Thursday, October 29, 2009

Sensory Mealtime Challenges - Parent Info Night - Nov. 4th

Parents...



If you have a child who struggles with complex feeding challenges, particulary issues related to sensory selectivity, tube feeding, autism or oral motor complications, we would like to extend this invitation to you.



Marsha Dunn Klein is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in feeding infants and young chldren. Marsha has co-authored several books on feeding and nutrition. She is the founder of Mealtime Notions, LLC, which provides consultative support for families, professionals, and feeding teams along with education, videos and books.



Marsha will be coming to Delaware County for a two day professional training. She is offering a 2 hour parent night, free of charge on :



WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Children and Adult Disability and Educational Services

401 Rutgers Avenue

Swarthmore, PA 19081

610-543-8089



The program will be held in our upper gymnasium. If you are interested in taking advantage of this night of information, please call Cindi Clark @ 610-543-8089.



We look forward to seeing you!



For more information about CADES...Children and Adult Disability Educational Services

Go to:

http//www.cadeservices.org/index.htm

Friday, October 23, 2009

November Meeting Announcement


DELAWARE COUNTY CARING NETWORK
Support Group for Parents of
Children with Special Needs

You are invited to attend our next meeting on

November 19, 2009

7:30 p.m.

Cardinal Krol Center
1799 S Sproul RdSpringfield, PA 19064-1137(610) 543-3380

The Cardinal Krol Center @ Don Guanella Village
is on Route 320 Directly Across
from Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery

Speaker
Lori Singer White

Group Sharing will follow

Questions?
Please contact Jeannine Kelly by email or phone:
delcocaringandsharing@gmail.com
610-259-3341
BLOG: http://delcocaringandsharing.blogspot.com/
WEBSITE: http://delcokids.homestead.com/index.html

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Support Group Meeting Reminder - October 15, 2009



DELAWARE COUNTY CARING NETWORK

Support Group for Parents of
Children with Special Needs


You are invited to attend our meeting on
Thursday, October 15, 2009
7:30 p.m.
Cardinal Krol Center
1799 S Sproul Rd Springfield, PA 19064-1137 (610) 543-3380
The CK Center @ is on Route 320 Directly Across
from Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery



Speakers:
Maria Unger
Speech Therapist
TEEMS

Kim LaCoste,
Special Education Coordinator for Learning Support K-12
Upper Darby School District

Group Sharing will follow


Questions?
Please contact Jeannine Kelly by email or phone:
delcocaringandsharing@gmail.com
610-259-3341

Check out our website:
http://delcokids.homestead.com/index.html

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Travel Advice for Children with Autism/ Special Needs













My friend Lori O'Leary from Music Works passed this along to me. This information was recently posted on the ASA Philly Yahoo Group. I found this to be very informative and thought I should share this with all of you.



TRAVEL ADVICE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM/ SPECIAL NEEDS



I've been travelling with my autistic son since he was 3. Air travel, bus travel, train travel, etc. He/I have motion sickness and this is especially difficult on planes. (These trips were to see family and that was the driving force to let me work up strength/guts to fly with him.)

Here are some things that have made our trips more bearable. (I'll focus on air trips since these are most difficult cuz once you're in the sky..you're stuck there!) I have travelled on 24 hour flights with him (including layovers and flying time) on 4 occasions now. ..


1) Have a dvd player. Whether on a laptop or one just bought special for the occasion, ( I personally bought a netbook which is a mini laptop...killed two birds with one stone) the prices have decreased a lot in recent years and they are extremely, extremely useful. Because they are portable you can take it with you anywhere. (I took mine to an IEP meeting when I didn't have anyone to watch him.) I make sure I have some old favorite movies and some new ones to keep him interested. This is much easier to do nowadays as there are electrical outlets all over airports. I charged mine up b4 boarding.

2) If child is likely to have a meltdown/tantrum (each of us can pretty accurately guess what will cause one...then again, there are those moments when you say "What on earth are you upset about?") inform flight attendants beforehand. Explain situation as briefly as you can and that you can handle it. Maybe have them explain to surrounding passengers if it does happen that your child has a disability.

3) I book my flights at night. I time them to be within an hour of his bedtime. I get to airport about 2.5 hours before flight and we walk around airport/ duty free zone. This gives him the chance to get some energy out before boarding and to tire him out a bit as well so he will sleep easier.

4) I buy him a quiet toy that will keep him interested for awhile. Again this is useful as battery will eventually run out (at least on my 7 hour flying- 5hour layover- 5 hour flying trips they do) and while in line waiting..and waiting...and waiting. An old fave toy is helpful too (something comforting from home...not too cumbersome. I recall attaching his fave little people doll "Eddie" to his backpack with yarn) Gift wrap new toy. Presents are cool even at 20,000 feet.

5) I bring a stock of books. Books to read and books that have activities. There is such a wide variety out there, from sticker books to mazes, to coloring etc. Gift wrap these too. No such thing as too many presents.

6) Notify personnel at ticketing ahead of time that you will be coming and would like to be put at front of line due to child's condition. I have only used this once when he had a fever in U.K. and guard automatically put me in front of a 50 person line.

7) If your child requires a wheelchair (again child does not necessarily have to be unable to walk...sometimes sitting in a chair being wheeled around is more comforting than being expected to walk..or run!.. to keep up at airports. Sometimes you just need them to stop flailing and sitting in a chair so you can get to where you need to) call ahead and inform arrival airport. They can have one waiting for you right at door as soon as you get off plane.

8) When everyone has settled in their seats and u have reached ur flying altitude, ask flight attendant if it is possible to change seats. Some planes have 3 seats in middle which give more space to move around. My son puts his head on my lap and stretches his legs across other two seats. Not the most comfortable in the world..but better than sitting upright trying to sleep. (he's done that too, my little trooper). On smaller planes, try to choose an area with less people in case child makes too much noise.

9) Some airlines let you pick your meal ahead of time. Choose something your child will like and if they are old enough, show them menu and have them choose. This involves them in the process and gives them something to look forward to. (British Airways actually gave us gluten free-casein free meals). In addition I packed him some of his fave snacks to eat as well.

10) SOCIAL STORY!! They do wonders. A simple bunch of papers stapled together with layout of trip illustrated and written out will help them to know what is coming. This is useful for verbal and nonverbal kids. If you want to get really into it, you can cut magazine pix of airports, place you are visiting , glue pix of people u will be seeing, etc. Go over it a few times before trip and give to child during trip. Every time you've done one thing in book have them check it off. GIves them some reference as to what is coming next.

11) I put his snacks, dvds, books, into a backpack for him to carry. I have him pack it and choose one toy to take along (within reason...the 2 foot wood pirate boat as cool as it is, is NOT going across the world). It gives him a feeling that he is involved in process.

12) OH YEAH, inform security guards that check you that your child is autistic. One time they wanted us to walk separately in metal detector and I was on my own with him. Worried to death that if I walked first he'd run back to watch suitcases twirl around and around on belt all day and that if HE went first, he'd make a beeline for airplanes, I panicked. After they tried to get me to go first, I said "Make sure you grab him if he runs off cuz he's autistic" surprisingly they let us pass holding hands. :)

13) Develop a thick skin. Chances are if you have a child with behaviors, you will get glances, rolled eyes, comments, remarks and advice from other people around you. (half of which aren't even parents...I had a teenager say once "Isn't he too old to be in a stroller? You should make him walk!") Just remember, 90% of these people would never be able to handle in a month what we endure in a day. Remember in 2 minutes or 2 hours, you will never see this person again and focus on your child. No one knows him/her better than you and I have had to come up with creative stuff to keep him entertained on these trips.

14) If flight is particularly long one, consider staying overnight half way across journey. I stay overnight sometimes on my way back and although it costs us more as well worth it. We were able to spend the day doing fun things, took time to rest, breathe, regroup before continuing next leg.

The trip may go smoother with some of these suggestions. It may not. Either way it'll be an experience. No one trip has ever been like another for us. I have had people come up out of nowhere to help and I have been fortunate that the airline crew I explained our situation to were understanding. There is no reason our children shouldn't be able to see the state, the country or the world. If we educate more community helpers in general (think policeman trying to pry away a superman doll from a teen-ager obsessed with superman) , it will make this easier for all involved.

__._,_.___

Monday, October 5, 2009

Meghan's Story - A Pearl of Great Price - Part II


I will never forget the day I called my pediatrician's office to make an appointment to discuss our concerns about Meghan's slow development. I had to leave a message for one of the nurse practitioners to call me back. When I finally received a return call, it was a new nurse practitioner that I had never met or spoken to before. She basically "pooh-poohed" me and told me that I had nothing to be concerned about and that I should "wait and see". I stood my ground and told her, "I don't mean to be disrespectful to you, but I am the oldest of 10 children and have two older children of my own. I know enough about the development of babies to know that there is definitely something wrong with my daughter." She finally relented that she might be mistaken and suggested that I wait to see the doctor during Meghan's 9-month check-up which was only a few weeks away. I cannot tell you how frustrated and angry I felt after hanging up the phone.


I must admit now that making that phone call was extremely difficult. It was the first step that I took toward acknowledging that my child had a problem. Like many other parents I think I was still experiencing some denial that something was "not quite right" with my daughter.


When we finally took Meghan to see the pediatrician at her 9-month check up, her physician confirmed our fears that she was certainly behind. She was unable to sit up, she wasn't rolling over or attempting to crawl. She wasn't interested in trying solid food and she had not yet begun to vocalize or babble at all. Her body was very floppy which we soon learned was called "hypotonia" otherwise known as low muscle tone. He suggested that we contact Early Intervention (A State Funded program which provides therapy services for children from Birth to Age 3) and a neurologist. He also gave us phone numbers for several Developmental Pediatricians. We soon learned that it would be at least an 18-month wait to see a developmental pediatrician. (To be continued)

Thursday, October 1, 2009

THERAPLAY




THERAPLAY - MISSION STATEMENT

To provide pediatric therapy services in a play environment that will enable a child to maximize their potential.

Children learn and develop best through play experiences; therefore, Theraplay, Inc. provides all therapy services in a play environment. This philosophy helps children develop to their fullest potential. Family members are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions to make them active facilitators in their child's rehabilitation. Home programs are developed with family members to ensure the program's success in each unique family environment.


Theraplay's staff consists of highly skilled, pediatric experienced and licensed physical, occupational, and speech/language therapists, assistants and special educators. Every child is evaluated to identify their needs, and an individualized therapy program developed specific to that child.

Our highly qualified therapists are dedicated to assisting children in developing to their fullest potential in a play environment. Theraplay therapists work together in a team environment communicating closely with the referring physician, specialists and family members to develop individualized therapy programs in order to meet the unique needs of each child and family.
Our intervention strategies include:
interdisciplinary work with other treating therapist;
collaboration with family and teachers;
environmental and material adaptations;
everyday activities/exercises that enable children to reach their potential.

Theraplay, Inc. was founded in November of 1991 by Lisa Mackell, PT, a pediatric physical therapist. Theraplay initially provided physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapies to children in their homes, schools, and early intervention centers. Theraplay has also added special education and social work intervention to the services provided.


In October of 1996, Theraplay opened its first pediatric outpatient rehabilitation center in Malvern, Chester County. This office provided physical, occupational, and speech therapies to children.


In July of 2000, Theraplay opened its second outpatient office in Horsham, Montgomery County, providing the same services as our Malvern office.
In May of 2002, Theraplay moved its Malvern office to West Chester, Chester County. This office serves as a pediatric outpatient therapy office, as well as the corporate office for Theraplay, Inc.


In April of 2004, Theraplay opened its third outpatient office in Drexel Hill, Delaware County.


In July of 2006, Theraplay became direct early intervention providers for Berks and Lancaster counties.

In January of 2007, Theraplay opened its fourth outpatient office in Limerick, Montgomery County.

Theraplay, Inc. continues to analyze the market to grow its business in areas where pediatric therapy services are needed. Look for Theraplay to continue to expand and meet the pediatric therapy needs of the community at large.




Press Article
By Susan L. Serbin Times Correspondent





Lisa Mackell plays all day at work. That's what she says. Even though it looks like fun, Theraplay is serious business.

Mackell is a physical therapist who knew from the beginning of her training she was headed into pediatric work. In November 1991, she began a business as a provider of therapy services which was home-based, both in the sense of running it from her home and furnishing therapists for home care. Last October, Mackell opened a facility in Malvern, still offering home care, but expanding to a cheerful, primary-colored office for kids to spend an hour or so in all play-related therapy.

"I realized there were not enough places doing what we do," said Mackell, whose trusted office manager is her mom, Marcy Moyer, of Upper Darby, where the family was raised.
Speech, physical and occupational therapies may be offered at a number of fine facilities, but, Mackell indicated, the environments of rehabilitation centers or hospitals may be far less appealing to her population of kids from birth to 21 years of age. Theraplay has a staff which includes Mackell, six part-time therapists in the various specialties, and a pool of 150 other professionals who do home care across the region. In choosing the Malvern site, a former school just off Paoli Pike, Mackell said she wanted a location no more than half-hour drive from most of Delaware and Montgomery counties.

The children seen at Theraplay receiving PT, OT, ST or a combination of treatment, have a wide range of conditions among which may be developmental delays, neuromuscular disorders, orthopedic rehabilitation, genetic syndromes, sensory dysfunction and language disorders. While some children may need short-term therapy, to rehabilitate a broken bone, for example, others require long-range treatment. Mackell and staff appear adept at sorting through the maze of insurance coverage, even suggesting alternatives for using amounts of approved coverage.
Generally parents and children come to Theraplay as a result of conditions discovered from examinations. A physician's referral is needed, although physician, parent or insurance provider can contact Theraplay.

Chris Stellman, of Primos, has just started bringing daughter Sara for physical therapy. Stellman said Sara's needs were identified after seeing a pediatric neurologist last summer. While Mackell works with Sara, 4-1/2, mom sits by, offering encouragement. Even after only five visits, which Stellman said Sara seems to enjoy, there are improvements in daily activities like holding silverware and coloring.

Parent involvement varies, but Mackell said the staff is always happy to recommend and demonstrate ways children can be further helped at home, even if as seemingly simple as the way a baby is held during feeding.

Theraplay has just introduced two new therapeutic play groups, Move and Play and Talk and Play. The eight-week program of 45-minute classes costs $100. The programs have been developed for toddlers who do not fit into typical play groups available in the community, and meet various financial, social and physical needs for children and families.
"Families intrigue me," said Mackell, the mother of two children under 3. "You have to consider the medical condition, but the social condition as well, and use a common sense approach. I understand that a single mother might not have that 15 minutes some days to do exercises with a child, or the extra money for a toy that might be useful."

Watching Mackell work, one understands there is more to pediatric therapy than opening an office, buying equipment and scheduling appointments. Imagine trying to engage your child in an activity at a specific time in a specific way. Mackell and colleagues have a wealth of patience and many bags of tricks to go with their expertise.

"Kids won't work for anything, but they will play for everything," Mackell says.
Theraplay is located at 638 Brandywine Parkway, West Chester, PA and can be contacted at (610) 436-3600.

STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES


Please join us for a Parent Workshop on Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 7 to 9pm on:

STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES

Featuring Dr. Thomas Casey*

Dr. Casey will be discussing proven techniques for parents of children with special needs to help them to manage stress in their lives.

This workshop is being hosted by
Springfield Center
130 South State Street
Springfield, PA 19380

RSVP by November 2 to Laurie Watkin - 610-436-3604x16 or lwatkin@theraplayinc.com

Space is limited.
Please reserve your spot quickly.

Theraplay is a leader in pediatric therapy, providing high quality physical, occupational, speech/language and feeding therapies to children of all ages.

*Dr. Tom Casey is board certified in Pediatrics and in Neurodevelopment Medicine. He has practiced in many settings including academic medicine and residential facilities for individuals with multiple disabilities, serving patients with a wide range of needs.