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.

Parents may feel overwhelmed or confused about these many 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.

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.

Psychologists and mental 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.

Teachers and administrators address the educational/academic needs of children and work to meet educational mandates as required by state and federal laws.