Our occupational therapists offer a wide variety of programs to address each client’s individual motor, social, and educational developmental needs. Several examples are described below:
Sensory Integration
There are 3 types of primary diagnostic groups under the umbrella of Sensory Processing Disorder:
Our therapists utilize a treatment approach based on Sensory Integration theory in order to address many of our clients’ functional deficits from a sensory standpoint. Sensory integration is a neurological process in which sensations are organized for functional use in everyday activities. Our brain receives information from our body and the surrounding environment through our external and internal senses. When working efficiently in a typical nervous system, this information is then processed and organized in such a way that we are able to appropriately respond to our environment, often without conscious effort. Here at Pediatric Therapy and Learning Center, each child’s unique “sensory profile” is determined through extensive observation and evaluation methods. Our skilled occupational therapists then tailor an individualized treatment plan in order to facilitate improved awareness of and response to the sensory stimuli that are encountered on a daily basis, so that the child has more refined adaptive responses in his or her own environment.
Early Intervention Services
We provide services to infants and toddlers (birth-3 years) who are experiencing difficulties with various areas of development. Some commonly seen conditions are torticollis, plagiocephaly, developmental delays, muscle tone abnormalities, or difficulties with feeding (9 months+). At PTLC, we value a proactive approach in treating infants and toddlers, with the philosophy that early treatment for difficulties promotes optimal outcomes and may prevent current developmental concerns from becoming more severe.
Handwriting Remediation
There are various reasons a child may have difficulty with handwriting; therefore, it is important to
evaluate the motor skills and visual perceptual skills in conjunction with the handwriting product.
For treatment purposes, our therapists are certified in the Handwriting Without Tears program. This
program addresses pre-kindergarten through cursive handwriting skills, and it does this by utilizing a
developmental approach and multisensory strategies. With multiple manipulatives, fun songs, and
playful characters, children expand their letter awareness and formation. For more information,
ordering information, and on-line activities to play with your child, visit: www.hwtears.com.
Interactive Metronome
Interactive Metronome (IM) is a computer based program that aims at improving timing, sequencing,
coordination, and attention in children six years old and up, diagnosed with Sensory Processing
Disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and balance disorders. The program
aims to have the user coordinate specific body movements with a rhythmical beat using either
visual or auditory cues or both, depending on the level of performance. The functional goals include
improved focus and attention, increased ability to filter out environmental auditory stimuli, and
improve coordination. For more information about Interactive Metronome, please visit their website at
www.interactivemetronome.com.
Therapeutic Listening
Therapeutic Listening is an evidenced-based auditory intervention intended to support individuals who experience challenges with sensory processing dysfunction, listening, attention and communication. Because the auditory system has connections to many parts of the brain, sound is a powerful way to access the nervous system and affect changes.
Benefits of Therapeutic Listening:
- Improving Attention
- Praxis
- Self-regulation
- Fine Motor control
- Postural Control
- Social Skills/Communication ·Bilateral Coordination ·Visual Motor Integration
- And more!
Click here to watch a video and learn more about Therapeutic Listening!
How do I order Therapeutic Listening?
PTLC offers an equipment rental program for headphones for families to decrease expenses and still meet the needs of the child. A Therapeutic Listening app is available and can be downloaded for your smartphone/device. Click here for Apple or here for Android for Google pay. You can also search “Therapeutic Listening” in the app store. Download of app is FREE! Purchase of music is required and cost varies based on selection of music. A code is required at checkout and can be obtained from your child’s therapist. For more detailed information on how to order, ask to speak to one of our occupational therapists or visit www.vitallinks.com.
How Do I Listen at Home?
For optimal results, it is recommended that you consult with your therapist prior to music selection as each child’s needs are different.
- 30 minutes each listening session
- 2 times/day, 7 days per week (Do not have to complete at home on days your child has a therapy session)
- Minimum separation of 3 hours between listening sessions
- Change album every 2 weeks
- Your child may need to wear a headband over their headphones during movement activities to avoid them coming off
What Are Good Times to Listen to TL?
- Riding in a car
- During “rough house play”
- During mealtimes
- Jumping on a trampoline
- Swinging
- During visual motor activities such as playdough, coloring, and puzzles
- Going for a walk
What Should We Avoid While Listening to TL?
- Watching television
- Playing games on a device/iPad or Computer
- Performing high level cognitive tasks
- If your child has an ear infection