Our services
Occupational Therapy:
Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping children develop the skills needed for daily activities (or "occupations") such as playing, learning, and self-care. Pediatric occupational therapists work with children and their families to promote independence, enhance development, and improve quality of life.
Key Aspects of Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Assessment and Evaluation
OT begins with a detailed assessment of the child’s abilities, challenges, and environment. This includes evaluating motor skills, sensory processing, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Based on the assessment, therapists develop personalized treatment plans that target the child's specific needs and goals. These plans often incorporate play-based activities to make therapy engaging and effective for children.
Family Involvement
Family participation is crucial in pediatric OT. Therapists educate parents and caregivers on how to support their child's progress and integrate therapeutic activities into daily routines.
Therapeutic Techniques
Sensory Integration Therapy: Techniques to help children process and respond to sensory information more effectively.
Fine Motor Skills Development: Activities that improve hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and the ability to perform tasks like writing, buttoning, and using utensils.
Gross Motor Skills Development: Exercises that enhance large muscle movements, balance, and coordination.
Self-Care Skills Training: Teaching children how to perform daily activities such as dressing, grooming, and feeding themselves.
Social Skills Development: Activities that improve interaction with peers, communication, and emotional regulation.
Adaptive Techniques and Equipment: Recommending and teaching the use of adaptive tools to facilitate independence in daily tasks.
Common Conditions Treated in Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Developmental Delays: Delays in reaching milestones such as sitting, crawling, or walking.
Sensory Processing Disorders: Difficulty in processing and responding to sensory input.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
Cerebral Palsy: Affects movement and muscle tone, impacting daily activities.
Down Syndrome: Genetic disorder affecting physical and cognitive development.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Issues with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Learning Disabilities: Challenges in academic skills such as reading, writing, and math.
Traumatic Injuries: Recovery from injuries that affect daily function.
Genetic Disorders: Conditions like muscular dystrophy affecting physical abilities.
Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Improved Daily Living Skills: Enhances the child's ability to perform self-care tasks independently.
Enhanced Motor Skills: Develops fine and gross motor skills necessary for daily activities and play.
Better Sensory Processing: Helps children respond to sensory input in a more adaptive way, improving attention and behavior.
Increased Independence: Fosters the ability to perform tasks without assistance, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
Improved Social Skills: Enhances interaction with peers, communication, and participation in group activities.
Support for Learning and Academic Success: Assists with skills needed for school, such as writing, using scissors, and sitting attentively.
When to Seek Pediatric Occupational Therapy
If a child shows delays in developmental milestones.
When experiencing difficulty with daily tasks like dressing, feeding, or using the toilet.
For challenges with sensory processing, such as being overly sensitive to sounds, textures, or lights.
When a child has difficulty with fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil or cutting with scissors.
If there are concerns about social skills or behavior in social settings.
For support with attention, focus, and learning in school.
Following an injury or diagnosis of a condition affecting physical or cognitive abilities.
Pediatric occupational therapy is a vital resource for helping children overcome challenges, achieve developmental milestones, and gain the skills necessary for a fulfilling and independent life.
Speech Therapy:
Speech therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing and treating speech, language and communication concerns, as well as feeding and swallowing difficulties. They can work as part of an occupational therapy business and collaborate with occupational therapists to provide comprehensive patient-focused care.
At our practice, we specialize in speech therapy services to help adults and children learn how to communicate effectively and work to treat voice, language, and swallowing disorders. We provide compassionate and comprehensive speech therapy to help individuals of all ages reach their goals of improved communication skills and better quality of life.
Our experienced Speech-Language Pathologists are fully licensed, certified professionals dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. We provide individualized treatment to meet the unique needs of each client and support them through their journey towards better communication.
Key Aspects of Pediatric Speech Therapy
- Assessment and Evaluation
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the child's specific speech and language challenges. This may include standardized tests, observations, and interviews with parents and caregivers.
- Individualized Treatment Plans
Based on the assessment, SLPs develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the child's needs. These plans focus on specific goals and may involve various therapeutic techniques and activities.
- Family Involvement
Involving parents and caregivers is crucial for reinforcing skills at home. SLPs provide guidance and strategies to help families support their child's communication development.
- Therapeutic Techniques
Articulation Therapy: Focuses on improving the production of specific sounds and speech clarity.
Language Intervention Activities: Includes activities designed to improve vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension.
Oral-Motor/Feeding Therapy: Addresses issues with chewing, swallowing, and oral motor skills necessary for speech production.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Uses tools and devices to assist children who have significant communication challenges.
Social Communication Therapy: Helps children develop the skills needed for effective social interaction, such as understanding social cues and taking turns in conversation.
Common Conditions Treated in Pediatric Speech Therapy
Speech Delays: Delayed development of speech sounds or speaking skills.
Language Disorders: Difficulties in understanding or using language effectively.
Articulation Disorders: Problems with making sounds correctly, leading to unclear speech.
Phonological Disorders: Patterns of sound errors that affect speech intelligibility.
Stuttering: Disruptions in the flow of speech, including repetitions, prolongations, and blocks.
Voice Disorders: Issues with pitch, volume, or quality of the voice.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Challenges with communication and social interaction.
Down Syndrome: Genetic disorder affecting speech and language development.
Apraxia of Speech: Difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech.
Hearing Impairments: Impact on speech and language development due to hearing loss.
Cleft Lip and Palate: Structural abnormalities affecting speech and feeding.
Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia): Problems with feeding and swallowing.
Benefits of Pediatric Speech Therapy
Improved Communication Skills: Enhances the child’s ability to express themselves and understand others.
Better Academic Performance: Supports language and literacy skills essential for success in school.
Increased Confidence and Social Skills: Helps children interact more effectively with peers and adults, boosting self-esteem.
Enhanced Speech Clarity: Improves articulation and pronunciation, making speech more understandable.
Support for Feeding and Swallowing: Addresses issues that can impact nutrition and overall health.
Family Support and Education: Equips families with strategies to support their child's communication development at home.
When to Seek Pediatric Speech Therapy
If a child shows delays in speech or language development compared to typical age milestones.
When experiencing difficulty understanding or being understood by others.
For persistent issues with stuttering or voice quality.
If there are concerns about social communication skills, such as making eye contact or engaging in conversation.
When a child has difficulty with feeding or swallowing.
Following a diagnosis of a condition that affects speech and language, such as autism or hearing loss.
After surgery or medical conditions affecting the mouth, throat, or vocal cords.
Pediatric speech therapy plays a crucial role in helping children develop the communication skills necessary for their overall growth and development. By addressing speech, language, and swallowing challenges early, SLPs can significantly improve a child's ability to interact, learn, and thrive.
We offer the following services:
- Assessment and diagnosis of communication and swallowing disorders
- Individual therapy sessions tailored to each client's unique needs
- Group therapy sessions for adults and children
- Development of home therapy programs
- Training for family members and/or caregivers
- Coordination of care with other professionals
- Education sessions covering topics related to communication, language, and swallowing disorders
Our team is committed to supporting our clients through every step of their journey. We want to help them gain the skills and confidence to communicate more effectively. Contact us today to learn more about our speech therapy services and to schedule an initial consultation.
Physical Therapy:
Pediatric physical therapy (PT) is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric physical therapists work with young patients to help them achieve optimal physical function, developmental milestones, and independence. The goal is to enhance the child’s growth, development, and ability to participate in daily activities.
Key Aspects of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Assessment and Evaluation
Pediatric PTs begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand the child’s medical history, current physical abilities, and developmental status. This involves observing the child’s movement patterns, strength, coordination, and balance.
Developmental Milestones
PTs monitor and address developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling, walking, and running. Delays in these milestones may indicate a need for intervention.
Customized Treatment Plans
Treatment plans are tailored to each child’s specific needs and goals. These plans often include exercises, play-based activities, and therapeutic techniques designed to improve motor skills, strength, and coordination.
Family Involvement
Family participation is crucial in pediatric PT. Therapists educate parents and caregivers on how to support their child’s development and continue therapy activities at home.
Therapeutic Techniques
Play-Based Therapy: Engaging children in play to make therapy enjoyable and effective.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage and joint mobilization to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Strengthening and Stretching Exercises: Activities to build muscle strength and flexibility.
Balance and Coordination Training: Exercises to enhance stability and movement control.
Sensory Integration Therapy: Techniques to help children process and respond to sensory information.
Assistive Devices and Equipment
PTs may recommend and help children adapt to assistive devices such as braces, walkers, or wheelchairs to improve mobility and independence
Common Conditions Treated in Pediatric Physical Therapy
Developmental Delays: Delayed achievement of motor milestones.
Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone.
Muscular Dystrophy: A group of genetic diseases causing muscle weakness.
Spina Bifida: A congenital disorder affecting the spine and nervous system.
Torticollis: A condition where the neck muscles are tight, causing the head to tilt.
Genetic Disorders: Conditions such as Down syndrome affecting physical development.
Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures, sports injuries, and postoperative rehabilitation.
Neuromuscular Disorders: Conditions affecting the muscles and nerves, impacting movement and function.
Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Improved Motor Skills: Enhances gross and fine motor skills, allowing children to perform daily activities more effectively.
Enhanced Mobility: Increases the child’s ability to move independently, improving overall quality of life.
Pain Management: Alleviates pain associated with various conditions, allowing for more comfortable movement and activity.
Increased Strength and Endurance: Helps build muscle strength and endurance, vital for overall physical health.
Boosted Confidence and Independence: Empowers children to participate in activities, improving self-esteem and independence.
Family Support and Education: Provides families with the knowledge and tools to support their child’s development at home.
When to Seek Pediatric Physical Therapy
If a child shows signs of delayed motor development.
Following an injury or surgery requiring rehabilitation.
For congenital conditions affecting movement and physical function.
When experiencing difficulty with balance, coordination, or muscle strength.
For chronic conditions requiring long-term management.
Pediatric physical therapy plays a crucial role in supporting the physical development and well-being of children, helping them reach their full potential and lead active, healthy lives.