pediatric physical therapy Archives

pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, coordination, executive function

Link Between Visual Motor, Object Manipulation Skills, Executive Function and Social Behavior

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport published research on 92, three to five year old children to establish a link between early visual-motor integration skills and executive function and a link between early object manipulation skills and social behaviors in the classroom during the preschool years. Each participant was evaluated for visual-motor integration skills, object manipulation skills, […]

October 18, 2016/by yourtherapysource

cerebral palsy, pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, tactile input, tactile sensitivity

Tactile Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

As pediatric therapists, assessment and treatment of children with cerebral palsy frequently focuses on motor impairments although, children with unilateral cerebral palsy (hemiplegia) are also likely to have sensory impairment. Research indicates that tactile registration for children with hemiplegia is consistently worse with their impaired hand than their unimpaired hand. Both hands of children with hemiplegia performed […]

October 17, 2016/by yourtherapysource

autism, pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, visual supports

5 Ways to Incorporate Visual Supports During a Therapy Session

It is well known that children with autism and certain other disabilities benefit greatly from the use of visual supports throughout the day. Visual supports can be pictures, objects, written words, body language and cues. Some children use visual supports as a primary means of communication in the classroom and home. If this is a […]

October 13, 2016/by yourtherapysource

body awareness, motor planning, pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy

Simon Says Exercise Ball Style

Have you ever played Simon Says exercise ball style? This is an easy way to adapt a timeless game of Simon Says but add in more range of motion, muscle strengthening and spatial relationships. It is more of a challenge when you use a large, exercise ball but if that is not available grab a […]

October 7, 2016/by yourtherapysource

autism, pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, sleep

Exercise and Sleep Tips for Children

Combining exercise and sleep can be a tricky balance. Getting proper sleep for yourself or your children can be very challenging in this fast paced world. We want ourselves and our children to exercise but all parents want their children to sleep too! For children some of the best suggestions are: Limit vigorous physical activity […]

October 5, 2016/by yourtherapysource

pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, school based occupational therapy, school based physical therapy, school based therapy

5 Reasons to Provide Push In Therapy

Whether you work in the schools or in the home, here are 5 reasons to provide push in therapy within a child’s natural environment: 1. You have the chance to see first hand during each session what functional tasks or skills need improvement. 2. The child’s normal daily routine is not interrupted. If it is […]

September 30, 2016/2 Comments/by yourtherapysource

dressing skills, pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy

5 Gross Motor Activities to Help with Dressing Skills

Gross motor activities that focus on postural control, trunk rotation, bilateral coordination, eye hand coordination, motor planning and balance skills are beneficial when it comes to developing independence with dressing. Here are 5 suggested activities: Play games where the child has to reach outside of his/her base of support without falling over. Practice in sitting […]

September 27, 2016/by yourtherapysource

pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, motor planning

5 Activity Ideas to Practice Motor Planning

Here are 5 activity ideas to practice motor planning skills: Ninja Clothes Pin Clip Activity – find the matching Ninja, move your body like the Ninja and clip the Ninja to the circle. Download the Ninja Free Activity. Motor Planning with Pool Noodles – here is a super easy set up but challenging activity to encourage […]

September 26, 2016/by yourtherapysource

free fine motor, free visual, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, visual motor skills

3 FUN Elephant Activities to Practice Fine, Gross and Visual Motor Skills

Here are 3 fun elephant activities to play to practice fine motor, gross motor and visual motor skills. Big bonus – It is actually Elephant Appreciation Day! Who knew? Me! Only because I just heard it on the radio. Haha! But it did spark a few ideas for the blog. So here we go: Copy […]

September 22, 2016/by yourtherapysource

pediatric physical therapy, cerebral palsy

Pediatric Orthotics

HeartSpace for Physical Therapy shared an informative article on pediatric orthotics compiled by the pediatric section of the APTA. If you are a new or a long time pediatric Physical Therapist this document provides an excellent overview. The article answers the following questions: What is an orthoses and who designs them? What are the characteristics of […]

September 8, 2016/by yourtherapysource