Tag: Physical Therapy
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How to Reinforce Therapy Goals at Home: A Parent’s Guide
Children who receive speech, occupational, or physical therapy make significant progress during their sessions, but real success comes when those skills are carried over into daily life. Home is where children feel most comfortable, and it’s also the best place to reinforce what they’ve learned in therapy. As a parent or caregiver, you don’t need…
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Why Play Matters: Strategies to Build Social-Emotional Skills
Play is a fundamental part of childhood, but for children with autism and other exceptionalities, engaging in play can present unique challenges. Play-based strategies can help children build essential social-emotional skills, including communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. This blog explores the importance of play in child development and how these strategies can foster these skills effectively.…
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Building Social Skills in Children: Engaging Activities for Every Age Group
Building social skills in kids requires structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities that cater to their unique learning styles and social needs. Social skills activities should be tailored to individual abilities, sensory preferences, and comfort levels to support development while gradually encouraging interaction, cooperation, and relationship-building. Effective social skills interventions often involve structured play, visual…
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Going To Therapies: Social Stories
Social stories are important for kids, especially those with autism and other exceptionalities because they help them understand and navigate social situations more effectively. Social stories help children navigate new experiences by providing explanations of what to expect, which reduces anxiety and builds confidence. They prepare children by describing the situation, setting expectations for behavior,…
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Helping Kids with Special Needs Transition Smoothly After the Holidays
The holiday season brings joy, excitement, and cherished memories, but it can also disrupt routines and overwhelm children with special needs. As the festivities wind down, transitioning back to everyday life can pose unique challenges for these kids and their families. Here are some tips to help make the post-holiday transition as smooth and stress-free…
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2024 Holiday Toy Ideas for Kids with Special Needs
(click on the title of each toy name for a link to Amazon) The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to gift children toys that promote fun and learning. As the holidays approach, selecting toys that provide educational value while sparking enjoyment is key. Whether it’s puzzles that enhance problem-solving skills or interactive toys that…
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Preparing for The Holidays with Special Needs Children
Preparing for the holidays with a special needs child can require extra planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are several strategies to help your child feel more comfortable and engaged during this busy season. Create a Predictable Routine Holidays often disrupt daily routines. A visual schedule that outlines upcoming events…
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Enhancing Outcomes: The Impact of Parental Involvement in Pediatric Therapy
Parental involvement in therapy is important for maximizing the effectiveness of therapy and ensuring long-term success for children. Consistency and Reinforcement When parents are involved in therapy, they can help reinforce the strategies and goals being worked on, supporting their child in applying what they’ve learned to everyday situations. This involvement allows for better generalization…
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The Importance of Pediatric Therapy in Supporting Your Child’s Growth
Pediatric therapy uses science-based approaches to help your child grow and succeed. The methods used will depend on your child’s specific needs, aiming to get the best results. When looking for help, there are a few things to keep in mind: different ages might need different types of therapy, and depending on the situation, your…
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Elopement in Autistic Children
Elopement, sometimes called wandering or bolting, happens when a child with autism unexpectedly leaves a safe place without permission or supervision. It’s pretty common among kids with autism and can lead to serious safety concerns, like running into traffic, getting near water, or getting lost in unfamiliar areas. Understanding why this behavior happens and how…