Autism / Asperger's

Autism and Asperger's is a growing concern in the United States.  Statistics show that there are over 1.5 million autistic Americans. That equates to one out of every 150 births. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. Left untreated autism will ruin the life of its victim. With early diagnosis and intervention the quality of life can be dramatically improved.  A child or adult with Autism or Asperger's may exhibit some of the following behaviors or traits:

• *     Laughing, crying, or showing distress for no       apparent reason

• *     Not wanting to be touched

• *     No eye contact

• *     Under sensitivity to pain

• *     Attachment to objects and not people

• *     Minimal fear of danger

• *     The constant desire to spin objects

• *     The need to repeatedly touch objects

• *     The constant need to be alone and quiet

• *     Not playing with toys or other children in a          normal manner

• *      Limited vocabulary and use of words to              express self

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Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Down syndrome occurs in about one out of every 700 babies. Most of our services focus on helping children with Down syndrome develop to their full potential. These services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Below are a few behaviors or traits that we can address:
     *    Self-care skills (feeding, dressing, grooming,              etc.)
     *    Fine and gross motor skills (sitting, crawling,              standing, open and close things, etc.)
     *     Skills related to school performance (printing,            cutting, handwriting, etc.)
     *     Teach play and leisure skills
     *     Address oral-motor feeding problems
     *     Encourage speech and language skills
     *     Address sensory needs 

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral condition affecting 11 percent

of school-age children typically before the age of 12. ADHD is a condition that can affect you 7 days

a week, 365 days a year. Symptoms such as inappropriate levels of inattention and hyperactivity can continue into adulthood in more than 8 million adults that live with ADHD. Early identification and

treatment are extremely important. Without proper treatment, ADHD may have serious

consequences, including failure in school, unnecessary stress, depression, problems with

relationships, and substance abused. We are able to assess ADHD with some of the below listed

treatments:

•  Improve focus

•  Physical coordination

•  Time management

•  Focus on and teach everyday tasks (brushing

    teeth, tying shoes, etc.)

•  Play games (tee ball, board games specific to

    ADHD, etc.)

•  Sensory processing (sights, sounds, smells, etc.)

Speech & Language Development

A speech disorder refers to a problem with the actual production of sounds. A language disorder

refers to a problem understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas. Infants start

learning in the womb, where they hear and respond to familiar voices. The fastest learning

occurs from ages 2 to 5 years. Approximately five percent of children have noticeable speech or

language disorders. Children enrolled in therapy prior to five years of age tend to have better

outcomes than those that begin therapy later. Below are just a few exercises that we can offer:

•  Assess speech and/or language issues and      

    concerns

•  Work with oral, feeding, and swallowing skills    

    (drinking, jaw exercises, etc.)

•  Works one-on-one or in small groups to

    overcome difficulties

•  Auditory Processing may be introduced

•  Addressing oral hypersensitivity (introduce

    different food textures, using oral motor devices,

    etc.)

•  Provide language intervention activities (using

   pictures, books, playing, talking, etc.)