It Takes A Village
It’s often said it takes a village to raise children. With
children with special needs, that village sometimes includes a number of
therapists and specialists.
When children are brought into our clinic for their first assessment,
the therapist may request additional assessments from other health care
professionals. This allows therapists and parents to get a clearer picture of the
child’s strengths and weaknesses and gives valuable information about how to
best address the child’s individual needs.
specialists and may ask, “What does that person really do? Why is my child
meeting with them?” Below is a basic review of some of the specialists your
child may see and their unique role in your child’s treatment team.
Speech-language
pathologists give children the skills necessary for successful
communication and meaningful interactions with others. Additionally, speech
therapists assist children with feeding difficulties to eat and swallow safely.
Physical therapists work to improve muscle strength, range of
motion, reflexes and coordination. Our physical
therapists are also trained to fit and cast custom foot orthotic devices.
Orthotic supports align the foot or lower leg and improve posture, sitting,
standing, walking and running.
Occupational therapists help children develop or regain skills
necessary for play and work, and self and home care. Children may also need
occupational therapy to help them with school and social skills. Play is
important for a child’s mental, physical and emotional development. Occupational
therapists also address sensory
processing and integration problems which have a tremendous impact on
motor skills, behavior, learning and a child’s ability to process information
and respond to the demands and changes of daily living.
create a total treatment plan for your child:
Physicians emphasize
the physical health of the child including height, weight gain, and absence of
disease. Doctors also work closely with dieticians or nutritionists to ensure
your child’s nutritional needs are being met for optimal growth and
development.
health professionals help people learn to cope with the daily stresses of
life. For many of our families, psychologists provide strategies to help manage
behavior issues to make children more successful at home and school. They also
perform standardized assessment of developmental milestones.
of children and work to meet educational mandates as required by state and
federal laws.
DeeAnna Cook, MS,
CCC-SLP
Intervention Birth to Three- 2nd Edition by Louis M Rossetti.
Delmar Publishing 2001 was referenced.
