Helping children reach their maximum functional level of independence.
Developmental Disabilities Facing Families Today
The incidence of children in the US that have been reported to have a developmental disability is 17%. Cerebral palsy and learning disabilities have a significant impact on the health and educational function of affected children. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the US is 1 in 150 children 8 years of age and younger. Torticollis or wry neck is the third most common congenital musculoskeletal anomaly. The incidence of torticollis, in combination with plagiocephaly (head asymmetry), has increased dramatically since the "back to sleep" campaign began in 1992.
There are many diagnoses that may benefit from physical and occupational therapy: developmental delay, fine motor delay, or difficulty in handwriting, autism, cerebral palsy, torticollis, plagiocephaly, developmental coordination disorder, sensory processing disorder, club foot, congenital hip dislocation, gait dysfunction, and various orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions.
Pediatric Therapy Program
The therapy program begins with an interview and thorough evaluation of your child’s needs, their daily routines and activities, as well as assessment of their gross and fine motor function.
Our therapist will assist with their:
- Mobility
- Muscle and joint function
- Strength and endurance
- Cardiopulmonary status
- Posture and balance
- Oral motor skills & feeding
- Sensory & neuromotor development
- Use of assistive technology
Our goals for your therapy programs are:
- Promote independence
- Increase participation
- Facilitate motor development & function
- Improve strength
- Enhance learning opportunities
- Ease care giving
- Promote health & wellness
Critical Role of the Family
Our therapists will work as a team with your family by enhancing the child’s development through:
- Positioning during daily routines and activities
- Adapting toys for play
- Expanding mobility options
- Using equipment effectively
In addition, our therapists will teach your family about safety in the home and community, and provide information on the child’s physical and heath care needs. Your child’s therapy program will help transition him/her from early childhood to school and into adult life. Parents and caregivers are an important part of the treatment team. We feel it is essential to educate them on ways to facilitate improved function in their child with a home exercise program as well as play activities. By collaborating as a team, we are able to develop an individualized treatment program to target each child’s specific needs.
It is not easy dealing with the disabilities of a young child. It is often difficult to know where to look for help. Our team of physical and occupation therapists is the professionals with the answers.