Pitt Hopkins Syndrome Awareness by Lauren Bacsalmasi, DPT Kids Place Central Pediatric Physical Therapist Pitt Hopkins is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a gene called TCF4 in chromosome 18. While this disorder is considered to be very rare, diagnosis is becoming more common with increased access to genetic testing. It is associated with other disorders…
Awareness is Key to Eliminate Stress-Induced Tension by Cassidy Cooney, DPT AzOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Have you been stressed lately? Honestly, I know that I have. These past months have been epic in regard to changes in lifestyle and the face of society in general, and whether we are aware of it or not, stress…
Brain Breaks for Virtual Learning by Kristen Henderson, M.S., OTR/L Kids Place West Pediatric Occupational Therapist For families across Arizona, virtual learning is our children’s’ new way of life. A child’s main occupation is to learn through play and movement, which can be tricky during this time of online learning. Try some of these brain…
Ask the Therapist: Am I Confusing my Child by Speaking More Than One Language? by Pauline Munoz, CCC-SLP Kids Place Speech and Language Pathologist Families who speak more than one language at home are often worried their children may develop a speech or language delay. This is because of their fear that the child may…
Understanding Ankle Sprains by Daniel Cox, DPT AzOPT Glendale Doctor of Physical Therapy Arizona is home to many outdoor activities like hiking, trail running, and other sports. But our desert terrain leads to one common injury – ankle sprains! While many of us just ice and hobble along until we feel ready to return to…
Strategies to Promote Comprehension and Encourage Language by Lauryn Bates, M.S., CCC-SLP Kids Place Central Pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist Daily routines and activities are the perfect time to help your child learn early language skills. Language refers to the words/signs/gestures that we use and how we use these to express our wants and needs…
How to Fit Your Child Properly in a Car Seat by Justina Valgento DPT Kids Place Pediatric Physical Therapist It is important that all children are safe and secure in a car during short and long distances. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), a proper fitting child safety seat reduces the…
Easy Ways to Increase Language Input During Daily activities by Pauline Munoz, CCC-SLP KP Central Speech and Language Pathologist The amount of language children are exposed to from birth to three years of age significantly affects their learning and language abilities. Most parents understand the importance of talking to their children. However, it is easy…
Using Your Backyard Wall to Improve Your Child’s Motor Coordination By: Kristen Henderson, M.S., OTR/L Kids Place West Pediatric Occupational Therapist At Kids Place, we are always looking for new activities to keep our patients moving and learning at home. The following activities will help to work on eye teaming, bilateral coordination, problem solving, frustration…
How to Improve a Child’s Body Awareness by Hannah Whitty, Occupational Therapy Student Children with poor body awareness have increased difficulty knowing where their body is in space. Body awareness is an essential skill needed for children to properly participate in everyday tasks. Without appropriate body awareness, a child is unable to safely navigate their…
