Services Provided
Speech Therapy
Pediatric speech therapy helps children with communication difficulties, encompassing both speech production and language comprehension, as well as related areas like oral motor skills and social communication. It involves a speech-language pathologist (SLP) working with the child and their family to develop a personalized therapy plan. The goal is to improve a child's ability to express themselves, understand others, and interact effectively in social situations.
1
Evaluation:
An SLP assesses the child's communication skills through observation, standardized tests, and parent input.
2
Goal Setting:
Based on the evaluation, the SLP works with the family to set realistic and achievable goals
3
Therapy Sessions:
Sessions may involve play-based activities, structured exercises, and visual aids to target specific communication skills.
4
Home Program:
SLPs provide strategies and activities for parents to practice with their child at home to reinforce learning.
5
Progress Monitoring and Adjustments:
The SLP monitors the child's progress and adjusts the therapy plan as needed.
Occupational Therapy
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Focus on functional skills:
OT aims to help children gain the skills necessary to perform everyday tasks independently and successfully. -
Holistic approach: It considers the child's physical, sensory, social, cognitive, and emotional development.
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Play-based therapy:
Play is a natural way for children to learn and develop skills, and OT utilizes play to address specific challenges. -
Individualized treatment plans: OTs create tailored plans based on each child's unique needs and strengths.
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Collaboration:
OTs often work with other professionals, such as physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and teachers, to provide comprehensive care. -
Sensory integration therapy:
This type of therapy helps children with sensory processing difficulties to better regulate their responses to sensory input. -
Addressing specific challenges:
OTs can help with a wide range of issues, including fine motor skill difficulties (like handwriting or using scissors), gross motor skill challenges (like coordination and balance), sensory processing issues, social skills deficits, and difficulties with self-care tasks.
When might a child need pediatric OT?
Difficulty with fine motor skills
e.g., grasping objects, using utensils, writing
Gross motor skill challenges
e.g. balance, coordination, movement
Sensory processing difficulties
e.g. sensitivity to textures, sounds, or movement
Social skills deficits
e.g. difficulty interacting with peers, understanding
social cues
Difficulties with self-care tasks
e.g. dressing, toileting, eating
Delays in reaching developmental milestones
Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy focuses on helping children with movement, motor skills, and functional abilities. It addresses a range of conditions, from developmental delays and injuries to neurological and genetic disorders, aiming to improve a child's strength, balance, coordination, and overall physical development. We work with children from birth to adolescence, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and fostering a fun, engaging environment to promote independence and participation in daily activities.