtrcP2raGzqTT-JQJHwcYxrcGhricngJUVKXtntAb9JXrjIkGNlE1xLTtcfthRtiEn4iN9LhmUEAuMKTjCg1RLLDRUVoJqTWzZMwGlvRdvoUUx3arGZ9/s246/Speech%20Therapy.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgGR5lwZGLiLZzIe8h97gLeiA1gSZHOytFMQZIZesrvZAoL0wYFCwjAPZJKyV92LMhVBUUOnxQtrcP2raGzqTT-JQJHwcYxrcGhricngJUVKXtntAb9JXrjIkGNlE1xLTtcfthRtiEn4iN9LhmUEAuMKTjCg1RLLDRUVoJqTWzZMwGlvRdvoUUx3arGZ9/s320/Speech%20Therapy.jpg"/></a></div>
When a child learns to speak, they often attempt to simplify adult speech into an easier speech pattern. These patterns are referred to as a phonological process. These processes typically occur in the early stages of speech and language development and typically disappear by a certain age. However, when these patterns remain in a child's speech past a certain age, they may need speech therapy to eliminate these speech errors.
Examples of Phonological Processes:
1. Final Consonant Deletion: This is the process where a child will leave off the final consonant sound in words. For example, a child might say "ca" instead of "cat" or "do" instead of "dog". This process should be eliminated by the time a child is 3 years old.
2. Cluster Reduction: This is the process where a child attempts to simplify consonant clusters by producing a single consonant. For example, a child might say "pay" instead of "play" or "top" instead of "stop". This process should be eliminated by the time a child is 5 years old.
3. Stopping: This is the process where a child replaces a fricative (/s, z, f, v/) or for a stop consonant (/t, d, b, p/). For example, a child might say "tun" instead of "sun" or "do" instead of "zoo". This process should be eliminated by the time a child is 3 for /s/ and /f/ sounds and 4 for /z, v/ sound
4. Fronting: This is the process where a child replaces a sound that is supposed to be said in the back of the mouth for a sound said in the front of the mouth. For example, a child might say "do" instead of "go" or "tat" for "cat". This process should be eliminated by the time a child is 4 years old.
An evaluation by a Speech Language Pathologist may be necessary to assist with diagnosing and treating these phonological processes.
By Lindsay Edmonds, CCC, SLPAmazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-26343163000759985212024-03-28T12:01:00.000-04:002024-03-28T12:01:10.063-04:00Facilitating Language in the Home <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN4AaXKV3iu3D5ouUuOsFjHIrvBI9m4K0q726FiiGrh5w8pqdPca69U-3lcBo7yXwbtBKu8dwKkLzDEsdZ5UNQVdhRQ3TuE6cFWFto64XA5EFIprkpAOmD-TTzamg2IHJMMY0BeJySuScUxwIXQll4Q5X8wvpWEWl1V1-XegCC-3GvD0oEo4YbT1lIG7Y/s1180/Language%20in%20home.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN4AaXKV3iu3D5ouUuOsFjHIrvBI9m4K0q726FiiGrh5w8pqdPca69U-3lcBo7yXwbtBKu8dwKkLzDEsdZ5UNQVdhRQ3TuE6cFWFto64XA5EFIprkpAOmD-TTzamg2IHJMMY0BeJySuScUxwIXQll4Q5X8wvpWEWl1V1-XegCC-3GvD0oEo4YbT1lIG7Y/s320/Language%20in%20home.jpg"/></a></div>
One of the biggest questions I get as a speech therapist working with younger kids is, “How can I help my child at home?”
As a therapist, I almost always have the child take the lead. Follow them around the house and see what they are engaging in. For example, if your child goes to the fridge and points to the fridge you can work on labeling what they are doing or what they want i.e. open, close, milk, juice. We want to make sure we are keeping the phrases short and concise. If a child is currently using one word phrases i.e. “open”. We can say “open” and then slowly expand from there i.e. “open door, open please”. If they are not using any words we can work on giving them options. For example if they go to the fridge and you know they want something to drink we can give them two options, “milk” or “juice”. Say the child points to the milk but does not vocalize it then we would repeat “milk” and then hand them the milk. We want to give the child an opportunity to label if they can, but we don’t want them to get to the point of frustration. Children are like sponges and the more models they are getting in the home, then they will eventually start to use what they are learning independently.
Another big question I get as a speech therapist is what toys should I buy for my child? Children are able to play with just about anything in the home! For example you can give them magnets on the fridge and work on language as they play with them. You can work on labeling what the magnets are pictures of (i.e. animals, letters, colors, etc) and work on labeling the actions (i.e. put on, take off, get, give me, etc.) If you chose to buy additional toys for your child, I would focus on toys that do not make sounds or take the batteries out of the toys. By doing this it helps to facilitate a child’s imagination. It will also help children to vocalize more sounds during play i.e. animals sounds: moo, qwack, bah, environmental sounds: vroom, beep, etc.)
Christine DeCicco MS CCC-SLP
Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-40765672209156377772024-03-21T23:29:00.001-04:002024-03-21T23:29:40.804-04:00What is AAC?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXCZrmmddP0ljNEYsecuHCTeb9fH-79C-WE42LmZwzS-EcrEAHSE1jg_bogAR8tuLHFlia6tG0KQqjkgL4Yh-4_Xb5Lx7o_D62-pW-6UiHVelPkVyj0qHYmS9hfCpRXcucMFT_Sc5FklOC-K87NqmJgFrh83lC3qjbofzIC_sZu8T6FBmrRnrpxjgSvUe/s323/aac.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXCZrmmddP0ljNEYsecuHCTeb9fH-79C-WE42LmZwzS-EcrEAHSE1jg_bogAR8tuLHFlia6tG0KQqjkgL4Yh-4_Xb5Lx7o_D62-pW-6UiHVelPkVyj0qHYmS9hfCpRXcucMFT_Sc5FklOC-K87NqmJgFrh83lC3qjbofzIC_sZu8T6FBmrRnrpxjgSvUe/s320/aac.jpg"/></a></div>
By Andrea Esinhart, CCC, SLP
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is all the ways a person can communicate besides talking. Augmentative means to add to a person’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of talking. Some people use AAC for a short period of time. Some people use AAC throughout their life. Did you know that everyone uses AAC? Facial expressions, gestures, body language, texting, emails, writing, and social media are just to name a few.
There are many types of AAC systems. Options include no-tech (gestures, eye gaze, body language), low-tech (communication boards, switches, fixed devices, picture exchange), and high-tech (speech-generating devices). Speech-generating devices may include an app on an iPad, tablet, iPhone, or apple watch to communicate. There are many individualized options. Many people use the Total Communication Approach (all communication methods available to them) by combining no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech options.
Speech-Language Pathologists help find the right AAC system and help people learn how to use AAC to communicate. Occupational Therapists help people access their technology on the AAC system in regards to vision, eye gaze, mounting, and other technologies for access. Multidisciplinary collaboration important in order to assess the person’s functional skills, preferences, environment, and activities of daily living across different settings.
Common questions about AAC
- Is my child too young for AAC? – No. Research shows that AAC helps people of all ages. You can use AAC early. There are no thinking skills, test scores, or other milestones needed to be reached before AAC can be introduced. Presume competence (believe your child has the potential to use AAC).
- Will AAC stop my child from talking? – No. Research shows that AAC improves verbal output. Many children will verbally imitate the AAC device. Robust AAC systems promote reading and writing development as well.
Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-57728423230785800632024-02-21T19:40:00.001-05:002024-02-23T09:22:57.672-05:00Occupational Therapy at AKT<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdmVtu_xCzJvo9rS4HZqbaTbLskerxUEPDmZQG8EdlKN_0zOlHfJbmGhUL1V-ffFVGyfjJCzg4Fu4rBNet0B8zrQDmTmIi0_WbxZDwbTnty7BrwBpRSnPR8lTTN-B9DZRUIf_LaW9raIJTZ-atk2I2IA08TWyLOCPLQGUfbZ5OHx_FTh1MD7oOh-SVAKp/s4032/IMG_2152.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdmVtu_xCzJvo9rS4HZqbaTbLskerxUEPDmZQG8EdlKN_0zOlHfJbmGhUL1V-ffFVGyfjJCzg4Fu4rBNet0B8zrQDmTmIi0_WbxZDwbTnty7BrwBpRSnPR8lTTN-B9DZRUIf_LaW9raIJTZ-atk2I2IA08TWyLOCPLQGUfbZ5OHx_FTh1MD7oOh-SVAKp/s320/IMG_2152.jpg"/></a></div>
Occupational Therapy at AKT begins with the belief that each child that we serve is unique and deserves unique services. This belief is set across all that we do and all that we strive to be.
Services begin with a thorough evaluation of each child. The assessment tools are choosen to ensure that the proper areas of concern are being evaluated as well as any possible additional performance areas that may be affecting the child. This can include residual reflexes, fine motor coordination, dexterity, visual motor coordination, sensory processing, ADL skills, visual perception, social skills, cognition, and bilateral coordination. Following the completion of testing, therapists will spend time with the caregiver present to collect information regarding history and present abilities. They will spend time reviewing test results and impressions with the caregiver while providing them with their recommendations for treatment.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPLTPZur_NhZ2PhtI5AE5AHeYbfQu19_YEswVH92fcSzEctD7iSmo3nmNxEiy6wGYldl88nqqnGFVMN2BjklG19FE7eRbT4p5mukvt23wXBmB5la7oXsWXTwrzkG6dEKlkKEEf5fnz0Uy2MkhvFs0KO-0L_0FQslD0b9pVGe1gCj8G7TEyO1K6XTzoK4Y/s2048/Ball%20Pit%20Lizzy.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPLTPZur_NhZ2PhtI5AE5AHeYbfQu19_YEswVH92fcSzEctD7iSmo3nmNxEiy6wGYldl88nqqnGFVMN2BjklG19FE7eRbT4p5mukvt23wXBmB5la7oXsWXTwrzkG6dEKlkKEEf5fnz0Uy2MkhvFs0KO-0L_0FQslD0b9pVGe1gCj8G7TEyO1K6XTzoK4Y/s320/Ball%20Pit%20Lizzy.jpg"/></a></div>
Once the evaluation is complete, services can be scheduled. Treatment sessions will look different for each session. This can include the treatment approaches as well as the therapist providing them. AKT strongly believes that children benefit from seeing a variety of therapists. There are several reasons for this. The first is that every therapist has a different set of specialties. By having each therapist provide treatment to a child we can ensure that each expert is assessing the child thru their specialists eyes. Another great reason for utilizing different therapists is to ensure that there is carryover for new skills and not just performed for one therapist alone.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiZ9kSwZYW4MX85jGU7snHixdTkyCq10fXKwfyDJSj8WiQ4Tssl-51xDBbbbdXSNp8krDMUg1ogHrIsRvbxL58vbpldWMWfGth-zH9neqQVlZ6XOkyhJYy2vKb09tCJegMMgXJij5rW-yKE3J47yRXziLiFB_SOmgLso6QL1idCStyfEGyYjZbG3qNtig/s781/Picture1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiZ9kSwZYW4MX85jGU7snHixdTkyCq10fXKwfyDJSj8WiQ4Tssl-51xDBbbbdXSNp8krDMUg1ogHrIsRvbxL58vbpldWMWfGth-zH9neqQVlZ6XOkyhJYy2vKb09tCJegMMgXJij5rW-yKE3J47yRXziLiFB_SOmgLso6QL1idCStyfEGyYjZbG3qNtig/s320/Picture1.png"/></a></div>
Throughout the course of treatment, therapists will communicate and educate the following with our AKT families:
1. Progress towards goals
2. Work/exercises/activities to be performed at home
3. Discharge planning from services once goals have been mastered
Although discharge time can be sad for both our kiddos, therapists, and families, it is such an exciting time to celebrate all the hard work that our kiddos have put in to achieve their maximum potential. It is such a magical time to celebrate! We hate see our kiddos leave us but we love when they visit just to say hi!
Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-85635085559858628782024-01-23T22:50:00.000-05:002024-01-23T22:50:14.760-05:00What is Self Regulation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVyja4fwwtX97eizwJ0rzshCIA-YNJBaknfvfcpHLHD6sTUgzxpGF7qZn-lnXpS7XouHBUgwgYCRmhKFb4ny7k_48f1ALh4lzOJbzobEd_CjWFjE09_P-CDJcOaXsru-ebOUFmZywF0qSl22iZt8jJ-pfq8CVWVCHreTWwftM7ejN6pOoJuhMpR9HJ3r6/s250/JHmhRM.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVyja4fwwtX97eizwJ0rzshCIA-YNJBaknfvfcpHLHD6sTUgzxpGF7qZn-lnXpS7XouHBUgwgYCRmhKFb4ny7k_48f1ALh4lzOJbzobEd_CjWFjE09_P-CDJcOaXsru-ebOUFmZywF0qSl22iZt8jJ-pfq8CVWVCHreTWwftM7ejN6pOoJuhMpR9HJ3r6/s320/JHmhRM.jpeg"/></a></div>
<b>What is Self-Regulation?</b>
Self-regulation refers to a child’s ability to manage their emotions, behavior, and attention in various situations. As a pediatric
occupational therapist, I often witness the crucial role self-regulation plays in a child’s occupational performance, encompassing daily activities like play, learning, and social interactions. Self-regulation encompasses the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations. It involves the capacity to stay focused, control impulses, and adapt to changing circumstances. In the context of a child’s development, self-regulation extends to various domains, including emotional, cognitive, and behavioral regulation.
<b>Impact on Function</b>
Impaired self-regulation can significantly impact a child’s ability to engage in
age-appropriate tasks. For instance, a child with challenges in regulating their
emotions may cause a struggle to focus during classroom activities or face
difficulties in forming meaningful peer relationships. Occupational performance
relies heavily on a child’s capacity to navigate their internal state, adapt to
environmental demands, and maintain a balance between arousal levels. In
therapy, we utilize various strategies to support the development of a child’s
self-regulation skills. These may include sensory integration activities,
mindfulness exercises, co-regulation strategies, and structured routines to help
children better understand and manage their emotions. Recognizing the importance
of self-regulation is fundamental in fostering a child’s overall well-being and
enhancing their participation in daily life. By Aja Perry, MS, OTR/L
Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-53404799724220915632024-01-12T01:42:00.001-05:002024-01-12T01:42:32.687-05:00What is Visual Motor and Why is it Important? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdysSCrtuEqpgD4o-yutA200zGBSb67BxuFKAFJjFHx1SKgwIc0oPcN_zoloL4VnyyCEYdidDDICUkyw8FlTsZi0-yj9nqxglzd3pLa-AWPvwjoPWmcefAbgiilDOt0j4lk60-zsc3qcgKiDsq4gBjRK9g0NW2TdTcMJpPJzqrssmXHHC0kFCHGGCco4V/s2099/The_benefits_of_block_play.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1761" data-original-width="2099" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdysSCrtuEqpgD4o-yutA200zGBSb67BxuFKAFJjFHx1SKgwIc0oPcN_zoloL4VnyyCEYdidDDICUkyw8FlTsZi0-yj9nqxglzd3pLa-AWPvwjoPWmcefAbgiilDOt0j4lk60-zsc3qcgKiDsq4gBjRK9g0NW2TdTcMJpPJzqrssmXHHC0kFCHGGCco4V/w185-h155/The_benefits_of_block_play.jpg" width="185" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWdK1-U3bZIopNT_ck8W34iesDKZMMReN_I8dML_LDWLwEQXP64Ud4-39ZSEV00U8sYLv_Y0HcG0CudE5zZ56P5aLIwkX1N21ao1IH0wtETJAUfcy6_4nqZZO7w_Cql1Xm8T9dM2UtFZsknOfN2qdSvb_-eAy8JY6eQ2Us-A2n13PBMu_dfR9whiKBVZq/s900/Word%20Search.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="728" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWdK1-U3bZIopNT_ck8W34iesDKZMMReN_I8dML_LDWLwEQXP64Ud4-39ZSEV00U8sYLv_Y0HcG0CudE5zZ56P5aLIwkX1N21ao1IH0wtETJAUfcy6_4nqZZO7w_Cql1Xm8T9dM2UtFZsknOfN2qdSvb_-eAy8JY6eQ2Us-A2n13PBMu_dfR9whiKBVZq/w181-h223/Word%20Search.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In occupational therapy, we work on many skills vital to a kid’s everyday life, one of those include visual motor skills. Visual motor skills are defined as being able to translate a visual image, or a visual plan, into a motor action - or in other words, taking what we see and turning it into movement in order to complete a task. They are the controlled coordination of the visual system (eyes, head, and neck) and the movement system (muscles, joints, and body parts). Visual motor skills include visual processing, visual perception, and hand-eye coordination, which are all needed for success in school, sports, crafts, games, dressing, or overall day to day life skills that Occupational Therapy addresses here at AKT. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2de1fd5f-7fff-ac4b-cf32-c96b1c4ee9dd"><span style="
-color: clear;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visual Processing</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> is the movement of the eyes and ability to collect information. </span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="2" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: circle; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Examples of visual processing activities you could try at home include: </span></p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Holding a picture up in front of your child with either shapes, words or a picture and having them draw/write what they see </span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Replicate a picture by building with legos</span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Imitate a block design shown </span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Use play-dough to form shapes or letter shown </span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Creating patterns or finishing a pattern </span></p></li></ul></ul><span style="background-color: clear;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visual perception</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> is our ability to make sense of what we see. Visual perceptual skills are essential for everything from navigating our world to reading, writing, and manipulating items. Visual perception is made up of a complex combination of various skills including visual memory, visual closure, form constancy, visual spatial relations, visual discrimination, visual attention, visual sequential memory, and visual figure ground.</span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="2" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: circle; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Examples of visual perceptual activities to try at home include:</span></p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">I Spy Games</span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Where’s Waldo</span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Word searches</span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Memory games</span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Puzzles</span></p></li></ul></ul><span style="background-color: clear;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hand-eye coordination</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> is the way a person’s hands and eyesight work together effectively and efficiently which allows us to manipulate and manage objects and items. These motor skills allow us to collect visual information and use it in a motor action. Eye-hand coordination requires fine motor dexterity, strength, shoulder stability, core stability, etc.</span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="2" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: circle; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Examples of eye-hand coordination include:</span></p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Catching a ball</span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Manipulating pegs into a pegboard (i.e. Lite Bright)</span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Lacing a lacing card</span></p></li><li aria-level="3" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Cutting activities </span></p></li></ul></ul><span style="background-color: clear;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visual motor skills are an important part of childhood development and are needed to complete almost any activity. Without visual motor skills, a child couldn't catch a ball, complete a puzzle, or put on their shoes. It can also affect a child’s handwriting and school performance as well. Here at AKT, we work to improve these skills in occupational therapy to help kiddos succeed in their daily activities, at school, in sports and while they work on their hobbies! </span></p><span style="background-color: clear;"><br /><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Elizabeth Bowden OTD, OTR/L</span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-41993580756541774662024-01-08T21:08:00.001-05:002024-01-08T21:08:26.665-05:00Transitions Made Easier<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn_Jh9jnK_CsNpJljyw_4c5wq2vviH3uGudoGTc_rcwJp30UGs6MS3o_qhccaKbdLBwCqRm_3uGT41gWeAgkGnjVfzealLSm-gKXs9GKAwoVF7qxJYQPGL3uD9hKFJW_Dtyb87eYleKc5umAo0-9a2hLRcDRi4g_zh46L5T4OXFmBr8bZe0z3vnyNovbW/s1024/Visual%20Schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn_Jh9jnK_CsNpJljyw_4c5wq2vviH3uGudoGTc_rcwJp30UGs6MS3o_qhccaKbdLBwCqRm_3uGT41gWeAgkGnjVfzealLSm-gKXs9GKAwoVF7qxJYQPGL3uD9hKFJW_Dtyb87eYleKc5umAo0-9a2hLRcDRi4g_zh46L5T4OXFmBr8bZe0z3vnyNovbW/w226-h170/Visual%20Schedule.jpg" width="226" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06Jjvj624JTJfqcFiZg1b9dVD6nzmRPGDGmRqX2oek_GEe3cXDZqKuOt0lPZWnztWEpXXlGArDa-vCPfbEU4nAZjQ7EXz2yPSNAgi60xPqq8O9SwNrrBmhFVZVZpF4Un5drlRrfwDbNsxR0QtlpUxwgMSGGuj1KM1BRfQcbCvzElQrl7wVfxqKAJHifsK/s1000/Visual%20Timer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06Jjvj624JTJfqcFiZg1b9dVD6nzmRPGDGmRqX2oek_GEe3cXDZqKuOt0lPZWnztWEpXXlGArDa-vCPfbEU4nAZjQ7EXz2yPSNAgi60xPqq8O9SwNrrBmhFVZVZpF4Un5drlRrfwDbNsxR0QtlpUxwgMSGGuj1KM1BRfQcbCvzElQrl7wVfxqKAJHifsK/w172-h172/Visual%20Timer.jpg" width="172" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One of the most frequently occurring topics I have been approached by parents with is how they can help their child with overall transitions. As a therapist, I have encountered many instances where a child has a difficult time transitioning not only in the clinic but in a classroom, home, and social setting with their peers. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-77a8b359-7fff-8ee1-708d-cb9b762f2a91"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The most important factors to remember are time and consistency. With time, the child will adapt and become flexible to the changes and transitions occurring. A key word that is frequently talked about here at AKT is FLEXIBILITY. This is a term we use often in occupational, speech, and physical therapy. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Throughout our life span we learn to become flexible and adaptable with time. This starts at a young age when the introduction to new challenges and new experiences are presented. Growth and development encompass flexibility. With time, transitions become easier and we learn to adapt to the changes we are faced with. However, as much as flexibility is important, consistency is important too in the sense of continuing to expose children to various scenarios in which they experience change leading to transitions and flexibility. This will help in the ease of transitions decreasing any behavioral outbursts that may occur whether it is fear from separating from the parent or overall difficulty transitioning to various environments or tasks.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There are a few ways in which we can help children with their overall ability to transition. As mentioned above, exposure is a key component to learning how to effectively transition throughout various environments. The more a child is exposed to various environments, the more adaptable they become. One great way to help with transitions is a visual schedule. This provides the child with guided times and expectations of transitions in various directed activities. This is a great resource to incorporate at home as well to help with transitioning between day to day tasks. For example; a morning to afternoon schedule focusing on the task for the day such as getting dressed, school, time for homework. This provides clear expectations for the child as well as a visual reference for them to refer back to. Another way to help your child with transitions is to provide a timer. For example; if a task is concluding and your child has a difficult time ending the task, a timer is a great way to provide those visual and auditory clues that the task has concluded and it is time to move on. This may be used for activities and self care tasks as well as the utilization of a visual schedule.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Occupational, physical, and speech therapy have incorporated strategies to assist all of our patients and their families with transitions to maximize the outcomes across all environments. If you have any further questions in regards to helping your child with transitions, please feel free to reach out to the AKT team! </span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Melissa R. Pueschel</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">COTA/L</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-1432305277995409602023-12-13T17:33:00.000-05:002023-12-13T17:33:18.936-05:00Toe-Walking in Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-06mkW0YHyX2trPub688_WpLYyPO82hQRd48vQ9Q9PAX8UHZD1TYBtCq6exDrZ5iZEgRv59ORl8cTuQ5NTdAcAe69r54lJmoN8BWd4wnDB_ggMKyy85JTzbNcBQLkaYJ_Asavtr9GMzSVD4mH75Tcs69yA-x0Q5IG5DA3wflCmhTUgc4K3wR7Q0HCFQDb/s450/40044901_S_children_barefeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-06mkW0YHyX2trPub688_WpLYyPO82hQRd48vQ9Q9PAX8UHZD1TYBtCq6exDrZ5iZEgRv59ORl8cTuQ5NTdAcAe69r54lJmoN8BWd4wnDB_ggMKyy85JTzbNcBQLkaYJ_Asavtr9GMzSVD4mH75Tcs69yA-x0Q5IG5DA3wflCmhTUgc4K3wR7Q0HCFQDb/s320/40044901_S_children_barefeet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">By Morgan Hamlett,
DPT<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Toe walking is common in children and can be caused by a
variety of reasons. Toe walking can be due to loss of range of motion in their
calf muscles, neurologic disorders, or sensory issues. So when is toe walking a
problem?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The biggest misconception is that a child will “grow out” of
toe walking. However, this is not always the case. In fact prolonged toe
walking can lead to an increase in muscle tightness as the child grows, which
prevents them from being able to stand with flat feet and increases the risk of
orthopedic issues such as joint pain and increased risk of injuries. This
muscle tightness can also affect a child’s balance and ability to perform gross
motor activities such as standing on one leg, jumping, hopping, or navigating
stairs.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Therefore, it is important for a child to be treated for
this as early as possible while following a physical therapy plan of care.
Treatment often includes a variety of approaches such as:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stretches - There are 2 common stretches performed including
static stretching and dynamic stretching.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Static stretching is where the stretch is held
for an extended period of time with the most important being stretching into
‘dorsiflexion’ or bringing your toes up towards your nose. This is more
commonly known as a calf stretch and is performed with both the knee straight
and the knee bent to stretch both calf muscles.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Dynamic stretching is where the stretch is held
repeatedly for a short amount of time often times during other movements or
activities. This can be done while performing animal walks such as bear walks
or walking up inclines.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Strengthening - Another important aspect of treating toe
walking is strengthening the muscles which pick up your toes when you walk.
This can be done during activities such as heel walking or repeatedly picking
up toes while sitting or standing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Exercises providing sensory input.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Exercises such as tapping heels on a step or
propelling self using heels on scooterboard can provide sensory input to the
heels required for flat-footed walking<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Soft tissue massage - In cases where the muscles are tight
massage can also be used to improve muscle lengthening in combination with
stretches.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bracing - Bracing can also be a key component of treating
toe walking as being in a brace allows for a low load consistent stretch over a
long period of time and prevents the child from going up on their toes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Overall, toe walking is a common condition treated with a
combination of physical therapy and a home program consisting of all these
components. By introducing these activities in a fun way, your kiddo will be on
the path to walking confidently!<o:p></o:p></p>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-80888505799340860112023-11-21T12:56:00.000-05:002023-11-21T12:56:34.251-05:00Physical Activity Effects on Sleep in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder<p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.35pt; margin-right: 11.25pt; margin-top: .05pt; text-indent: -.05pt;">A large portion of children with ASD have trouble sleeping' whether that
means falling asleep, staying<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>asleep,<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>or<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>getting<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>good<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>quality<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>sleep.<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>So<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>what<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>non-pharmacological<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>options<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">
</span>to help your little one get the sleep they need to function on a day to
day basis? <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Exercise!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpG-B57K0v2vq6lFcEP4ZODZiWBC4LmMeGW7_HgrnaGh0yvu88Uy11gu3ywTW5T6FPNpl8U4Whq2CbtE5hdItUhV0_w931lLxGHgx1FIHAVIODHET6TGNukR9CITETLscMlGBMulSCEpPTTH-ksTywubThQo4e-UkmJNml3eBM8ObPZXWVKjRYeI_tQst8/s612/Kids%20Exercising.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="612" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpG-B57K0v2vq6lFcEP4ZODZiWBC4LmMeGW7_HgrnaGh0yvu88Uy11gu3ywTW5T6FPNpl8U4Whq2CbtE5hdItUhV0_w931lLxGHgx1FIHAVIODHET6TGNukR9CITETLscMlGBMulSCEpPTTH-ksTywubThQo4e-UkmJNml3eBM8ObPZXWVKjRYeI_tQst8/s320/Kids%20Exercising.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-right: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .3pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 6.9pt; margin-right: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0in;">Research actually
shows that a moderate amount of exercise every day can positively impact sleep
duration and quality compared to no exercise at all! Examples of specific
exercises that have shown this effect are basketball, swimming, jogging, and
structured group exercise classes.<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>However,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>implementation<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>any<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>structured<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>physical<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>activity<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>positively<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>impact<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>your
kiddo’s sleep.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .2pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 6.9pt; margin-right: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0in;">So what exercise
is best for you child? Well the best exercise for your child to participate in
is something<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>they<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>truly<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">
</span>enjoy<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>able<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>maintain<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>daily<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">
</span>basis.<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>Using<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>child’s<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>interests will make it possible to
implement physical activity on a regular basis and maximize benefits on sleep.
Additionally, build this activity into your daily routine to ensure carry over
and continued <span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">interest.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.9pt; margin-right: 5.8pt; margin-top: 0in;">On<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>other<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>hand,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">
</span>it<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>important<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>read<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>child<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">
</span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>ensure<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>overwork<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">
</span>them<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>because<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>it also found that too much vigorous
exercise can have the opposite effect on sleep. Therefore, ensuring that your
child is having fun, taking breaks, and drinking plenty of water.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .2pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.9pt; margin-right: 5.8pt; margin-top: 0in;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Graphic_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;margin-left:501.35pt;margin-top:20.45pt;width:10.55pt;
height:8.3pt;z-index:15728640;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:page;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;v-text-anchor:top' coordsize="133985,105410"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQC75UiUBQEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRvU7DMBSF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" path="m66918,l65873,38612,58553,72295,38687,96120,,105157r133838,l95150,96120,75283,72295,67964,38612,66918,xe"
fillcolor="blue" stroked="f">
<v:path arrowok="t"/>
<w:wrap anchorx="page"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="height: 12px; left: 0px; margin-left: 668px; margin-top: 27px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 15px; z-index: 15728640;"><img height="12" src="file:///C:/Users/KATHLE~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" v:shapes="Graphic_x0020_1" width="15" /></span><!--[endif]-->Ultimately,<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>regular<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>structured<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>physical<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>activity<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>positive<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>effect<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>sleep<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>children<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>with Autism which helps with improved
regulation and energy to perform daily activities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.9pt; margin-right: 5.8pt; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.9pt; margin-right: 5.8pt; margin-top: 0in;">By Morgan Hamlett, DPT<br /></p><br /><p></p>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-91293329544824859742021-08-25T13:33:00.001-04:002021-08-25T13:34:32.118-04:00Why is Physical Activity Important for my Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and How Can Physical Therapy Help? <p style="text-align: center;"> <img height="243" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/n4u7LghAGpa2yZ-Fj2Up-iCnuEBeMrN0d8wg7khpLlGspsxskweYSyuMtWuNP9FrD4qgfRqD8FKAWioiiq-SSB6yzTRxoHOJMrvwg54ELPzmc4VGb3s7kl5Lj2bEdaEeL4mFK1MJ=s0" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="243" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can exhibit motor
impairments that include deficits in visual-motor and bilateral coordination,
low tone, motor apraxia, toe-walking, and gross motor delays. Children with ASD
also have a higher incidence of obesity due to the movement difficulties that
they face. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Physical activity poses a challenge for those on the spectrum due
to impaired motor functioning and increased difficulty engaging in a team
environment. The CDC recommends 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous
physical activity for children aged 6-17 including daily aerobic and activities
that strengthen muscles 3 days each week, however, encouraging a child for 60
minutes may prove challenging. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Physical therapists have the ability to improve motor delay
impairments and decrease developmental and daily functional obstacles that
exist. Physical therapists help treat motor delay problems by improving
strength and gross motor skills, stretching tight and underdeveloped
musculature, and increasing stability in weakened musculature. This can
help children gain confidence in day-to-day activities and participation in
sports. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Performing physical activity has shown to result in a reduction in
stereotypical behaviors such as finger waving, arm slapping, body rocking, toy
chewing, hand biting, and head banging with external reinforcement and
self-monitoring. Physical activity before classroom time has also shown to have
a significant correlation to staying on-task and decreasing disruptive
behaviors in the classroom. In addition, there has shown to be a positive
correlation between the amount of physical activity and social interaction and
sensory skills of those affected by Autism.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Autism Speaks offers strategies to encourage regular physical
activity! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/autism-exercise-benefits"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/autism-exercise-benefits</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Be on the lookout for Amazing Kidz Therapy exercise groups in the
near future led by our physical therapist :) </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3594521c-7fff-60fe-1788-f41298efacec"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">By: Karly Zengel, PT, DPT</span></span></span></p>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-3878118984931675082020-08-06T15:40:00.000-04:002020-08-06T15:40:04.513-04:00Learning to Tie Shoelaces<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPiQCrejvbIzFOpzIuCNKp1SdYwopEPGKNcj5DIuCGA-h3Yq8heFG7zlvXPriOGgjrVbkK9DWsW753jpl5IgaK1MijsFrFO_g_0r7iQdouVrBFryki79A_2OxjkztlhmQuWpufm8-l4Nx/s1124/Shoe+tying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPiQCrejvbIzFOpzIuCNKp1SdYwopEPGKNcj5DIuCGA-h3Yq8heFG7zlvXPriOGgjrVbkK9DWsW753jpl5IgaK1MijsFrFO_g_0r7iQdouVrBFryki79A_2OxjkztlhmQuWpufm8-l4Nx/s640/Shoe+tying.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">By: Ashley Akers,
M.S. OTR/L<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As an occupational therapist who works daily on increasing independence
in daily living skills such as dressing, tying shoelaces is a common activity
that parents find difficult for their children to learn and master. That makes
total sense because tying shoelaces is a complex skill! Tying shoelaces
requires fine motor dexterity, bilateral coordination, visual perceptual
skills, and hand strength among many other skills.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Below are some activities that can serve as good practice
before your child begins learning how to tie their shoes, as these activities
incorporate the skills tying shoes requires:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ripping paper/cards for increased hand strength<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Navigating through obstacle courses which helps
to understand directionality concepts such as under, over, around, and through<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Lacing games, constructional toys, and paper
weaving <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">General tips to make tying shoes as easy as possible:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
1. Start by practicing with the shoe or practice board on the table. It is more
difficult to complete when the shoe is on.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. Use two different colored laces. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. Make sure the laces are long enough and use thicker laces.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4. Put dots on the laces to show your child where to hold
the lace.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">More information and activity ideas can be found at the link
below to address the underlying skills required to master tying shoes!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/how-to-tie-shoelaces.html">https://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/how-to-tie-shoelaces.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-43080425788764196982020-07-28T21:49:00.000-04:002020-07-28T21:49:17.388-04:00Picky Eater Mealtime Strategies<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCFJfv6EpBXn3qEFVHFoqdzFoprSXOyhCJLkGzB54CPJLdMee3SxYjOR1k7cRXWOzUSAF6-mj37W3L7x-hCtNbz773VdmekWto8BjIYEMN2hw0e4_73SbTDGa2IftMlNojqFsg1tzyP25/s259/Feeding+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCFJfv6EpBXn3qEFVHFoqdzFoprSXOyhCJLkGzB54CPJLdMee3SxYjOR1k7cRXWOzUSAF6-mj37W3L7x-hCtNbz773VdmekWto8BjIYEMN2hw0e4_73SbTDGa2IftMlNojqFsg1tzyP25/s0/Feeding+Plate.jpg" /></a></b></div><b>By Rebecca Turner, MA, CCC/SLP </b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Mealtime can be frustrating
when you have a child who is very picky about the foods that they will
eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to share with you some
strategies or things you can be doing at home to help with some of those Picky
Eating behaviors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Schedule meal and snack times</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> -Be consistent
with when you eat and limit snacks or juices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If your child is snacking all day, they won’t be hungry.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Let your child help plan and
prepare meals</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> –
Children love to feel like they are contributing, and preparation builds an
appetite and teaches responsibility. Even young kids can help with
stirring or adding ingredients.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Make Food Fun</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – Present food in
new and exciting ways: pizza with a face out of pepperoni and vegetables, ants
on a log, etc. There are also several fun placemats and plates like the one pictured above,
that make eating into a game. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Food Play</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: If your child is very
resistant to try a certain food, allowing them to do some food play, where the
goal is interacting with the food, not necessarily eating it, may help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using carrot sticks to stir soup or use
ketchup to ‘paint’ with the broccoli </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="background: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Offer them choices.</span></strong><span style="background: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Rather
than ask, “Do you want broccoli for dinner?” ask “Which would you like for
dinner, broccoli or green beans?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
allows them to have a little bit of control over the food choice. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="background: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tasting plate:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Offer
the same foods for the whole family. </span></strong><span style="background: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Pass it around and let everyone take one or two things
to try. Talk about the colors, shapes, and textures on the plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more kids are exposed and understand, the
more willing they will be to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="background: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Exposure: Keep exposing them to the foods, don’t just try
once and stop.</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more familiar they are with seeing the
food, the more willing they are to try it. Also, be sure to s</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">et realistic expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
won’t eat ½ cup of peas, but if they eat 5 it is a step in the right direction!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">A great
resource for more information on healthy balanced meals, recipes, and
activities for kids and adults is </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.choosemyplate.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">www.choosemyplate.org</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-23127215540150056322020-07-17T23:06:00.009-04:002020-07-17T23:12:17.783-04:00Articulation Practice with Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKA-AJ0SwD0SRlb0A0VBYPXYWQ-8etWH0uaJ8gTWgiCYTcgn2vEY016aTlejjmuriWG6W-mnqvUu23f2M7s2wa63qo0TCXbD7vgZs1spybP7oZm02xEP-ERBA9NoGRMALb5Dz3TglyvQ_/s650/ChildrenReading_v2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKA-AJ0SwD0SRlb0A0VBYPXYWQ-8etWH0uaJ8gTWgiCYTcgn2vEY016aTlejjmuriWG6W-mnqvUu23f2M7s2wa63qo0TCXbD7vgZs1spybP7oZm02xEP-ERBA9NoGRMALb5Dz3TglyvQ_/s320/ChildrenReading_v2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">By: Brittany Haller, MS, CCC-SLP<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Articulation is defined as “<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">the formation of clear and distinct
sounds in speech.” When a child substitutes one speech sound for another, such
as “wabbit” for “rabbit,” we can target the correct sound production through
speech therapy. Speech-Language Pathologists can work on articulation in a lot
of different ways, but one of my favorite ways is by using books. Parents can
also use “sound-loaded” books to practice target speech sound production at
home. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sound-loaded
books are simply books that have a certain sound in them frequently. When
reading these books aloud with your child, you can pause and focus on the words
that have their target sounds. Using books for speech practice allows you to
not only work on articulation, but to also target language, literacy, and even
social skills! It can be a fun, interactive way to learn. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You
may be wondering where to start with using sound-loaded books for practicing
speech at home. If you haven’t already received a copy of your child’s speech
therapy goals, I recommended obtaining a copy to familiarize yourself with
which sounds they are working on, as well as what level they are working on
(single words, phrases, sentences, etc.) Then, find a book that is loaded with
your child’s target speech sounds. I recommend the following source: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.speechsproutstherapy.com/2015/01/sound-loaded-storybooks-for.html"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.speechsproutstherapy.com/2015/01/sound-loaded-storybooks-for.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
However, if you search “sound-loaded books for articulation” on the internet,
you will find many wonderful resources. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">After you have
familiarized yourself with your child’s goals and have received your books…HAVE
FUN! Don’t be afraid to get silly or creative. You can prompt your child to
repeat the target words, talk about the pictures, relate the content to your
own experiences, and anything else that helps them practice those correct
productions. </span></p>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-44294763294252421582020-07-02T11:33:00.001-04:002020-07-02T11:33:56.950-04:00Yoga and its Therapeutic Benefits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzkJjpfrFp9Y53hWY8lhP5fYqGurWbJ0Svuy_VMbv2F3uLsO71rKtpsn7RKuoDeW3a5YJwejub1rYO3pPWhNqWXTh9CdKmr3GjcoiMGhrJOAKCpBopN98pfowL0h1OU0h553PNvZ5ZwBf/s249/kids-yoga-fun-logo+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzkJjpfrFp9Y53hWY8lhP5fYqGurWbJ0Svuy_VMbv2F3uLsO71rKtpsn7RKuoDeW3a5YJwejub1rYO3pPWhNqWXTh9CdKmr3GjcoiMGhrJOAKCpBopN98pfowL0h1OU0h553PNvZ5ZwBf/" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Yoga and its
Therapeutic Benefits<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">By: Ashley Akers M.S.
OTR/L<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite therapeutic activities is yoga! Why? I
love that it is easily accessible to families because no materials are
required! Yoga also has a wide range of benefits and works on many skills at
the same time. To name just a few, yoga works on:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Overall body strengthening, especially with core
and postural muscles <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Proprioception or body awareness skills<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Improving balance and the vestibular system <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Crossing midline or reaching across the
body to the opposite side- an important skill for so many daily tasks like
writing and dressing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Motor planning skills<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Self-regulation! Yoga encourages self-awareness
and teaches children tools to manage feeling overwhelmed or stressed such as
deep breathing and relaxation techniques<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Good poses to start with when first working on yoga with
your kiddo:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Tree Pose<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Downward Dog<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mountain Pose<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Child’s Pose<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cat/Cow Pose<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">**Cosmic Kids Yoga on Youtube is a great channel to start**<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Tools to Grow also offers great resources: <a href="https://www.toolstogrowot.com/therapy-resources/gross-motor/pediatric-yoga">https://www.toolstogrowot.com/therapy-resources/gross-motor/pediatric-yoga</a></p><br />Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-58071920476244733802020-06-09T12:23:00.001-04:002020-06-09T12:23:30.556-04:00Ready, Set, Play!<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnJfiGBaiiI9vfKKcaOL_W9u1H4EyFsEi3msteBzLALKY48GizM4ZGV4xQ8CmF1JakphmaeinZW9gvYdWvQz4ReyfPrOWYCGxTJqkajwGs_W2t3qN0iknsTrsWidIhTA78JGUZ0T2D54P/s648/Group.jfif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="648" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnJfiGBaiiI9vfKKcaOL_W9u1H4EyFsEi3msteBzLALKY48GizM4ZGV4xQ8CmF1JakphmaeinZW9gvYdWvQz4ReyfPrOWYCGxTJqkajwGs_W2t3qN0iknsTrsWidIhTA78JGUZ0T2D54P/s320/Group.jfif" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ready, Set, Play!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By: Brittany Haller, MS, CCC-SLP<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I couldn’t tell you how many times I have had both children
and adults tell me “You’re so lucky to be an SLP! All you do is play all day!”
I have to admit that they are not wrong. What people may not realize is how
important play is for speech and language development. In fact, there are even
developmental milestones for different types of play! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The following link will show you more about the wonderful
world of play: </span><a href="https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/welcome-to-kid-confidential/full/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/welcome-to-kid-confidential/full/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You will see a chart that goes over types of play,
descriptions of those types, age norms, and several great examples of each
type. With so many great benefits....I say “ready, set, play!” <o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-17769670030822521302020-06-02T11:23:00.000-04:002020-06-02T11:23:18.873-04:00How to Encourage Development of Scissor Skills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkp0o61KYFW4-jSWd5ebYtg3bS14fJvNiI1nZitMZR9oZo7fqLS07N-gWH76uA80jwpIEmpz4xFsQ0PCQn363pVpuhq68bl9ru67-MVnM3Ph1ie2hhXx5E3jDsEWELTfufF7UytaicdHKu/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="615" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkp0o61KYFW4-jSWd5ebYtg3bS14fJvNiI1nZitMZR9oZo7fqLS07N-gWH76uA80jwpIEmpz4xFsQ0PCQn363pVpuhq68bl9ru67-MVnM3Ph1ie2hhXx5E3jDsEWELTfufF7UytaicdHKu/s320/Scissors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">How to Encourage
Development of Scissor Skills<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">By: Ashley Akers M.S.
OTR/L<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cutting is a foundational activity for children that
incorporates so many great skills children need to learn! To name just a few,
cutting addresses fine motor strengthening skills, bilateral coordination,
sequencing, attention to task, and visual motor skills (eye-hand coordination).
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Parents are often surprised when I tell them that cutting
skills begin EARLY! Kiddos should be working on snipping paper by age TWO! Yes,
2!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, how can you encourage the
development of scissor skills?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Practice the sequence of opening/closing various
items such as tweezers/tongs, squirt bottles, and chip clips.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Tear paper! This is an important prerequisite
skill to using scissors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Always encourage your kiddo to hold their
scissors in a “thumbs-up position” i.e your kiddos’ thumb should be in the top,
small hole when cutting. (You can make it easier for your kiddo to remember
this by placing a sticker on top of the thumb hole).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Before snipping paper, start with snipping
Play-Doh!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When kiddos are first learning, using
spring-loaded or loop scissors can help decrease their frustration as they
provide more assistance and require less strength.<o:p></o:p></p>Here is an excellent handout from Super Duper Publications to help you with developing your little one's scissor skills! <a href="https://www.superduperinc.com/handouts/pdf/140_Scissor%20skills.pdf">https://www.superduperinc.com/handouts/pdf/140_Scissor%20skills.pdf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></a>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-29065345251354819252020-05-26T18:47:00.000-04:002020-05-26T18:47:18.180-04:00Speech Therapy Treatment Technique: Offering Choices<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzCaai9mVVuT3n_YGLc-Pd3_FoOC6Xzvwt6vebAFDGl70eF0OiMktXp6EBUdT-14glshhwHp2aSDyXbMaUo0A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speech
Therapy Treatment Technique:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Offering
Choices<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Rebecca
Turner, CCC, SLP<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Offering
choices is a wonderful therapy technique to elicit language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be used with kiddos who are non-verbal
where you are targeting pointing to or looking at a specific object, all the
way to those kiddos who working on expanding their sentence length to multiple
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This technique helps to increase communication,
but it also gives the child a little bit of control over their environment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are
hundreds of opportunities throughout the day to offer choices, it does not have
to be solely play based!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do
choose to utilize toys, some of my favorite ones to use when targeting this
skill are puzzles, trains, and Mr. Potato Head, but you can do this with anything
that has more than one option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You need a way to hold the pieces,
either a bag, container or simply putting the pieces in your lap. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is <b><u>VERY</u></b> important because if
the child can independently access the toys, it gives them NO reason to
communicate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You want to make sure child is in
front of you so that you can have good eye contact and engagement. You want to
get them excited about the toy and this can be done with your facial
expressions, voice and possibly demonstrating the toy, especially if it is not
a toy the child is familiar with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
also want to decrease the distractions in the environment, like turning off the
tv, putting away other toys, etc so that they can focus on the language being
presented. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once you have set up the interaction,
you are going to take 2 of the items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Using your “Tell me face”, which is eyebrows raised so they know you
want them to respond, label the items and move them toward the child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to make sure that you provide that
verbal model in clear, simple language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example, Do you want “car or train”, “car or train”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Repeat the options if they do not
respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The type of response you are
targeting varies depending on the level of the child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If they grab both items, don’t give
them the objects, we want them to make a choice of 1 item, so model the choices
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then if they are still grabbing
both, model and give one of the items to them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Making
choices is the foundation for establishing the importance of the need to
communicate with your child, even if they are just pointing to an object and
unable to verbalize!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /></div>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-2007636929189711072020-05-19T16:36:00.002-04:002020-05-19T16:36:31.698-04:00Continued Re-opening of Amazing Kidz Therapy<p class="MsoNormal">As Amazing Kidz Therapy has begun its reopening process this
week. We wanted to share with everyone what the remaining re-opening schedule
will look like so that everyone can begin to make more regular appointments.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Week of May 25</u>:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->AKT will be closed on Monday in observance of
Memorial Day<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Two therapists will be present and seeing
clients in the clinic each day. Here is the schedule for this week:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Tuesday: Miss Kat – 9am to 5pm; Miss Becky – 11am
to 5pm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Wednesday: Miss Ashley and Miss Brittany – 9am
to 5pm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Thursday: Miss Ashley – 9am to 5pm; Miss Becky –
11am to 5pm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Friday: Miss Kat and Miss Brittany – 9am to 5pm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Therapists will continue to offer Teletherapy
sessions throughout the week. This is an option for those that do not feel
comfortable returning just yet and/or are unable to come in at the
aforementioned times. If you have had a standing Teletherapy time it will remain
as scheduled, even if your therapist is in the office on that day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Starting June 1<sup>st</sup></u> therapists will all
resume their regular hours within the clinic. All therapists will continue to
offer Teletherapy to clients to prefer that delivery mode.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All of our precautions will remain in place, including:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Our staff WILL be wearing face masks. We
recognize that this may be scary for some of our children, so we ask that if
you are choosing to return to the office that you begin wearing a mask in front
of your child to work to desensitizing them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We expect all adults to wear face masks when in
the office. We encourage children who are able to tolerate masks to wear them
in the office as well. This is for your safety as well as ours.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When choosing an in-person appointment, you will
be asked the following questions PRIOR to us taking your child back into a
treatment room:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Has anyone in your house been confirmed OR
suspected to have COVID19 in the past 14 days?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Have you been in contact with anyone with
confirmed OR suspected COVID19 in the past 14 days?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Does anyone within your house have a fever or
cough at this time?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Have you or anyone in your house traveled in the
past 30 days?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If your answer to any of the above is Yes, your
child will not be seen in person on that day. We ask that with knowing this in
advance, if the answer is Yes, that you do not schedule an in-person
appointment until you can answer No to all of the above questions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Families are asked NOT to come into the building
upon arrival. Parents are to call the office from their car when they have
arrived in the parking lot. Once it is time for your child’s appointment, the
office will call the parent/caregiver to notify them that they may enter. This
is to assist with keeping every family socially distancing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The waiting room will remain closed. If you are
not accompanying your child into the treatment session you are asked to wait
for them in your vehicle. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->No more than 1 person is to accompany the child
into the clinic. If you have other children with you, we can meet you outside
to collect your child and can then bring your child back out to you when their
session is complete. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->All visitors entering the clinic will have their
temperatures taken to ensure that no one is entering with an elevated temp.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->All payments MUST be made over the phone with
your credit card PRIOR to beginning your child’s appointment. This can be done
when you arrive in the parking lot or ahead of time. We can also run it
manually if you have completed a Credit Card Authorization Form.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->All treatment rooms and equipment/toys are being
disinfected after each treatment. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A very strict cleaning schedule has been
implemented for numerous times throughout the day in all common areas. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although we plan to be physically reopened at this time with
the highest level of precautions being taken, we understand this may not be an
option for some of our families. We are continuing to offer virtual services.
This is another mode of us to deliver high quality services to your child to
prevent regression and continue with their progress. We have seen tremendous
success with this delivery method over the past several weeks. ALL group
therapy offerings will remain virtual only at this point. <b>We want to inform
all clients that as of June 1<sup>st</sup> all of our Private Pay services, both in
person and Teletherapy visits, will be $60/30 minutes. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our business office will begin contacting families to begin
scheduling appointments for next week as well as for regularly scheduled visits
starting in June. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We thank you all very much for your continued patience with
us, as we all transition to a new norm within the office. We are working are
very hardest to keep the environment as safe as possible for everyone, which
will take extra time from our normal daily routine. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are so very excited to see you all very soon! Stay well.<o:p></o:p></p><br />Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-85055418640576716942020-05-15T10:10:00.000-04:002020-05-15T10:10:06.080-04:00Developmental Norms and Early Intervention<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7boqVOFrVKSupjEDtB6L1UkVy6YUjKxmbfWw7MezwNZ6xypiEUnqthZ-_K2nVWkD96lz7Xs8N4vJK038ncV_RvtIwpKi5xu2Mkvr1WXy-DXd-qR8fRVFMFyTOOYrXuxnZmmROOMurdoyM/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7boqVOFrVKSupjEDtB6L1UkVy6YUjKxmbfWw7MezwNZ6xypiEUnqthZ-_K2nVWkD96lz7Xs8N4vJK038ncV_RvtIwpKi5xu2Mkvr1WXy-DXd-qR8fRVFMFyTOOYrXuxnZmmROOMurdoyM/s320/Speech.png" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Developmental Norms and Early Intervention<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">By: Brittany Haller, MS, CCC-SLP<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">As an SLP, I receive countless texts, Facebook messages, and
phone calls from friends and family members regarding their children’s speech
and language development. These parents are typically trying to find out
whether or not they should seek a formal evaluation for their kiddo(s). You
should know that I am never bothered by these questions, and love that I am
able to provide information and resources to them. However, not everyone has an
SLP for a sister, or was able to stay in touch with the girl from their high
school who grew up to seek her degree in Speech-Language Pathology. So, where
do you turn when you start to have concerns and can’t just reach out to your
friendly neighborhood SLP? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I personally recommend the website below: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.speech-language-therapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:admin&catid=2:uncategorised&Itemid=117">https://www.speech-language-therapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:admin&catid=2:uncategorised&Itemid=117</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Caroline Bowen provides accurate information on
developmental norms in all areas of communication. The information is very well
organized, and easy to understand.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Being aware of the developmental norms is crucial because
early intervention is such a powerful thing. Research has found that diagnosing
a speech/language disorder at an earlier age can lead to increased progress
through speech-language therapy. If you have increased questions/concerns after
familiarizing yourself with typical speech and language development, I highly
recommend seeking an evaluation with a local speech-language pathologist. More
information on the benefits of early intervention can be found using the link
below: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/whyActEarly.html">https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/whyActEarly.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><br />Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-41375023110259747482020-05-08T10:03:00.002-04:002020-05-08T10:03:43.050-04:00Parents:Therapist Teletherapy Relationship<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXH-TkcfJb9YUGMZfBgIvRLOHKnrdOKFBDLjbHd0Bsje2xIIviHa3q5f-njrCwOQQx6u61A8xj3ZnvaSuBpQA84zDKpvCUSzIEhmzuaLWVDsanUMl8V9nHTmwxwWJ2XQF2rRfseNVDq3B/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXH-TkcfJb9YUGMZfBgIvRLOHKnrdOKFBDLjbHd0Bsje2xIIviHa3q5f-njrCwOQQx6u61A8xj3ZnvaSuBpQA84zDKpvCUSzIEhmzuaLWVDsanUMl8V9nHTmwxwWJ2XQF2rRfseNVDq3B/s320/Teletherapy-illustration-child-with-clinician.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal">Parents Are Great Teachers to Therapists<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By: Ashley Akers, M.S. OTR/L<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Due to COVID-19, telehealth (the provision of healthcare
remotely via electronic information and telecommunication technologies), has
seemingly overnight changed how therapists around the world provide services.
As an occupational therapist who is used to working hands-on with her kiddos
daily (maybe to correct pencil grip or to provide deep pressure to facilitate calming
for example), telehealth has admittedly been a novel experience in which I have
had to quickly expand my thinking about how I provide services. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A question I have often asked myself during these times is:
“How can I make sure telehealth is as effective and as helpful as possible for
my kiddos’ and their families?” This question led me to research about OT and
telehealth, and in all honesty, I wasn’t expecting to find too much. Let me
tell you that I was pleasantly surprised! There ARE studies out there and
studies still being done right now that are empowering us therapists to better
understand telehealth and how to use it to serve YOU. One article I really
enjoyed reading discussed parents’ perspectives on occupational therapy
services through telehealth. Listed below are recurring themes that were identified
from the parents in the study “Parent Perspectives Of An Occupational Therapy
Telehealth Intervention” from the University of Kansas (2019) that were big
“take-aways” for me:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) Parents believed
that telehealth was COMPATIBLE with their daily life and parents’ goals for
their children. Many parents felt that OT through telehealth better addressed
their concerns and goals for their children than other practice settings such
as schools, or even outpatient. (Wow! This is all we want as OT’s- to improve
our kiddos independence in their daily lives in a way that is meaningful to the
kiddo and their family! This was hands-down the biggest take-away for me. I
have had first-hand experience with this in the past few weeks, when some of you
have told me that certain goals are not high on your priority list but other
skills I hadn’t considered are! I am grateful you told me because now I can
better help your family! I need to make sure that first and foremost I am
addressing what you value as important for your child to learn and that is my
commitment to you all.) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents found
telehealth to be CONVENIENT for their schedules and made therapy accessible to
more children <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3) Parents believed that telehealth allowed therapy to be
more COLLABORATIVE <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4) Parents reported a feeling of EMPOWERMENT to better help
their children as they tried new strategies and were able to problem-solve with
the therapist (I loved this one!! Parents, you all have become rock stars
during this time! I have been continuously impressed with how well you all have
been working on goals outside of sessions. A parent the other day told me “He
has been holding his crayon with a tripod grasp and his 1:1 reinforcement
schedule has helped him to stay motivated” and that was a GREAT encouragement
to me and exactly why I love being an OT!!)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As much as we may “teach”, you all as parents are so
valuable to us and teach us just as much, if not more! So, in reading this
study, I want to ask all you parents out there some of the questions from this insightful
study which include: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>1) What do you like most about telehealth? <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>2) What do you like least about telehealth? (Tell me! We
want to know.)<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>3) How has telehealth been different from your past
experiences with therapy sessions, whether good or bad?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can read the full study at the link below, just click
“Download the PDF”: <a href="http://telerehab.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/Telerehab/article/view/6274">http://telerehab.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/Telerehab/article/view/6274</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">More great research about the benefits AND challenges of
telehealth can be found at:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://otpotential.com/blog/research-articles-about-telehealth-ot">https://otpotential.com/blog/research-articles-about-telehealth-ot</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>References<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">WALLISCH, Anna et al. Parent Perspectives of an Occupational
Therapy Telehealth Intervention. <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">International Journal of
Telerehabilitation</span></strong>, [S.l.], v. 11, n. 1, p. 15-22, June 2019.
ISSN 1945-2020. doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2019.6274">https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2019.6274</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-7088566112899568242020-05-03T14:31:00.001-04:002020-05-03T14:31:24.826-04:00COVID 19 Re-Opening Plan<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazing Kidz Therapy has continued to closely monitor this
unusual situation that we are all facing with COVID19. We have analyzed the
advice of the U.S. Dept of State, local authorities and the CDC to assist us in
determining what the best next steps are for us to help maintain the safety and
well being of our children and therapists. We know how important therapy is to
our families and we want to be able to return to the office to provide in
person sessions as soon as we feel that it is appropriate and safe. It is with
all of the above in consideration, that AKT has made the decision to begin
re-opening our office on Monday, May 18<sup>th</sup>. This re-opening will be
gradual, as well as fluid, as we will need to continue to closely monitor the
situation. Here is what this re-opening will look like:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Only one therapist will be present and seeing
clients at a time in the clinic. Each therapist will be treating clients on
only one weekday with the following schedule:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Miss Kat (OT) – Monday afternoons<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Miss Brittany (ST) – Tuesday mornings<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Miss Becky (ST) – Thursday afternoons<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Miss Ashley (OT) – Friday mornings<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Therapists will continue to offer Teletherapy
sessions on the other days of the week as well as the times they are not in
person for sessions, as scheduled. This is an option for those that do not feel
comfortable returning just yet and/or are unable to come in at the aforementioned
times. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We want to inform all of our families that our staff WILL be
wearing face masks. We recognize that this may be scary for some of our
children, so we ask that if you are choosing to return to the office that you
begin wearing a mask in front of your child to work to desensitizing them. We
also encourage you all to wear face masks when in the office. This is for your
safety as well as ours. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When choosing an in-person appointment, you will be asked
the following questions PRIOR to us taking your child back into a treatment
room:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Has anyone in your house been confirmed OR
suspected to have COVID19 in the past 14 days?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Have you been in contact with anyone with confirmed
OR suspected COVID19 in the past 14 days?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Does anyone within your house have a fever or
cough at this time?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Have you or anyone in your house traveled
outside of the state in the past 14 days?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If your answer to any of the above is Yes, your child will
not be seen in person on that day. We ask that with knowing this in advance, if
the answer is Yes, that you do not schedule an in-person appointment until you
can answer No to all of the above questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Families are asked NOT to come into the building upon
arrival. Parents are to call the office from their car when they have arrived
in the parking lot. Once it is time for your child’s appointment, the office
will call the parent/caregiver to notify them that they may enter. This is to
assist with keeping every family socially distancing and not having more than
one family in the waiting room at a time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are intent on maintaining the highest standards in
cleanliness and disinfecting, taking all necessary and preventative steps set
forth by healthcare professionals. We are taking additional daily measures to
ensure the business in continuously cleaned during business hours, and
overnight to the highest sanitary standards during this time. Here is what you
can expect from AKT during this time:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->In an effort to minimize frequently touched
items in which cleaning after each use would be impossible, we have closed the
additional waiting room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We ask no that more than 1 person accompany the
child into the clinic. If you have other children with you, we can meet you
outside to collect your child and can then bring your child back out to you
when their session is complete. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->All visitors entering the clinic will have their
temperatures taken to ensure that no one is entering with an elevated temp.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->All treatment rooms and equipment/toys are being
disinfected after each treatment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A very strict cleaning schedule has been
implemented for numerous times throughout the day in all common areas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We are asking that all parents/caregivers pay
over the phone with your credit card PRIOR to beginning your child’s
appointment. This can be done when you arrive in the parking lot or ahead of
time. We can also run it manually if you have completed a Credit Card
Authorization Form, which is attached. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Clients and staff are asked to continue to
follow basic personal sanitary protocol, including frequent hand washing, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We are advising that you continue to adhere
strictly to our Sickness Policy, for both kids and any family member
accompanying the child. No one should enter the premises with symptoms of
illness and should remain off premises for 24 hour following their final
symptoms. This includes all coughs, sore throats, runny noses, etc, despite of
what you believe the reason to be (ie allergies, common cold, etc).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although we plan to begin to physically reopen at this time
with the highest level of precautions being taken, we understand this may not
be an option for some of our families. We are continuing to offer virtual
services. This is another mode of us to deliver high quality services to your
child to prevent regression and continue with their progress. We have seen
tremendous success with this delivery method over the past several weeks. ALL
group therapy offerings will remain virtual only at this point. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our business office will begin contacting families on
Monday, May 4<sup>th</sup> to offer in-person slots beginning on May 18<sup>th</sup>,
should you be interested. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We thank you all very much for your continued support during
these challenging and worrisome times. As a small business, it is only thru our
families that continue to support us that we can remain open and offering
services to your children. We truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts and
we cannot wait to begin to see you all again!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-88671945116994139752020-04-16T00:14:00.000-04:002020-05-03T14:27:04.140-04:00Thru the Looking Glass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5dG4vvUQ-Lv52HL9fRJk_d0LZhLcp0c5PNYjwp-xy-pOMugZ8GXPzd0q6Nm0PU5Wj3CBRiy0NMncOO5TuI6YqdPylO5xvQs9MLgbhkZBSBzvdk-kaZPdv9p9fVkRpfa0SmUE3dW-oECm/s1600/large-looking-glass-house-print-1300x1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5dG4vvUQ-Lv52HL9fRJk_d0LZhLcp0c5PNYjwp-xy-pOMugZ8GXPzd0q6Nm0PU5Wj3CBRiy0NMncOO5TuI6YqdPylO5xvQs9MLgbhkZBSBzvdk-kaZPdv9p9fVkRpfa0SmUE3dW-oECm/s320/large-looking-glass-house-print-1300x1300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Thru the Looking Glass</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Kathleen Pici, OTR/L, CAS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As a therapist, I feel like I fell thru the looking glass in March. I entered a whole new world in which some things seemed bigger, others smaller, and a variety of colors that I had not seen before. Nothing seemed to work the way I was used to, my learned skills for 18 years did not work the same in this world, and I had to interact with people in a way that was completely foreign to me. I was in the looking glass.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But was I..</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As therapists we are trained to use ourselves. We are skilled to be able to adapt on the spot, to change our direction, and be able to join the world of those that we serve to best help them achieve their goals. Was this new place I was now in so different from what I had been doing for this many years OR did I just need to change my looking glass?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The therapists that I know and respect have all been in this place. And we have all had to put a different pair of lenses on due to the instant enactment of Teletherapy. And what those glasses have done is show us some clarity. Therapists have trained for this for their whole career...even before it started. As students we were tested and quizzed on making adaptations with little more than what was in our existing room. That is our new temporary world! Again, we have trained for this forever!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What has happened in this whole new world is the exploration of activities to do with kids that they can replicate in their homes, ways to engage parents like never before, and therapists being able to engage their skills to the highest and most coveted level (ps we all crave this daily and love when new challenges are presented although we may be scared at first!). We now, more than ever, have been able to show parents and families just how meaningful what we do in their daily life is. We have been invited into homes via webcams and cell phones to provide our kiddos with that craved normalcy and we have DELIVERED!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what happens when we step back thru the looking glass? When the world returns to "normal". We are now armed with a brighter picture, a bigger scope, and the confidence to know that we can overcome falling down the rabbit hole. We will view things differently and know that we ARE better therapists. We concurred the Jabberwocky, came out braver, and our kiddos came out stronger.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, who wants to step thru the looking glass with me?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-15728931508163126292020-04-15T23:36:00.001-04:002020-04-16T01:17:54.455-04:00Telehealth - cha cha cha changes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIRJ-5HXmfd0CD9Vtmwo4s0Mc9gEWe4_AYxiEY2qZw7PanfT5QGr7Ty4VL2jXCveZBedjlRbUm8P2P1y3hUh2z7am4YgEhjkHbI_GSvIvSLIqZ66Bitle3mF9IuwvdiUR1-EZa6bSuYNl/s1600/Becky+Telehealth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="694" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIRJ-5HXmfd0CD9Vtmwo4s0Mc9gEWe4_AYxiEY2qZw7PanfT5QGr7Ty4VL2jXCveZBedjlRbUm8P2P1y3hUh2z7am4YgEhjkHbI_GSvIvSLIqZ66Bitle3mF9IuwvdiUR1-EZa6bSuYNl/s200/Becky+Telehealth.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
There is a bit of pop culture injection in to this blog, you have been warned. : )<br />
<br />
Just as David Bowie sang in 1971... Cha Cha Cha Changes.... and we are experiencing just that, on many fronts these days. One of the many areas is healthcare's overnight transition to telehealth services.<br />
<br />
The families we serve can face many challenges when it comes to this new world and who better than a therapist to assist them through it all. Children without social engagement, children who don't thrive on social engagement, but it is the best thing for them to grow their skills and there is limited opportunity. Children that are now home schooled, while parents try to work and balance it all. Maybe it is the anxiety of the level of engagement and cooperation of your child during a telehealth session, access to technology and internet connection that can support a consistent web stream for a live session, having to prepare supplies prior to a treatment (where a clinic had this responsibility prior), and these are just to name a few.<br />
<br />
Therapists are facing a new world also, to some therapists it can seem like "What a world, what a world, I'm melting" (Wicked Witch of the West). However, we have seen that our team has stepped up to the plate to continue services, while bringing our AKT families along for the journey.<br />
<br />
Not unlike most telehealth sessions our team faces the dreaded poor connection, technology not working, and families that are not overly familiar with technology. In addition therapists are combating learning a new technology and working virtually thru a parents digits and limbs to conduct physical actions they typically would perform themselves with a child.<br />
<br />
so what does this all really equate to?<br />
<br />
Here is the breakdown on what this really means.<br />
<br />
1. We are all changing and learning together<br />
2. We are learning day-by-day that what seemed impossible or undesired is becoming feasible and dare I say.... enjoyable?<br />
3. Technology is not as foreign to children as it is to some adults.... children like screen time and cool interactive technology, and cameras, and the ability to see themselves on the screen. Let's use that and create a normalcy of interaction thru technology and family involvement in treatments.<br />
4. we are all in this together!<br />
<br />
"we had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun" (Terry Jacks 1974).... let this be another season in the sun and hopefully soon we can all experience it in person together again, but never forget this "season in the sun".<br />
<br />
by Gino Pici, COO<br />
Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLC<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-15196091387944499292020-04-08T21:10:00.001-04:002020-04-08T21:16:51.802-04:00Commercial Insurance Coverage for Telehealth in Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mLHco4UaeRKmRcb5SNjc8PTp0c6I7RJl3L-gbmk67LLcEe6E75mBNzA3m3VpQn5ecbi0QvWwHZJ0w_9MYqQWyuQaLrhKVhM1UHh809vZOtb2L9mtYtSqU-1Nf8maL4sbmwgZW8XKt0up/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="360" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mLHco4UaeRKmRcb5SNjc8PTp0c6I7RJl3L-gbmk67LLcEe6E75mBNzA3m3VpQn5ecbi0QvWwHZJ0w_9MYqQWyuQaLrhKVhM1UHh809vZOtb2L9mtYtSqU-1Nf8maL4sbmwgZW8XKt0up/s320/download.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As of today Florida Blue (Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida) issued an update to providers that Amazing Kidz Therapy received, it states that Telehealth for PT, OT, and ST will be covered for services with an effective date of March 15th, 2020. We are continuing to evaluate the full billing requirements and will be most comfortable when we see claims being paid, but this is good news just the same that commercial insurances are coming to the table so that families can continue to get services they need.<br />
<br />
The Florida Blue update comes approximately 1 week after United Healthcares (pending claim payment to AKT) announcement that they would be covering Telehealth for PT, OT, and ST and approximatly 2 weeks after Tri-Care announced coverage (we have received payment on claims).<br />
<br />
Amazing Kidz Therapy (AKT) launched a letter writing campaign (<a href="https://nebula.wsimg.com/7efd825658091fbb330fcce811414d2e?AccessKeyId=94E3E572909C86CBD15E&disposition=0&alloworigin=1" target="_blank">Template letter to write the Governor</a>) approximately two weeks ago to do our part to personally write letters to our Florida Governor in addition to encouraging the families we serve, our friends, and our business acquaintances to send letters as well.<br />
<br />
AKT is not the only grass-root effort urging our local government to bring Telehealth coverage to the table from our commercial insurance companies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<ul>
<li>900 Healthcare workers write an open letter to Governor Desantis urging action and of the the demands for action, they included telehealth coverage by insurance companies.... </li>
</ul>
</h4>
<ul><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>"<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> The letter asks DeSantis to mandate that insurance providers waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 related medical procedures or treatment, as governors in New York and California have done, and to <u>issue an executive order requiring insurance companies to cover telehealth services</u>." Evans, Jack - March 27, 2020 - Tampa Bay Times</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/03/27/850-florida-healthcare-workers-urge-gov-ron-desantis-act-now/">https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/03/27/850-florida-healthcare-workers-urge-gov-ron-desantis-act-now</a></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<li><h4 style="border-bottom: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 52px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Florida Doctors Urge State Officials to Mandate Telehealth Payment Parity.</span></h4>
</li>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Florida’s largest medical association is taking the state to task for not mandating telehealth payment parity during the Coronavirus pandemic.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.flmedical.org/florida/Florida_Public/Publications/Coronavirus_News/Florida_Public/Education/Coronavirus_Information.aspx?hkey=0adbf8ea-78b0-468c-9f3f-1a917eefbee9" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #005691; font-weight: 600; text-decoration-line: none;">In a letter</a> to State Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, Florida Medical Association President Ronald Giffler, MD, urged the state to require all payers in the state to reimburse providers for telehealth services at the same rate they pay for in-person services." Wicklund, Eric - March, 26 2020 mHealth Intelligence </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 15px;">
<a href="https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/florida-doctors-urge-state-officials-to-mandate-telehealth-payment-parity" style="background-color: transparent;">https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/florida-doctors-urge-state-officials-to-mandate-telehealth-payment-parity</a></div>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
While this is amazing news, the fight is not over and we urge you to keep writing our governor and state officials to mandate Telehealth parity laws in Florida (treating Telehealth just the same as an in-person visit for coverage and payment). Approx 39 states today have parity laws in place, but even in that scenario not all cover PT,OT,ST services.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your continued support and let's show the powerful insurance lobby that our voices can outweigh their efforts to create additional blockers to services our Florida families need.<br />
</ul>
by: Gino Pici, COO<br />
Amazing Kidz Therapy<br />
<br />Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969403298963945185.post-63521938490360911162020-04-08T14:40:00.002-04:002020-04-08T14:46:51.631-04:00Games to Build Fine Motor Skills and Strength<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-R3JTY1GlsUpSbp-kgfJv6w2oP46c3T8lUEZXtQLfbjNZepqI0ht7ilLj4yQm501ew_uIxWLRF7vhP-nwW33wNutUTES-Lci-CzNlgBcdXJnMkOycvI1MFwUM-2n3k3UsK5cDQtVw9Yh/s1600/Game+Time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1600" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-R3JTY1GlsUpSbp-kgfJv6w2oP46c3T8lUEZXtQLfbjNZepqI0ht7ilLj4yQm501ew_uIxWLRF7vhP-nwW33wNutUTES-Lci-CzNlgBcdXJnMkOycvI1MFwUM-2n3k3UsK5cDQtVw9Yh/s320/Game+Time.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Games to Build Fine Motor Skills and Strength</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>By Kathleen Pici, OTR/L, CAS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During this time, when we are faced with more time at home with our children, less or/no interaction with their teachers/therapists/friends...(fill in the blank) it allows for us to work on skills with them that they may be struggling with. Now, one of the things that makes our jobs as therapists so great, is that therapy is (or should be!) fun! One of the greatest ways to do this is thru play. And, what better way to have fun and play together as a family than a game!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We want to provide you with some of our favorite games to work on fine motor skills and strengthening. Most of these games will also incorporate other skills such as color identification, number recognition, counting, or letter recognition. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HyNVHRra7-l02HQ6hzjNW3vT-WxhQR2g7JoDcGrnxvGDnAkkUaxQuhzlUU1yer2q43MrOlDyJRofiGbXSKtAm7satlhjTHbvMwMOwvX7AngGOemlvxKbFMz8c1_aA6sryzHRqB-OVaJd/s1600/Sneaky+Snacky+Squirrel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HyNVHRra7-l02HQ6hzjNW3vT-WxhQR2g7JoDcGrnxvGDnAkkUaxQuhzlUU1yer2q43MrOlDyJRofiGbXSKtAm7satlhjTHbvMwMOwvX7AngGOemlvxKbFMz8c1_aA6sryzHRqB-OVaJd/s320/Sneaky+Snacky+Squirrel.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel works on fine motor coordination, strength, visual motor, and color matching. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqkZfHcHy2LmFqM14l79G9Qo7e7d8mols9FXaQ1D3JI9yE7SQC51ZF1Fbm9d28KzcEDTXJNzoj8zRYenppelXsexCjhaHEG9Psa_ZOHu7fYnps8AiuDDDG3PCK71wQ_tLFhYfWOXT5-1X/s1600/Fridas-Fruit-Fiesta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1540" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqkZfHcHy2LmFqM14l79G9Qo7e7d8mols9FXaQ1D3JI9yE7SQC51ZF1Fbm9d28KzcEDTXJNzoj8zRYenppelXsexCjhaHEG9Psa_ZOHu7fYnps8AiuDDDG3PCK71wQ_tLFhYfWOXT5-1X/s320/Fridas-Fruit-Fiesta.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Frida's Fruit Fiesta Game works on fine motor coordination, strength, visual motor, and letter recognition. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wkS4WBuFrDdf9hpv4HIeUX4cs2eyDO-gGtF1Rb9Q1gzWYOlA8D6bWD1SIEnYZbC0fUIvjz7E2HOn-B1vuuJmHQnBifXzzfi4thZY-PNlstpidHhjehGWTFKuEnM-aqtUC1HLR3bh3bCq/s1600/Sophia+Seashell+Scramble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="425" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wkS4WBuFrDdf9hpv4HIeUX4cs2eyDO-gGtF1Rb9Q1gzWYOlA8D6bWD1SIEnYZbC0fUIvjz7E2HOn-B1vuuJmHQnBifXzzfi4thZY-PNlstpidHhjehGWTFKuEnM-aqtUC1HLR3bh3bCq/s320/Sophia+Seashell+Scramble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sophie's Seashell Scramble works on fine motor coordination, strength, visual motor, and shape identification.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK1N7cdK6ffkJoeCXcnbmQ-ERb-94TP5VKu1BuwHPEmoD0eLa0Oi7g36jZ_axaZmyRsZQeJ7UwuqxKrhX2cu7A0lnAvgmBQ_BDCY6um1CnuriNzy79tlHnIP2kdk60V0y-AOxbCLlo4Zk/s1600/Flipping+Frogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK1N7cdK6ffkJoeCXcnbmQ-ERb-94TP5VKu1BuwHPEmoD0eLa0Oi7g36jZ_axaZmyRsZQeJ7UwuqxKrhX2cu7A0lnAvgmBQ_BDCY6um1CnuriNzy79tlHnIP2kdk60V0y-AOxbCLlo4Zk/s1600/Flipping+Frogs.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Flipping Frogs works on fine motor strength, dexterity, and finger isolation. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHsf4CQJZYXrokqF4u7rHjAh8etMwMN_tQToRLIQl3t6nQDxVWc6PcBCpUPvQ_BImHvZYFQ8pwi7173pwC45XEaPYcmoUCGjgCd41vgBbiYcIu4_4QH5NOj_A3GJ_97v2J5z27oH-G_bi/s1600/Operation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1500" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHsf4CQJZYXrokqF4u7rHjAh8etMwMN_tQToRLIQl3t6nQDxVWc6PcBCpUPvQ_BImHvZYFQ8pwi7173pwC45XEaPYcmoUCGjgCd41vgBbiYcIu4_4QH5NOj_A3GJ_97v2J5z27oH-G_bi/s320/Operation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Operation works on fine motor coordination, strengthening, visual motor skills, and dexterity. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzfN_wBciOvMkwD8fF0pyY3a5vpiI39txn-Ypucer7vdlCaDThNZ4m4qh_nJA5Whvow7edoNx7TLU1jKP_3jHSvlKMZAP9CbjUMi5dh36uf5e72CxDWV7csR9XaOT9txLpfb8qysYvSV8/s1600/Trouble.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzfN_wBciOvMkwD8fF0pyY3a5vpiI39txn-Ypucer7vdlCaDThNZ4m4qh_nJA5Whvow7edoNx7TLU1jKP_3jHSvlKMZAP9CbjUMi5dh36uf5e72CxDWV7csR9XaOT9txLpfb8qysYvSV8/s320/Trouble.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Trouble works on fine motor skills, visual motor, fine motor strengthening, and counting. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc0nz0ya7eAvb-EPgdLjukS4zk9tyveHCPCTm1yoK_QalWgKMeb1x9Y_QUoSsK3_efi0MZL9FGmRcJUm3UMKZtvZrNeVl2FSDis4udjjZTAAHUWnyJIOTOJdaxcUJiS5cNhjqUHy4kRGl/s1600/Froggy+Feeding+Fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc0nz0ya7eAvb-EPgdLjukS4zk9tyveHCPCTm1yoK_QalWgKMeb1x9Y_QUoSsK3_efi0MZL9FGmRcJUm3UMKZtvZrNeVl2FSDis4udjjZTAAHUWnyJIOTOJdaxcUJiS5cNhjqUHy4kRGl/s320/Froggy+Feeding+Fun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Froggy Feeding Fun works on fine motor coordination, fine motor strengthening, color identification, and counting. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
Amazing Kidz Therapy, PLLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367950133281612108noreply@blogger.com0