What is Sensory Integration? Sensory integration is the process where the nervous system organizes sensations from one’s body and from the external environment and makes it possible to use the body successfully in the environment. Children with sensory processing deficits may experience hindrances with their activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, eating, socializing,…
Creative Uses for Halloween Candy: Fun Activities to Boost Your Child’s Skills After a big night of trick-or-treating, many parents wonder what to do with all the leftover candy. Instead of just eating it, try using it for fun activities that encourage the development of fine motor skills, visual processing, cognitive processing, and sensory exploration.…
Creative Ways to Enjoy Halloween Candy: Fun, Safe, and Skill-Building Tips for Parents Halloween often leaves kids with bags brimming with candy—but what’s a parent to do with all those sweets? While a bit of moderation goes a long way, here are some fun ideas to keep candy consumption in check while also building…
Fun and Developmental Halloween-Themed Outdoor Activities for Kids Halloween is here, and in Arizona, that means beautiful weather and a perfect chance for outdoor fun! This season, let’s mix Halloween excitement with activities that help children grow their physical and motor skills. Here are some Halloween-themed games that are easy to set up, engaging for…
Pumpkin Washing Station: A Fun Sensory Activity for Kids Are you looking for a sensory-filled activity for children to enjoy during the holidays? During the fall, pumpkins are everywhere, so why not take advantage of these fall favorites for a therapeutic activity? You can easily add pumpkins to your list of sensory items and create…
Why Can’t My Baby Sit or Stand Yet? Most babies love sitting or standing because it allows them to see the world around them. However, learning to sit or stand independently is a gradual process. Babies do not automatically know how to do this; they must develop the necessary muscle control and coordination. In this…
What is Pediatric Feeding Therapy? Pediatric feeding therapy is designed to help children who have difficulties with feeding, eating, or swallowing. Feeding challenges can arise from a variety of issues, including medical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux, developmental disorders like autism or cerebral palsy, sensory processing difficulties, or behavioral issues. Pediatric feeding therapists, often speech-language pathologists…
The Importance of Crawling Crawling on hands and knees is a major milestone in your baby’s life. It is the first time they get to explore on their own, which is a huge stepping stone for future milestones to come. Typically, babies may start to crawl between seven and ten months of age, but it…
Vertical Play During Early Infancy During the early stages of infancy, many parents are educated on the importance of “tummy time”. Playing on their stomach is a crucial activity to improving muscle strength in an infant’s neck and trunk. However, this is not the only activity parents can facilitate with their little one! Although tummy…
Crocs Don’t Rock (A Pediatric PT Perspective) Independent walking is an exciting time for parents and their child! Your little one is now walking on their own and exploring their environment. Playing barefoot at home is preferred in order to develop the arches in the feet and strengthen the foot/ankle muscles. But, if families need…
