What is teletherapy? Teletherapy services provide therapy via a live video connection. The treatment session is similar to an in-person session, however it is over a computer (or other device) instead! The sessions are scheduled at a time that is agreed upon between the therapist and the family. Both parties will log in on a secure […]
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Aquatic Therapy
Pediatric and Developmental Aquatic Therapy Aquatic Therapy is designed to benefit children by working on therapeutic skills in a gravity assisted environment. The pool setting offers a variety of water-based activities that enhance or restore mobility and function in a warm water environment. The therapists are able to utilize the properties of the water to […]
Speech-Language Therapy
Pediatric and Developmental Speech-Language Therapy Communication skills are an essential aspect of a child’s overall development, health, learning experiences, self-esteem, and ability to express their basic wants and needs. These skills are also incredibly important to school performance and social interaction. Proper development of speech and language skills requires strength, coordination, postural control, attention, and […]
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Pediatric & Developmental Therapy Daily life “occupations”, AKA activities, for children include everything from playing, dressing, feeding, and bathing to handwriting and social interactions. Occupational therapists help to improve a child’s performance and participation in all of those activities. Whether the concern is weakness in fine motor and hand development, the ability to […]
Physical Therapy
Pediatric and Developmental Physical Therapy Every child grows and develops at their own pace, however delays in gross motor development may cause concern. Children use their bodies to explore, play, and gain independence. If they can’t do these things, they may feel frustrated or unhappy. Our practices are intended to improve self esteem and empower children […]
Ten Calming Strategies for Kids
We know that life can get overwhelming for kids. With school work, social distancing, mask wearing and other factors your kiddo might have a difficult time coping here and there. In these times of high stress, anxiety and anger here are ten strategies that can help calm your child: Counting is a good distraction that requires […]
Sensory-Friendly New Year’s Eve
Countdown to the new year with smiles and laughter instead of anxiety and tears! New Year’s Eve does not have to be noise and late nights, there are plenty of ways to avoid overwhelming your kiddos while also having a blast. Here are some ways to enjoy celebrating the new year at home with family… 1. Virtual Fireworks Show Instead of sitting outside and […]
Staying Active with Your Child During the Winter
There are many ways to stay healthy, active, and on track toward progress during the winter months or the holidays! With cold weather slowly approaching, participating in our favorite outdoor activities can be limited. Don’t worry! We teamed up with physical and speech therapists to share some fun activities you can do safely indoors! What’s great is […]
Walking On Ice
With fall winding down and winter weather looming, ice is coming! Parents may have concerns for their child’s safety when rushing about in the snow. Parents may be asking, should I let my child walk on ice, or steer them clear? Practicing on Ice Let them walk on ice, safely! Kids who have not played on ice before to […]
A Picky Eaters Thanksgiving
We have all encountered some picky eaters during the holidays, here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your child eats something this Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving Taste Testers When it comes to food, children tend to be less adaptive to veering from their usual meals. To help your kiddo adjust to special holiday dishes trial meals before Thanksgiving Day to get them familiar with the […]
Trick-or-Treat Alternatives
If you are stumped on what to do for Halloween this year, know you are not alone. COVID, the unwanted party crasher, has made things a little tricky this year (pun intended). We want to make sure your kiddos stay safe and enjoy Halloween so we have a few alternatives to the traditional Trick-or-Treat to share with you! […]
Home Learning Ergonomics
Home Learning Ergonomics About This Presentation For National #PTMonth, learn how to set up your child’s virtual learning environment for success!
How Physical Therapy Can Help Toe Walking & In-Toeing
Does your child walk on the balls of their feet or with their feet turning in? Toe walking and in-toeing can occur for many different reasons and can cause your child to be at an increased risk for falls when moving around and at risk for abnormal forces being placed through their joints, which can cause pain. Toe Walking […]
Adaptive Halloween Costumes
Halloween is a time for kids to dream big and dress up! Although there is a question mark hanging over the idea of trick or treating this year, your kiddos can still dress up for the occasion. Here at Medical Support Services we are all about inclusivity! So, we want to share where you can find […]
Keeping Kids Safe During Flu Season in the Midst of COVID
Stay safe and stay healthy this fall season. Here are some tips to help protect your kiddos against germs this upcoming flu season: Happy Birthday Hands Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. It is important to wash your hands before a meal, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose, coughing, or […]
How To Deal With Challenging Transitions & Start of School
How To Deal With Challenging Transitions & Start of School About This Presentation Did you catch Bridget’s live session earlier? She talked all about how to support your child through challenging transitions and the start of the school year. We highly recommend giving it a listen!
Jump into Fall with Sensory-friendly Activities for the Whole Family to Enjoy
Fall weather is here and what better way to enjoy it than by grabbing the whole family and heading outside? Soak in the beauty of the changing leaves and take a deep breath of the crisp air. Now get ready to have some fall fun with some sensory friendly activities: Rake Leaves Provides proprioceptive input into their muscles and joints, increasing […]
How to go Back to School While at Home
The new school year is just right around the corner, and our Occupational Therapy Department is here to help concerned parents adjust as many school districts make the decision to transition to online school. Being a parent, worker, and now full-time teacher can be challenging, so here are some ideas for easing the transition: Create a detailed schedule Developing […]
Social Language Skills for All Children
Children learn various social skills starting at a young age. Social skills shape how a child is able to interact with others, form and maintain social bonds, and can affect a child socially, emotionally, as well as their academic achievement. Populations at risk of having difficulties with social language include the following: Individuals with a […]
Facilitating Communication for Children with Autism
For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communication is known to be one of the biggest deficits secondary to the disorder. Some behaviors can arise due to these deficits. It is important to be aware of the strategies that can be used when treating children with an ASD diagnosis. Additionally, learn how it can help […]
Teletherapy: Is it Right for Your Family?
Recently, we have announced that we will be offering teletherapy as an option for our families to continue receiving therapy services from our skilled therapists. However, you may be wondering, what exactly IS teletherapy? Teletherapy is providing therapy via a live video connection. The treatment session is similar to an in-person session. However, it is […]
Got Transitions?
Some children struggle with transitioning, or moving from one task to another. Even in a perfect world this can be difficult! It can be even more of a struggle to pull a child away from a preferred task, like free-time or games, to a less-preferred task, such as school work. Here are some ideas for improving […]
Physical Fitness and Its Importance
Physical Fitness and Its Importance About This Presentation Did you catch Michelle’s live session earlier?? Michelle is one of our skilled physical therapists who is also a certified and licensed athletic trainer. In this session, she talks all about physical fitness and its importance, especially for kiddos.
Using Household Items for Physical Therapy
Using Household Items for Physical Therapy About This Presentation Divya spoke about how to use household equipment for physical therapy 💭 Watch for some useful tips from a creative physical therapist!
Emotional Health and Reframing
Emotional Health and Reframing About This Presentation Check out Meaghan’s tips on helping children with emotional health and this cool idea of reframing.
Tips for Helping Parents Maintain a Healthy Mind
Tips for Helping Parents Maintain a Healthy Mind About This Presentation Jenni Kegley, our Mt. Pleasant Rehab Director and experienced occupational therapist, provided invaluable tips earlier on how parents can maintain a healthy mind during stressful times. We highly recommend giving it a listen! Led By: Jennifer Kegley, OTR/L SIPT
Just Say Yes to Mess – Food Exploration for All Senses
Just Say Yes to Mess – Food Exploration for All Senses About This Presentation Were you able to watch Jen’s live session earlier? She talks all about food exploration and how important this is for kiddos! Jen has many years of experience in this area and provides wonderful tips.
Overstimulation During the Holidays
The holidays can be a wonderful time! Holiday stimulation including tasty food, music, family gatherings, decorations and even smells fill the environment. For most of us, these are what make the holidays so special. But, for some, these can bring overstimulation, anxiety, and meltdowns, especially those with sensory processing difficulties. The countdowns, the anticipation, and the excitement […]
A Therapist’s Holiday Gift Guide
This holiday season, we wanted to provide a last minute gift guide for families to use when purchasing gifts for the kiddos in their lives. These ideas are beneficial for therapeutic needs, but are fun as well! Please note that the listed items can be purchased at a wide variety of places. Read below to […]
Midline-Crossing
Midline-Crossing About This Presentation Did you miss our Friday Facts Go Live earlier?! Check out our video with an experienced OT discussing midline-crossing!
A Belly ‘n’ a Butt: Pediatric Core Strengthening
“Core strength” = A functional balance between the flexor & extensor muscle groups, so that one is not more powerful, or active, than the other. Tummy Time: the first developmental position that is key to recruiting core muscles Strengthens necks and upper back muscles to allow head lift and look in all directions Sitting: […]
Sleep: An Essential Part of Each Day
It may be hard to believe, but the summer schedule is coming close to an end and school will be back in full force before you know it. If you are like the majority of families, summer may have had an impact on good sleeping habits and routines. Transitioning into a new school year may […]
Speech and Language Milestones
Many of us know that children develop differently and at their own rates. However, did you know there are speech and language milestones that are important to meet and can affect a child’s overall social, emotional and academic success? First, let’s begin with identifying the difference between speech and language development. Speech refers to the […]
Tips and Tricks for Halloween
Tips and Tricks for Halloween Halloween can be a fun time for kids! Between dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and collecting candy, there is so much excitement around this holiday. But, for children that have sensory deficits, Halloween can cause more stress than fun. We want to provide some helpful tips and tricks to help […]
Bilingualism & Childhood Language Development
Bilingualism & Childhood Language Development About This Presentation In this presentation we go over bilingualism and its fascinating benefits to childhood language development.
A Sixth Sense: Proprioception
Throughout our lives we are always taught about the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. However, there are three other senses that are not discussed often: proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoception. These are the systems inside of our body that allows our body to know where it is, how it is moving, and how […]
Container Baby Syndrome
What is Container Baby Syndrome? Car seats Strollers Jumpers Exersaucers Bumbo seats Swings Rockers Pack n’ plays These useful pieces of equipment have been labeled “containers,” as giving support to the child and keeping them safe and in one place. However, time in these “containers” can quickly add up. Switching from one container to the next. […]
Torticollis and How Physical Therapy Can Help
What is Torticollis? Torticollis is a condition that occurs when the muscle that runs from the breastbone and collarbone up and toward the back of the neck becomes tight, weakened, or thickened, causing the child to look over one shoulder, while the head tilts toward the opposite shoulder. In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics […]
Encouraging Language Development
Children develop at their own rate. Some children walk and talk early, while others take longer. Most children learn skills within an age range, such as between 12 and 18 months. A child’s language development is likely to progress more rapidly when they are given frequent opportunities to interact with both children and adults. Below […]
Is it Sensory or Behavior?
Is it Sensory or Behavior? This is a question that many parents and therapists ask when working with children. In certain situations, the initial reaction to a situation or stimuli may be negative. Whether it be sensitivity to stimuli or a trigger of the flight or fight response. A child’s nervous system “learns” that a […]
Is your child developing the necessary skills for kindergarten?
While strength, endurance and stamina develop continuously from birth, some children are not ready for the rigors of school. Skills for kindergarten are an important part of early development, learn more about what skills to watch for! Some children have weak hands due to lower-than-normal muscle tone, birth injuries or other diagnosis or disorders. Other […]
Primitive Reflexes
Primitive Reflexes are motor responses elicited by touch, movement or change in body position. They are present right before and at child birth. Most primitive reflexes should be integrated by the first year of life. However, these reflexes may remain present or reemerge as a result of central nervous system dysfunction due to trauma or […]
Direct vs. Play-Based Speech Therapy
When you envision a speech therapy session, you often imagine a therapist sitting at a table with a child “drilling” sounds. It is not an uncommon practice for Speech Therapists to use a direct approach in therapy. This may include repetitive practice of error sounds, or cyclic question/answer interactions. It could also include structured identification of […]
Feeding Developmental Milestones
Developmental Feeding Milestones ASHA While it is common knowledge that “Speech-Language Pathologists” treat speech and language disorders in all ages, you might not have realized SLPs also treat feeding and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Because we have had extensive knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of muscles used for breathing, swallowing, and speech, SLPs […]
Take it Outside! – The Benefits of Outdoor Play
Want something really simple you can do to improve your child’s chance of future health and success? Ensure your child spends plenty of time playing outside! With summer quickly approaching, it is the perfect timing to strongly encourage their transition from being trapped indoors to exploring the great outdoors in the warm sun and cool breeze again. On […]
When to Pursue Occupational, Physical, or Speech Therapy
Knowing when to pursue occupational, physical, or speech therapy for your child can be tricky. We are here to help! Occupational Therapy Some of the most obvious indicators that your child may benefit from occupational therapy, or OT, is if your child is having difficulties with day-to-day activities at home, school, or in the community. […]