Sensory Olympics

This article was found online via Better Homes and Gardens. It’s a fun and neat way to incorporate new senses in a safe environment.

Check out the link: http://www.bhg.com/health-family/activities/games/host-a-sensory-olympics-to-sharpen-kids-senses/

Sensory Sand Box

Looking for a fun and easy sensory activity for summer? Try this do-it-yourself sensory sand box! You can use a small inflatable or plastic outdoor pool. If you’re looking to advance fine motor skills, fill the box with sand and a variety of uncooked beans. Hide small objects like toy trucks, lego pieces and marbles. Complete the search with a small bucket (for collecting treasures), and two “digging tools”. These tools should be a spoon (for exceptional fine motor tuning), and a can (for a medium to large grasp). 

If you’re looking for a texture based sensory box, fill the pool with bubble water and shaving cream. You should add the same objects as the dry sensory sand box. 

Considerations for the Motor Impaired Child

When sitting down to play with a child with a motor impairment, one of the first things to think about is the skill level of your child. Can he/she grasp independently and release the ball into a maze? How high can he/she reach? Can he/she use a switch or vocalize to request “help” or “more”? 

The next thing to consider is positioning. Ask yourself what position is the most functional for your child. Can he reach high enough to place the ball at the top? Does she have enough trunk support to vocalize?

·        You may need to adjust the height of the toy to make it easier for your child to reach.

·        A non-verbal child can use a point or eye gaze to request a ball or to choose the color of the ball. You may want to use photographs for increasing the level of representation or to begin early matching.

·        Try to position yourself so that you can easily make eye contact with your child and follow their gaze.

Searching the City

Summer time is coming up quick! Are you prepared for all the day camps, bike rides, and community events? This can be an overwhelming time for parents. Children have no school to attend, and tend to flock toward the neighbors. One of the most extensive resources that can help a parent plan a day in Portland is Savvy Parent. This website allows you to select the city, and type of activity you are interested in.  It’s extremely comprehensive and an easy tool to use. Check it out!

http://www.savvysource.com/events/or/portland

Welcome to the Therapy Solutions for Kids blog!

Welcome to the new Therapy Solutions for Kids website and blog! Please check back soon for further updates!

Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning refers to a person's ability to manage or regulate a collection of basic cognitive and emotional processes.  This includes planning, initiation, organization, and execution of tasks as well as the ability to cope with transitions or regulate emotional responses. It is basically like an executive who oversees and manages several different departments within a company or corporation. Without an effective executive coordinating all of the various activities, the overall company is less efficient and therefore less productive. Likewise, a person lacking effective executive functioning skills tends to be less productive or successful in school or in life.

Executive Functioning skills involve:

• The ability to stay focused on tasks
• The ability to plan and anticipate
• The organization of thoughts and materials
• The ability to follow-through and complete tasks
• The ability to cope with unstructured situations
• The ability to cope with changes in routine
• The ability to regulate emotions

Students experiencing general Executive Functioning difficulties often struggle academically with work-completion, organization, and motivation for any task which is perceived as difficult, frustrating, or simply unappealing.
Our speech language pathologists work with children and adolescents to help them become more independent. 

Found another link

I find that Facebook is really helping me learn about other blogs to visit or research areas that I think pertain to our clinic.  Not only as a parent but as an employee this looks like a good blog to follow...
http://mothersraisingboys.com/