FAQ.

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession focused on enhancing an individual's ability to engage in meaningful daily activities. Pediatric occupational therapists collaborate with children and their families to enhance various skills related to play, education, and self-care, including tasks like feeding and dressing. The occupational therapist conducts a comprehensive evaluation that encompasses the assessment of fine motor abilities, sensory integration, visual perception, self-care skills, as well as considerations of range of motion, muscle tone, motor planning, functional communication, and social adaptation. When it is determined that occupational therapy would be beneficial for the child and their family, the occupational therapist will recommend appropriate treatment. Drawing from their expertise in sensory integration, anatomy, neurology, kinesiology, child development, medical diagnosis, and current research, the therapist works towards improving the child's occupational performance. Therapy sessions are designed to be enjoyable for the child, incorporating a variety of activities that are adapted to address their specific needs.

Sensory activities are specifically designed to challenge and enhance your child's ability to respond appropriately to sensory input. These activities aim to provide exciting and engaging experiences that allow your child to succeed while maintaining organization. Examples of sensory activities include climbing up a ladder, playing in beans, jumping into a ball pit, sliding down a scooter board, swinging on a trapeze, or walking barefoot in the mud. Each activity is carefully tailored to offer proprioceptive and vestibular input, fostering body awareness and organization. As your child progresses, the level of challenge in the activities will gradually increase. Our goal is to create a therapy experience that your child looks forward to, although it may take some time for a hesitant child to adjust to new environments. At Kidsplay, our trained therapists will collaborate with your child to develop personalized activities that provide just the right sensory input as their sensory system matures. Our sensory gym is equipped with suspended equipment, a ball pit, bolsters, a balance beam, tunnels, a trampoline, scooter boards, and more. Following sensory integration treatment, therapists carefully observe the progress, and parents often report a wide range of improvements. These may include enhanced attention, increased compliance with dressing and eating, improved tolerance to new environments, a more organized child, enhanced motor skills, reduced tantrums, improved self-esteem, better academic skills, improved hand-eye coordination, and an overall enhanced sense of self.

Prior to attending a social event, there are several strategies you can employ to help prepare the child: Familiarize yourself with the planned activities, structure, and games of the event. Practice these activities with the child beforehand to build familiarity and confidence. Create a social story specifically tailored to the upcoming social event. This story can serve as a visual aid and guide, helping the child understand what to expect and how to navigate the event. By implementing these approaches, you can proactively support the child in preparing for and navigating social situations with greater ease.

Utilizing a social story can play a valuable role in preparing your child for novel experiences or aiding their comprehension of abstract concepts. By employing this effective tool, you can assist your child in navigating unfamiliar situations or grasping complex ideas with greater ease and understanding.

Indeed, our therapists are well-versed in various methodologies, including the SOS approach. This approach not only brings joy to your child but also facilitates their success as they gradually develop a positive relationship with a wide range of foods. For further information about SOS feeding therapy, please visit: https://sosapproachtofeeding.com

Exploration and interaction with their environment serve as fundamental ways for children to learn and develop. Within this context, movement plays a vital role in a child's overall growth, as each child exhibits unique patterns of movement and growth. Pediatric physical therapists collaborate with children and their families, aiming to help them reach their full potential for independent functioning and foster active engagement within their home, school, and community settings.

Our expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions and challenges, including: Torticollis Developmental delay Abnormal gait Recovery from sports and non-sports related injuries Genetic disorders Muscle weakness or imbalances Difficulty with coordination or motor planning Nerve and muscle conditions We are well-equipped to address these diverse needs and provide comprehensive support to help individuals overcome these obstacles and enhance their overall well-being.

Rolling: 4-5 months Sitting: 6-7 months Crawling: 9-12 months Pulling to stand: 9-12 months Walking: 12-18 months

To develop your child's gross motor skills and strengthen their neck, shoulders, back, and core, it is recommended to start with short sessions of 3-5 minutes and gradually work towards a goal of 60 minutes per day. By progressively increasing the duration of these activities, you can support the development of your child's overall physical abilities.

We are here to assist with various concerns, including: Difficulty with tummy time Asymmetrical movement patterns Development of a flat spot on the head Inability to keep up with peers of the same age on the playground Recently experienced pain, muscle weakness, or challenges in performing gross motor tasks Our dedicated team is equipped to address these issues and provide appropriate support tailored to your specific needs. We strive to help individuals overcome these obstacles and achieve their optimal physical well-being.

Muscle tone refers to the baseline tension of a muscle at rest and the communication between the brain and the muscle. On the other hand, muscle strength relates to the speed and force at which a muscle can contract. An analogy that can be helpful is comparing hypotonia to a Toyota Prius and hypertonia to a Lamborghini. The Prius, with its low-tone engine, requires significant strength to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. In contrast, the Lamborghini, with its high-tone engine, requires minimal strength to achieve the same acceleration.

Engaging in a sitting position known as W-sitting can contribute to various issues such as tightness in the hip muscles, reduced core strength, muscle imbalances, and improper body alignment. If your child is capable of sitting in alternative positions, it is advisable to encourage them to do so. By promoting the adoption of different sitting positions, you can mitigate the potential negative consequences associated with W-sitting and support healthier postural habits.