October 19, 2011 8:59 AM
Being screened for Down syndrome in the developing baby is now the norm for pregnant women. The vast majority come away with peace of mind and a sense of relief. But for those who don't get the news they were expecting and hoping for, a tough decision must be made. Most families choose to terminate the pregnancy when faced with that choice; certainly not an easy decision, but made because of the belief that life with a child with Down syndrome would be nothing but difficulty and heartache.
In this article, a different view is presented - a much more hopeful one! And knowing many families with kids with Down syndrome myself, I'm not surprised at all by findings of these studies - that there is actually a lot of joy in raising a child with Down syndrome.
Read it here!
August 31, 2011 7:56 PM
Horses have been revered for centuries for their intelligence, beauty, grace, and strength. We also know that horses have an unusual ability to read and connect with us. So its really no wonder that they are also being used in therapy as a modality for improving everything from verbalizations, motor control, sensory integration, and posture. Its not something we hear about every day, though, so it was nice to see this article pop up - check it out!
And speaking of horse therapy, shout out to our friends at Strides Therapy Center up in Iowa!
August 10, 2011 9:46 AM
While some families are thinking back to school, others are thinking even more about the longer term transition of their teenager with Autism becoming an adult.
Autism Speaks is an endless resource and this is yet another example; check out this Transition Tool Kit on the transition from adolescence to adulthood for people with Autism.
August 4, 2011 8:45 AM
U.S. Air Force rolls out respite care program for active duty family members who care for kids with special needs.
This is a great step! Respite care is a vital part of keeping families going when there is a child with special needs. This is especially true if one parent or caregiver must be away a lot for work or, in this case, serving our country. Respite care allows the caregiver to take a breather to take care of him or herself once in a while. We all know the toll that stress, especially chronic stress, can take on our health and well-being so giving these caregivers a break is a must for the while family.
Every parent is a hero, but a family in which one parent is an active duty air force member and the other cares for a child with special needs is in a league of its own! Bravo to the air force for recognizing this and starting this program.
Read the full story here.
July 18, 2011 8:29 AM
"Before, she would walk through Target in her walker and by the time we got to the checkout line, she was sweating and panting," [Mom] said. "Now she goes to the line and runs out to the car and is fine."
Sure sounds amazing, and it is! Using robots, the kids at this facility are able to practice repetitive movements more accurately than with a human therapist. This repetition is great for "muscle memory" which helps the brain and body work together to learn new ways to move.
As a pediatric OT, my only concern about this is where does play come into the picture? To me one of the most important aspects of therapy for kids is the integration of play and fun, the stuff of childhood! If I'm ever in the area I'd love to stop in and see how these robots interact with the kids. I have no doubt of its effectiveness but wonder how the kids experience it. That being said, though, no doubt its a pretty cool advance in the rehab field!
Read the full article here.
What do you think? Leave your thoughts on our Facebook page!
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Happy Monday,
Rebecca
May 24, 2011 8:39 AM
School is almost out, and its almost time for summer camp!
Our first session is closed for further enrollment, but sessions 2 and 3 still have limited spots available!
Click here for our registration packet.
We hope to see you and your child this summer!
April 29, 2011 5:06 PM
April 29, 2011 4:55 PM
With all the things we don't know about Autism, one thing everyone agrees on is that the earlier we intervene, the better the outcome. In order to intervene, we first have to identify. A new study reveals a promising new checklist that could lower the too-high median age of diagnosis.
Read about it here.
February 27, 2011 10:06 PM
Check out this fascinating article about a new treatment to reduce the severity of brain damage in newborns who have suffered oxygen deprivation. Amazing!
February 26, 2011 10:41 AM
An emerging approach that could revolutionize the field - Scanning babies' brains, while they're awake and happy, for early indications of Autism before the onset of symptoms.
Among so many uncertainties, one thing that is crystal clear is that the earlier Autism is recognized and therapy can begin, the better the outcomes. Thanks to scientists like this, "earlier" could be getting even earlier!
Read it here
February 25, 2011 3:31 PM
While ADHD can certainly be a big challenge, its interesting to see some people are looking at possible ways to benefit from some aspects of it.
Check it out here.
January 3, 2011 8:11 PM
Here is an interesting read about Autism past and present from the Huffington Post. While its amazing to think back on some of the theories and approaches of decades past, it makes one wonder how today's current ones will be viewed later. Here's hoping the real answers are not too far ahead.
Leo Kanner, the world's first Child Psychiatrist and one of the first to use the term Autism.
Hans Asperger
Together, Kanner and Asperger formed the basis of today's ongoing search for answers about Autism.
Read the Huffington Post article here
December 21, 2010 3:18 PM
The King's Speech is a new movie that shows the relationship between Kind George VI of Britain and the speech therapist who worked with him throughout his reign to manage his stutter.
Its not often our professions get highlighted on the Big Screen! This movie is getting critical acclaim galore - check it out at a theater near you!
The King's Speech
December 20, 2010 4:36 PM
Australian family travelled all the way to St. Louis, Missouri for their 3 year old son Jack, who has CP, to have surgery.
St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis Missouri
Now he is walking for the first time and will get a Cozy Coupe car for Christmas now that he can propel it with his legs! Goosebumps, anyone?
Read the story here
December 16, 2010 8:59 PM
This is an incredible story...An Austrian band made up of people with disabilities including Down syndrome have been invited to play at Prince William's wedding next year as well as another royal wedding in Monaco!
Read the full story
December 14, 2010 9:59 PM
The world is changing...a new procedure was performed on a child from Portugal who has CP. Amazing.
Click here to read the story.
December 14, 2010 12:49 PM
We've had this on our site for a while but in honor of Autism awareness month, April, we've refreshed it and put back on top!
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a developmental disability that affects how the brain functions, specifically those areas of the brain that control social interaction and communication skills. Boys are more likely to develop autism, and most children are diagnosed by the age of 3. Autism is a member of a group of disorders called Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASDs. Autism Spectrum Disorders are part of a larger group called Pervasive Developmental Disorders, or PDDs. Asperger's Disorder is probably the best-known other member of the ASD family.
August 6, 2010 1:34 PM
Discussing a child's special needs with teachers before the school year starts - do you or don't you? Please visit our Facebook page's Discussions tab to weigh in and help a real-life Mom decide!
Here's a preview:
One of "my Moms" (a Mom of a kiddo I work with) and I have been discussing her apprehensions about her son starting Kindergarten in a few short weeks. She is excited and proud to have gotten to this point, but is also fearful and anxious about how to communicate about his special needs to his teachers. For example, is it best to talk to his teacher ahead of time about his special needs, or will this set up lowered expectations right away? Will he be treated differently? Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Does anyone have any thoughts? Any parents who have faced this or are facing this for any grade level?
Click here to share your thoughts and experiences! Many will benefit!
July 26, 2010 3:26 PM
Today, July 26th, marks 20 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. We've come a long way, but have we come far enough?
One of our very own DFW moms has provided her take on this question based on years of experience and knowledge.
Read her article, published in the Dallas Morning News, here.
July 12, 2010 3:30 PM
I hear from parents every day who struggle with feeding their children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). While many if not most parents of children with ASDs face this challenge, picky eating is a pretty common phenomenon throughout the population. So what's the difference? Is there one? Through my search for info, I came across a nice article that presents the findings of a recent research study on this very issue. Here it is, with my thanks to Dr. Bill Yates for taking the time to blog about it.
May 4, 2010 5:30 PM
Dynamic Therapy is proud to be collaborating with Southwestern Music Therapy to present
TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD
A summer camp full of music, movement, and sensory-motor experiences! Our camp is open to children ages 7-14 both with and without special needs.
Learn more and Register Here:
SWMT DT summer camp registration forms.pdf
April 12, 2010 1:34 PM
Occupational therapists working with children strive to optimize a child's occupational performance. The main theme in all occupational therapy is FUNCTION. Occupational therapists are often said to be the catch-all therapy - and they are proud of this label! Parents will often start a sentence with "I'm not sure if this is OT-related or not, but can you work on...." With OT, the answer is almost always "of course!" Children span the age range of birth through adolescence. Just think about the variety of occupations you were engaged in during this period of time in your life! Consider how these occupations become increasingly complex during childhood and how they formed an important foundation for the roles you play as an adult today.
April 8, 2010 9:09 AM
Dynamic Therapy will be at Challenge Air's Event in McKinney on 04/10. "Challenge Air offers motivational, inspirational, and life-changing experiences to physically challenged children and youth through aviation."
Come learn how you can help and stop by our booth to meet our team!
April 3, 2010 2:20 PM
Dynamic Therapy is in the running to win a Love a Local Business grant! Please vote to help us help more kids and families!
April 3, 2010 1:16 PM
Autism Speaks has done it again - check out this awesome 100 Days Action Plan for families receiving a diagnosis of Autism. Receiving a diagnosis of any kind is scary for parents, but Autism can be one of the scariest as it is still so little-understood. For parents feeling overwhelmed and wanting some guidance, this plan will help navigate the road ahead. It includes advice about what to do when and about the various services available to help children with Autism, including therapy.
100 Days Action Plan for Autism.pdf
Thank you Autism Speaks!
Stay tuned for more information and resources through April, Autism Awareness Month!
March 23, 2010 10:10 AM
Its great to see this kind of research is being done, especially right here at UTD's Callier Center!
Callier Study examines the effects of Pre-Term Birth
With scheduled C-sections and early inductions on the rise, its a relief to know that our experts are watching the longer-term results of these practices.
March 23, 2010 10:05 AM
Here's a great article about the role of Occupational Therapists in the development of good handwriting:
Watch How you Hold that Crayon
Its interesting how, as our educational system evolves, we are learning that earlier is not always better. If a child in your life is facing too-high, too-early handwriting expectations, give this a read and contact us if we can help!
March 15, 2010 2:25 PM
Welcome to the second installment of Special News for Special Kids - current events and news for parents and their special kids to share.
The kids we work with have the same interests as their peers, but sometimes have trouble keeping up with the usual overwhelming way that current events are presented. We want to do better.
Click on the file below to download an easy-to-print version of this month's edition - EARTHQUAKES. Enjoy it with your special kid!
Earthquakes.pdf
January 28, 2010 8:56 PM
INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIAL EVENTS GOING ON IN OUR COMMUNITY, WHETHER DYNAMIC THERAPY IS PARTICIPATING OR NOT.
An interesting lecture series is starting soon at UTD about infant development. Here's a link:
Baby Lectures to Focus on Language and Learning
This is a great, free opportunity to learn from some of our community's experts about our babies' language development. We hope to see you there!
January 22, 2010 4:10 PM
Welcome to another first for us this year...the first installment of Special News for Special Kids - current events and news for parents and their special kids to share.
The kids we work with have the same interests as their peers, but sometimes have trouble keeping up with the usual overwhelming way that current events are presented. We want to do better.
Click on the file below to download an easy-to-print version of this month's edition - The Superbowl. Enjoy it with your special kid!
Superbowl.pdf
January 22, 2010 11:02 AM
HANDWRITING...WHAT IF TUTORING IS NOT WORKING?
I was recently at a friend's house for a get-together. As usual all the Dads were crowded around the table talking about the Cowboys' chances of making it through one more playoff game (sorry to bring up that painful topic), and the moms were hanging around the playroom while the kids climbed all over each other. Finally a friend-of-a-friend approached me and told me about her first-grader who has been assigned a tutor by her school to work on his handwriting. Apparently the tutoring sessions have not been working well to improve his handwriting, and has actually led to some behavioral meltdowns that were previously not characteristic for this child. "Do I need something more than a tutor?" she asked me. Tough question, especially for a casual Saturday afternoon. But a very important question for sure. How do you know if a tutor is enough?
November 16, 2009 12:10 PM
The holidays are nothing but joy, fun, and relaxation, right? If you answered yes then you can stop reading now (and please share your secrets!). If not, then you are one of the millions of people, especially parents, who look forward to days off work and spending time with the family, but who also know that holiday get-togethers come with a lot of stress! This is true most of all for families with children with special needs.
November 10, 2009 11:49 AM
It's that time of year again...holiday shopping season is upon us! It can be hard enough coming up with the right gift for the children in your life when you consider what's popular, what her friends are getting, and what won't break the bank. But for those contemplating gifts for kids with special needs, it gets even tougher. Here are a few tips and a special offer that I hope will help...
November 4, 2009 4:29 PM
I spend a lot of time talking to parents. Its one of my favorite things about being the owner of a pediatric therapy company as well as a practicing occupational therapist. Sensory integration is one of the most commonly raised subjects, especially how to address sensory issues at home. That's why I've decided to address this hot topic in a series of short articles. In each installment, or set of installments, a specific feature of every family's daily life will become the focus. For the exciting debut, food and drink will have the spotlight.
June 12, 2009 11:56 AM
When soon-to-be new parents venture into the baby store to buy furniture and register, one of the items that is sure to be at the top of the “must-have” list is a car seat that doubles as an infant carrier. They come in wide varieties of colors, designs, and even sizes to choose from. These seats, combined with the handy base that they easily snap into and out of without disturbing Baby, are indeed a must-have. We’ve all been in a waiting room or in a restaurant and seen a sweet little one snoozing away happily in her infant carrier, still buckled in from the car ride. The ability to avoid disturbing a sleeping newborn is surely a wonderful thing! Infant carriers are used as a convenient way to get Baby from car to stroller, and from stroller to the sling at the restaurant or the floor at Mom’s feet in a waiting room.
March 27, 2008 5:55 PM
The act of playing is a vital tool in a child's development. The primary goals of childhood are to grow, learn, and play. It is often through play that children learn to make sense of the world around them. It is a child's "job" or "occupation" to play in order to develop physical coordination, emotional maturity, social skills to interact with other children, and self-confidence to try new experiences and explore new environments.
Pediatric therapists have expertise in evaluating children's neurological, muscular, and emotional development; and determining the effects of infant and childhood illness on growth and development.
March 27, 2008 5:31 PM
While each child is unique, those who share a diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) demonstrate various degrees of inability to pay attention and restrain impulsive behavior. It is estimated that approximately 3% of all school-age children are affected by this problem.
The daily performance of the child with ADHD does not meet standard educational goals or age-related expectations. Typical parenting techniques and classroom management strategies do not produce the desired behavior modifications. These children are often identified as underachievers, which can be an extremely painful prospect for parents and caregivers.
January 28, 2008 9:14 PM
The ability to write legibly and with appropriate speed and accuracy is a complex process of managing written language by coordinating the eyes, arms, hands, pencil grip, letter formation, and body posture. The development of a child's handwriting skills provides invaluable insight into deeper developmental problems that could hinder, among other things, a child's learning because teachers depend on written work to measure how well a child is learning.
August 14, 2007 1:13 PM
A child with delayed development may not show behaviors and abilities that are typical of the child's age. An infant may have difficulty swallowing, sucking, and chewing; developing coordinated tongue movements for speech; achieving independence in eating, dressing, and using the bathroom; understanding relationships between people, objects, time, and space; and developing problem-solving and coping strategies.
August 14, 2007 12:57 PM
A child with a disability can cause great physical, emotional, and financial demands on parents, families, and caregivers, and the needs of caregivers are often ignored or forgotten. Caring for a child with a disability can create stress, depression, and physical problems.