Autism Awareness Month

A time to celebrate, a time to educate, and a time to make a difference: April is Autism Awareness Month. Help raise awareness by sharing knowledge and showing support.  

About 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from the Center for Disease Control's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Caused by an abnormality in the brain, this term helped describe the withdrawal behavior in young children. Autism derives from the Greek word “autos”, or self.

Some signs to look for, according to the Autism Society, include lack of or delay in speech, repetitive language or actions, little or no eye contact, lack of interest or distance in relationships, lack of spontaneity, and fixation on objects.

Recognizing these signs can open doors for early intervention services, where children can be diagnosed at an early age. Doctors, therapists, teachers and other professionals can team together to help the child learn to communicate better and reach new milestones.

Pediatric Therapy Partners is thrilled to have an Autism Team with therapists who have received their Autism Certification. After course work, case studies, and required projects, this certification allows the therapists to share their knowledge with families and better treat their patients by having a greater understanding of the diagnosis.

All of our therapists at PTP work with children with autism spectrum disorders in some way. With new treatment strategies, compassion, and access to community resources, therapists at PTP can help educate the public while serving children on the autism spectrum.

***

On a local level, there are several opportunities to learn more and raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders.
FM Autism Support Group meets every 2^nd Friday of the month September-May from 7:00-9:00pm at Pediatric Therapy Partners. It is a parent-led and parent-directed forum to share and exchange ideas, barriers and triumphs! Childcare is provided. Check out the Facebook page for more information on the FM Autism Support Group. 

“3^rd Annual Faces of Autism” takes place April 15-25, sponsored by the FM Autism Support Group. This event is an exhibit in the West Acres Mall Herberger’s Wing that is designed to increase awareness and showcase our wonderful community members with an autism spectrum disorder.  It is open to anyone who would like to share a picture of their loved one.  You are responsible for putting up and taking down your photo.  Come check it out, as it is always a moving exhibit.

Pediatric Therapy Partners has recognized a need for ongoing autism communication and education and has developed a free, three-part seminar offered by the PTP Autism Team to educate parents and the community.

All sessions will be held from 6:30-8:00pm at the Ramada Plaza & Suites, 1635 42^nd St. S, Fargo, ND.

Part 1: Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Does It Mean for Your Child? Explaining the Diagnosis: Thursday, April 11, 2013.

Part 2: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Treatments and Resources to Help Your Child Succeed: Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Part 3: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Tips and Ideas That Work for Home and Community Life: Thursday, June 13, 2013.

Space is limited to the first 100 people for each of the three parts. Please call (701) 232-2340 or email info@pediatrictherapypartners.com today to RSVP!

If you have concerns about your child, please call or visit our website at www.pediatrictherapypartners.com

 

RESOURCES:

http://www.autism-society.org/

http://www.autismspeaks.org

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html

http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/history-of-autism

March for Babies

There’s a renewed sense of hope to so many newborns. Together, communities walk to raise awareness about nurturing healthy babies through the March of Dimes March for Babies. This is a special year, marking 75 years of family and friends gathering across borders.

Each walk raises awareness for babies born too soon each year.  The March of Dimes North Dakota Chapter funds local programs that help lead moms to healthy pregnancies:

• “39 Week Toolkit” helps hospitals increase education and improve policies.
• “Coming of the Blessing” provides prenatal education, training and resources to help encourage women during pregnancy.
• “Healthy Babies Healthy Business” links employees to health information directly from the employer.
• “NICU Family Support Program” offers direct support to families when their baby is admitted to the NICU at Essentia Health in Fargo.

In the effort to help support babies on a local level, Pediatric Therapy Partners has created a team to participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies in Fargo. Jodi (PT) and Tiffany (SLP) will lead the team on the morning of April 13, 2013 at the Scheels Arena.  This year’s team has a goal of raising at least $1,000 for the March of Dimes. Every dollar goes towards increasing research and programs that help babies have healthy lives. To view the March for Babies PTP team online, click on “Join a Team”, type in Pediatric Therapy Partners, and click on our team name. You can sign up and help us reach our goal!

If you want to find a walk in your community, create your own team, or provide funds towards research and local chapters, visit http://www.marchforbabies.org/.

RESOURCES:

March of Dimes: http://www.marchforbabies.org/why.aspx

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Did you know March 25^th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day? Let’s take this time as an opportunity to raise awareness about a motor disability that affects so many.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 1 in 303 children in the U.S. have cerebral palsy, a loss or impairment of motor function.  Cerebral palsy may also occur during early infancy as a result of abnormalities or injury of the brain, infections during pregnancy and premature birth.  Often, the brain damage occurred before, during or immediately after birth.

                                                                                                        

Cerebral palsy can be diagnosed at an early age. Some challenges may lie ahead, including ability to move, maintaining balance, or reaching milestones in motor and growth.  Focusing on early intervention is the key.  Recognizing early signs and seeking services will help both families and providers develop treatment plans that may improve development.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, along with adaptive equipment, are common routes for children with cerebral palsy.  Therapists at PTP utilize a variety of strategies in treating cerebral palsy. Some of the most common therapy options include aquatic therapy, physical, occupational and speech therapy, behavioral or recreation therapy, conductive education, sensory integration, hippotherapy, social therapy, massage therapy, nutritional/dietary therapy, vocational counseling, and play therapy.

Laura shared her long journey at PTP, as her daughter, Catlyn, age 7, has been seen at PTP since she was a baby.  One highlight was when her PT and OT suggested an adaptive bike, seeing how far she’s come and how much she loves riding it in the summer or with friends.

Laura appreciates having all three services within reach and how they cross over to work towards many of the same goals.

“It has been absolutely wonderful to have everything, OT, PT, and Speech therapists from the same organization, talking to each other to figure out a joint game plan. It still goes on today where they work together in building a formula for Catlyn,” Laura explained.

Laura is also grateful that PTP offers services in the home.

“To be able to have therapists work around our schedule for home visits is amazing,” she said, stressing that taking take time off multiple times a week for office visits would be difficult.

The therapists are there from the time Catlyn gets ready for school to the time she comes home from daycare. Right now, Catlyn is working on strength and stamina so she can ditch the wheelchair and walk in a walker.

Used within a coordinated, complete treatment plan, therapy can play a vital role in reaching developmental milestones.  Because there is no cure, the goal of treatment is to help the individual gain independence. Organizations and advocates continue to work together to raise awareness and to advance research efforts. Therapy combined with a team of professionals and additional resources can help provide the best possible quality-of-life.

If you have concerns for your child and want to reach out to a therapist at PTP, please call or visit our website.

RESOURCES:

MyChild at CerebralPalsy.org: http://cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CerebralPalsyStory/

Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/cerebral_palsy.html

Children's Dental Health Month

In February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month.  Throughout this month, the ADA emphasizes the importance of developing good habits at an early age.  The organization aims to promote and spread the awareness of the benefits in maintaining good oral health.

Good habits can include scheduling regular visits, forming good brushing routines, and getting a good start at an early age on striving for healthy teeth and gums.  The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) remind us that a nutritional regimen, like adding calcium to a diet, is also an essential part of healthy teeth and bones.  Healthy Children recommends that parents also work with their pediatrician to establish good oral health, as a healthy mouth is an important piece of a child’s wellness.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, as stated by the CDC.  Untreated, the pain and infections from tooth decay may later lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning. 

Therapists at PTP can help a children improve these skills that may have been comprised from tooth decay. Therapy not only accelerates development, but it can also compliment or create healthy habits. Occupational therapists work to improve a child’s physical development, social and emotional development, cognition, and fine motor skills.  They assist the child in all undertakings of daily living.  Occupational therapists can help the child with brushing and oral care routines.  Therapists then work with the families to help carry out these habits at home so the child progresses towards completing the task on their own.

Alyssa, an occupational therapist at PTP, explains, “Occupational therapy can work on decreasing oral defensiveness to help kids tolerate the toothbrush and toothpaste in their mouths to increase their self-care skills and independence.”

Each year, health care providers and other professionals continually work together to promote the importance of good oral health to children and families.

RESOURCES:

American Dental Association (ADA): http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/child.htm

Healthy Children: http://www.healthychildren.org/english/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/default.aspx

NICHD: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/Pages/022213-dental-health-month.aspx

American Heart Month

Do you have hearts on the mind as Valentine’s Day approaches?

What about your own heart?

If you ever wonder why the doctor’s office inquires our family history, it’s important to ask those questions like what health conditions and diseases we may find within our family tree.  During American Heart Month, let’s take a closer look at our hearts.

According to the American Heart Association, having a blood relative with health conditions like heart disease can increase our own risk; however, making lifestyle choices can help decrease chances of having some health conditions. As a family, you can take preventative measures to ensure health habits become a lifelong goal.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.  Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels are good measures to take in preventing heart disease, whether it’s at a doctor’s office or at home.

The CDC also helps remind us to not become overwhelmed while taking steps towards health; don’t go the journey alone when changing our habits, don’t get discouraged, and reward ourselves.

Kids Health has great tips on how to “keep your heart happy.” Healthy habits such as being active every day can be as simple as jumping rope, dancing, or playing a game with friends. We have to remember that our heart is just as vital as any other muscle in our body.  A good diet includes paying attention to both healthy and unhealthy foods. Eating a variety of healthy foods, like the appropriate servings of fruits and vegetables, are just as important as avoiding unhealthy items like foods high in fats or sodium or drinks high in sugar. Learn to compare labels on processed foods and don’t be afraid to explore the produce aisle.

Another aspect of heart health is established at birth. About 40,000 infants are born with heart defects each year.  The CDC states that congenital heart defects are present at birth and affect how a baby’s heart is made and how it works.  Although the cause of most is unknown, actions during pregnancy may reduce the risk of having a baby with heart defects.

To help a child reach full function and highest level of independence, therapist at Pediatric Therapy Partners will help improve motor skills, muscular strength, and overall endurance following heart procedures.  Therapy can assist in healing and increase performance during play and activities of daily living.

If preventative tips and behaviors are learned at a young age, families can help their kids continue to take steps throughout childhood towards a heart healthy lifestyle.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/heart.html#

Feeding Therapy

Does your child have difficult eating solid foods or drinking from a cup? Are meal times frustrating?

If your child has difficulty with transitions during feeding, there is a way to help your child interact with food in a more playful but effective way.

Feeding therapy is designed to help children improve their acceptance of new or undesired foods and improve their sensory and oral motor feeding skills. Occupational and Speech Therapists can evaluate a child’s feeding skills and implement a plan that is both fun and functional for the child and their families.

There are also specific methods used to treat feeding therapy. Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach is a developmental feeding therapy that helps the child explore the color, shape, texture, smell, taste and consistency of different foods (Courage Center).

Oral-motor therapy could include addressing weak musculature in and around your child’s mouth. It could also involve behavioral feeding with no oral-motor, or a combination of the two (Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology).

Therapists at Pediatric Therapy Partners can provide information about when to be concerned with feeding skills and identify red flags. The PTP Feeding Team recognized that there are a variety of sensory, oral motor and behavior factors that impact a child’s ability to meet their nutritional needs.  The team will present a seminar that will provide information about when to be concerned with feeding skills and identify red flags.

The Feeding Team describes the seminar as an opportunity to provide developmental information for oral motor skills and when textures or foods are age-appropriate for all children. 

“It will provide food play ideas and how to encourage children to try and eat new foods,” explained the team.

Each course is designed to identify feeding disorders and how to improve children’s eating skills. The first course explains the definition, red flags, 10 common myths about feeding, normal oral motor and feeding development, and causes of feeding disorders. The team will also explain feeding techniques to assist children in increasing volume and variety of foods.

The second course will be a review of what feeding disorders are and will focus on how to present new foods along with preferred foods to increase attempts at eating.  The tea will also provide a hands-on creative play and interactive course with varieties of food to encourage children with feeding deficits to explore, play and eat new foods.

Feeding Disorders are often confused with children being labeled as “picky eaters.”

The Pediatric Therapy Partners Feeding Team recognizes

that there are a variety of sensory, oral motor, and behavior factors that impact a child’s ability to meet their nutritional needs. This seminar is split into two nights and will help identify feeding difficulties and supply strategies to help children improve their eating skills.

Attendance to both seminars is required to receive CEU credit.

Both sessions will be held from 6:30pm-8:00pm.

at Pediatric Therapy Partners, 3060 Frontier Way S., Fargo, ND.

PART 1: Feeding Disorders 1: Identifying Red Flags and Understanding Feeding Disorders in Children: Thursday, January 31, 2013

PART 2: Feeding Disorders 2: Hands-On and Interactive Feeding Strategies for Home and the Community: Thursday, February 28, 2013

Please call or email today to RSVP as spots are limited at 701-232-2340 or info@pediatrictherapypartners.com

RESOURCES:

Toomey, Kay PhD (2002). Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders: The SOS Approach to Feeding: Education Resources, Inc.

Rosenfeld-Johnson, Sara. (2001). Oral-Motor Exercises for Speech Clarity: Talk Tools, USA.

Rosenfeld-Johnson, Sara. (2000). Assessment and Treatment of the Jaw: Putting it all together: Sensory, Feeding and Speech. Talk Tools, USA.

Zimmerman, Ben. (2001). Pediatric Feeding Seminar: A Behavioral Approach (Intermediate). Los Altos Feeding Clinic, Los Altos, CA.

http://www.couragecenter.org/ContentPages/sos-feeding.aspx

http://www.speechlanguagefeeding.com/feeding-therapy-westchester/

PTP Feeding Team:

·        Tiffany Voigt, SLP

·        Rachel Olson, SLP

·        Sharon Drewlo, OT

New Year's Resolutions - Family Style

What better time to strive for a happy, healthy family than the New Year? A new year can mean a fresh start for kids when resolving bad habits or reaching for challenging goals.

                            

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) presents tips for children and families to work towards together:

Preschoolers

·         I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong.

·         I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.

·         I won’t tease dogs or other pets – even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

Kids, 5- to 12-years-old

·          I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only on special occasions.

·         I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.

·         I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!

·         I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.

·         I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.

·         I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.

·          I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent’s permission.

Kids, 13-years-old and up

·         I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day, and I will drink sodas only on special occasions.

·         I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition. 

·         I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities.

·         I will help out in my community – through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.

·         When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.

·          When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.

·          When I notice my friends are struggling or engaging in risky behaviors, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.

·          I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence. I will expect the same good behavior in return.

·          I will resist peer pressure to try tobacco, drugs or alcohol.

·          I agree not to use a cellphone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.

***

Resolutions don’t have to about restricting or depriving yourself – you can look at the new year as an chance to improve your lives as a family.

Family game night is just one way to designate time to be together or creating new family traditions (Family Education).  Since January follows a season of baking, try a new recipe a month instead.  If your kids are interesting in being the sous chef during dinner prep, cooking can become a delightful way to explore health foods that kids can get excited about. Following healthy eating habits, try setting fitness goals as a family.  Family Education suggests setting one fitness goal you’d like to accomplish in the year and working towards achieving it. Family fitness ideas can include anything from hula hoops and jump roping to yoga or walking the family pet.  Resolutions can also be more than just health. Think about your overall well-being, which could be something as simple as taking a class or joining a club in the community.  A new hobby can open doors for families to reveal new talents or explore new interests. 

New Year’s resolutions can be a great way for families to incorporate quality time to spend with one another. Instead of renewing old resolutions, challenge your family to work together in discovering new goals.

For more information, please visit our website at www.pediatrictherapypartners.com.

RESOURCES:

http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Healthy-New-Year-Resolutions-for-Kids.aspx

http://life.familyeducation.com/new-years-resolutions/71723.html