Q&A: Speech Therapy for a Child with PVL (Periventricular Leukomalacia)

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

What types of therapy could the speech therapist do with my child who has PVL (Periventricular leukomalacia)? He is 14 months old and doesn’t have an interest in toys. Periventricular leukomalacia is often seen in premature infants when there is decreased blood flow to the brain before, during or after birth.  Due to the decrease in blood flow to the …

Q&A: How Much Therapy Should My Child with Down Syndrome Receive?

CME WebsitesChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Special Needs Diagnoses

I have a 12 month old little girl with Down Syndrome. We participate in an early intervention program. Currently, she receives 2.5 hours a week of PT,OT, and developmental and 1.5 hour a week of speech. My question is two fold: First, how do you know if your child is receiving good quality therapy, and second, how much therapy should …

Q&A: Best Early Intervention Program For Asperger Syndrome?

CME WebsitesChild Development, Resources, Special Needs Diagnoses

My son has Aspergers. We found out 2 months ago. What is the best early intervention program for my son? He is 3-1/2 years old. Most children with Aspergers benefit from a combination of therapies depending on the severity of their disorder. The National Institutes of Health in the USA recommend the following based on their Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet: …

Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Avoid Mealtime Stress

CME WebsitesChild Development, Child Routines, Mealtime, Special Needs Diagnoses

Many children experience mealtime problems at some point, including inconsistent appetite, pickiness, fear of new foods, clumsiness with self-feeding, or difficulty sitting still. These challenges are often more pronounced in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In addition to the social and communication impairments that characterize ASD, there may be difficulties with sensory processing, motor skills, attention, and behavior. For …

How to Potty Train Your Child With Special Needs

CME WebsitesChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Special Needs Diagnoses

If your child is diagnosed with autism, Down Syndrome, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or other condition of developmental delay, it may be more difficult to train him or her to use a toilet. Signs Your Child with Special Needs is Ready for Potty Training While most children between 18 months and 3 years of age are ready to learn to …