Pediaspeech Blog

Tips for a Fun and Sensory Friendly Halloween

By Maria Keely M.S. OTR/L Halloween is almost here! While Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday for children, it can be very overwhelming for children with sensory processing difficulties. Here are a few tips to make Halloween a sensory friendly, and fun day! Costume Tips Some children prefer specific

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feeding therapy

Why doesn’t my toddler want to eat real food?

by Jennifer McCullough M.S. CCC-SLP As a pediatric feeding therapist I get asked this question often. Many toddlers ranging in age from 10 months to 24 months come in to see me because they refuse to transition from their bottle/breast feeding and purees to chunky and chewable solids. They refuse

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Reading 101: The Importance of Phonemic Awareness

By Renee Cayer B.A. Did you know that children need to have a strong understanding of spoken language before they can understand written language? This article discusses the importance of phonemic awareness—-the ability to differentiate and manipulate letter sounds— that will surely lead your child to reading success! What is

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reading-writing disorders

Your child’s handwriting — more to it than you realize!

As an occupational therapist, I get a lot of referrals to address handwriting.  There are several factors that relate to handwriting success, many of which can be practiced and developed at home! Upper extremity support: Developing the scapular muscles and upper arm strength will allow the child to improve his

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Be creative to get your kids moving!

Let’s Get Physical! As an occupational therapist, I endeavor each day is to address the whole person in each child. This includes engaging the whole body during every treatment session. I believe that engaging the whole body in fun physical play helps a child organize not only their body but

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PediaSpeech consolidates services in Decatur location

PediaSpeech has decided that it is time for us to close our Norcross/Peachtree Corners office. That office has been open in some capacity for the past 15 years, so this decision does not come easily. Over the past 4-5 years we have found that the demand for speech therapy in

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The Collapse of Parenting – Recommended Reading

We owe it to our children… A couple of weeks ago I watched a mom in our office caught in a tough situation. Her 3-year-old was just finishing with therapy and had in his hand three pennies the therapist had used in her session. The mom was exhausted, having had

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Is it Sensory or Behavior?

This is the million-dollar question posed to every pediatric occupational therapist. The answer is as simple as why the chicken crossed the road. By nature, all behavior is sensory. Behavior is how one reacts to a stimulus.

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Fine Motor Control

Fine motor control is often thought of due to its essential role in participating in school-based activities such as writing, cutting, coloring, and manipulating any small objects. This area of development is also needed for independence in dressing, self-feeding, hygiene, play, and almost any facet of life one is engaged.

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Help for “tongue thrust”

Help! My child likes to suck his thumb, fingers or pacifier.  How can I get them to stop? Has your orthodontist diagnosed your child with a “tongue thrust”? Are you an adult and recently diagnosed with a “tongue thrust” from your dentist or orthodontist? Does your child have a tight

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