Easy Onset

Stretch out the sound that you are having difficulty with and “ease” into the word you are trying to say!
For example: Lllll…et’s go to the store.

Pausing

Never underestimate the power of a pause. When a bump is near or occurring, take a moment, pause, gather your thoughts, then speak.
For example: *pause* She is making dinner, *pause* then we’ll make the cookies.

Canceling Out

Stop what you are saying, and restart from the beginning. “Cancel” out that bump!
For example: I w-w-w-ant *cancel out* I want a burger.

Light Contacts

Lightly touch articulators (tongue, teeth, jaw) together when speaking. Relax these body parts.

When we feel a bump coming or are having a bump, these muscles and body parts often tense up and we “force” them together.

By softly touching them together, our speech will flow more smoothly.

Created by: Logan Strickland M. ed. CF-SLP

Happy New Year!

Let’s Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals
(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time Based)

1. Set Priorities – what is most important to you as a caregiver and if your child is old enough ask them what is most important to them.
2. Long Term Vs. Short Term – Work with your child’s therapists to create both long term (usually 6 moths) ad short term (3 months) goals. Work together to take “baby” steps to the long term goals. Have your therapist share these goals with you.
3. Carryover & Practice – Ask your therapists for weekly practice sheets and ideas. Our therapists love to share ideas. Brainstorm together what is working and what is not working. It is okay if goals need to be altered.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

– Antoine de Saint

Olivia Chester, OTD

So what do you feed a child? Whatever you provide your child, make sure it has adequate nutrients, including protein, iron, good fatty acids, zinc, choline, calcium, and vitamins. Here is a list of the six best food items that are necessary for healthy brain development.

1.    Eggs:

Eggs are an excellent source of choline and protein. Choline in egg yolks alleviates inflammation and promotes brain function, such as retaining memory and brain cell communication.

2.    Fatty Fish:

Fatty fish is enriched with omega-three fatty acids, protein, iron, and vitamin D and B12. This makes fatty fish an ideal source of brain-boosting nutrients that every mother should incorporate into her child’s diet. Examples of fatty fish include salmon, which is very easy to get at local grocery stores.

3.    Beans:

Beans are beneficial for adults and children alike. They are rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B6, crucial for brain health development. You can find a variety of beans in the market, including turtle bean, flat bean, pinto bean, Monette bean, cranberry bean, and more.

4.    Dairy Products:

Dairy products like milk or yogurt should be a part of your child’s meal plan every day. Dairy products contain various nutrients, including protein, zinc, choline, iodine, and vitamin B12, all of which hold great importance to brain development.  Besides, dairy products have calcium, which helps with bone development and strengthening, which is beneficial for brain growth.

5.    Vegetables:

Veggies might be a child’s most minor favorite food item, but they encompass the most nutrients required for brain growth. Broccoli, green peas, okra, mushrooms, potato, sweet corn, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are among the best veggie options for mothers to give to their children.

6.    Fruits:

Unlike veggies, most kids love eating fruits. They are tasty, flavorful, complete, and enriched with nutrients including fiber, iron, zinc, and others, crucial for a child’s overall health and brain development.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The goal of pediatric occupational therapy is to assist children in becoming self-sufficient in all aspects of their lives. An occupational therapist can help children develop skills daily, such as eating, bathing, and dressing. Working with a therapist can help children with developmental disabilities achieve considerable social and emotional progress.

Here are four fundamental indicators that your child needs pediatric occupational therapy.

1.    They face difficulty achieving developmental success as compared to other kids of their age:

If your child faces challenges while achieving age-appropriate milestones and is behind in aspects of life compared to other kids, it might be possible to require occupational therapy. Developmental delays are nothing to be scared of as every child has their own pace of learning skills. However, it’s not something to leave unattended either. Consult a pediatrician if your child isn’t able to do things despite reaching the average age.

2.    They face issues with fine motor skills:

Some children have difficulty with tasks that involve small-muscle power, control, and flexibility. According to the Child Mind Institute, children who struggle with fine motor skills will have difficulty performing tasks such as cutting, sketching, threading beads, and using utensils. If good motor skill deficiencies aren’t resolved at an early age, a child with delays in this area may struggle to do basic tasks at school, such as writing and using computers.

3.    They face troubles with gross motor skills:

According to the Child Mind Institute, occupational therapy can aid children with gross motor abilities, involving primary muscle groups. Balance, force, tolerance, and collaboration problems in children with gross motor skill deficits might affect their mental health and ability to climb the stairs, walk straight without help, jump, and play, among other activities.

4.    They have issues with sensory processing:

Pediatric occupational therapy can help toddlers with sensory processing issues. According to Everyday Family, if your child appears hypersensitive to touch, taste, sound, or scents, they may have sensory processing problems and require occupational therapy. According to the Child Mind Institute, children with sensory processing issues may exhibit under-sensitivity and constantly seek out experiences by moving around and touching everything.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Your child is cranky during mealtime:

This might be a confusing one since toddlers are cranky for multiple reasons. Would you please take notice of your child’s mood during, before, and after mealtime and observe the difference between them? Is the attitude constant throughout the three phases, or is it normal before and after meals but grumpy during it? If the answer is the latter one, it means food and mealtime spoil your child’s mood, making them throw food and utensils around, cry, or refuse to sit at the table.

Your child’s growth is too slow:

If fast metabolism and slow growth run in the family, you can skip this one. This sign is for mothers with multiple children with sound development, but one of them lacks behind despite everything the mother tries. Children with eating disorders tend to stay unhealthy with prolonged growth; hence be wary of how the food you give your child affects their development.

Your child is extremely picky and choosey:

Although many children are choosey for their favorite food, there might be an issue if your child doesn’t compromise on anything. Children who require feeding therapy often limit the number of food items they willingly eat and refuse to try anything other than the taste and texture they’re accustomed to. If your child faces the same condition, get them checked immediately.

Your child vomits out food after eating:

Vomiting isn’t always sudden or involuntarily. Sometimes, children often puke out the food they did not enjoy after you force-feed them. Some people argue that it’s common for toddlers to throw up; however, if you observe a pattern where your child throws up after every meal, it might be early-stage bulimia that needs to be addressed immediately. Consult a pediatrician if you think your child deliberately forces out the food you feed them.

Your child focuses more on primary milk or liquids:

Young kids love having juices and milk, which isn’t wrong but only consuming beverages might cause concern for mothers. If your child relies exclusively on drinks, it’s time for you to consult a pediatrician and get them checked.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]