Picky Eaters? Family Strategies for More Peaceful Meals
If your child is a picky eater, it can be tough on your whole family. Not only do parents worry that their child isn’t getting enough nutrients for healthy growth, but many picky eaters get anxious and even throw tantrums at mealtimes to avoid foods they don’t like. At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our mission is to help children reach their fullest potential through play-based therapy solutions. Today, I want to share some strategies to make mealtimes more peaceful for families dealing with picky eaters. Simply Forcing Kids to Eat What Is Offered Is Not Effective Many children who are picky eaters struggle with an underlying condition that can make it difficult for them to tolerate the textures, tastes, or smells of different foods. These conditions can make mealtimes stressful, and forcing children to eat what’s on their plate can lead to meltdowns and increased anxiety around food. Understanding the underlying issues and how to help children overcome them can make mealtimes calmer and more effective for families. What Is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)? Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition where children have a lack of interest in eating, sensory sensitivities, or fear of eating due to frequent choking or vomiting on their food. It’s a condition that often accompanies autism, as children with autism can struggle a lot with sensory sensitivity. Common signs of ARFID include: A noticeable lack of appetite Avoiding foods with certain textures or colors Significant weight loss or nutritional deficiency Constipation, stomach pain, or cramps Excessive tiredness Muscle weakness Try the “One Safe Food” Strategy One effective strategy for managing ARFID is to include at least one “safe” food in every meal. A safe food is something your child reliably eats without issue. By including this option, children can feel a sense of success and reduce their anxiety about trying new foods. This is because they may not be able to eat much of the new foods you are introducing, but they will be able to fall back to their safe food if it’s available on their plate. This positive reinforcement can gradually encourage them to be more open to trying other foods on their plate. Additionally, giving them their safe food will ensure they do get some nutrients, which is important for their overall health and wellbeing. Limit Quantities of Challenging Foods To avoid overwhelming your child, limit the quantities of challenging foods on their plate. A large portion of foods they dislike or are reluctant to try can be overwhelming and may cause them to shut down. It can make them feel like the obstacle is too difficult to overcome and they’ll never be able to do it, so what’s the point in trying? Instead, keep challenging foods in very small portions and separate them from your child’s safe food. This approach helps children feel more comfortable and less pressured during mealtimes, which can make it easier for them to consider trying new foods. Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation If mealtimes are a constant struggle in your home, our pediatric therapists can help. Give us a call at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation. We’ll help determine if your child might benefit from pediatric therapy and work with you to make mealtimes a more peaceful and enjoyable experience for your family. About Terrica Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
Concerned You Waited Too Long to Get Your Child to Therapy?
Many parents don’t realize that their child needs developmental support until they start having trouble in school. But by that point, they often worry that they are too late to get their child the help they need to thrive. At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our goal is to support children in reaching their fullest potential, no matter when they begin their therapy journey. Today, we want to address a common concern many parents have: “Is it too late to start therapy for my child?” Every Family’s Journey Is Unique No two families are the same, and each child’s therapy journey is unique. Pediatric therapists understand that the needs of each family and child differ when they start care. There is no “one size fits all” approach, and most importantly, there is no deadline to receive therapy. Our approach is to meet each family where they are by addressing their specific concerns. No matter how young or old your child is, pediatric therapy is tailored to fit their unique circumstances and help them achieve their developmental milestones. Treatment Begins with an Assessment of Current Developmental Progress and Delays The first step of treatment at any pediatric therapy clinic is a thorough assessment of your child’s current abilities and areas for improvement. Our job is to evaluate your child’s skills compared to the common developmental milestones for their age. This process allows us to gather essential information so we can fully understand and meet your child’s needs. The initial assessment is a crucial part of your child’s therapy journey, as it lays the foundation for creating an effective treatment plan tailored to their specific developmental challenges. A Therapeutic Program Is Customized to Each Child’s Needs Based on the initial assessment, our pediatric therapists will develop a customized therapeutic program designed to meet your child where they are developmentally. This individualized treatment plan aims to help your child gradually build up their skills so they can achieve greater developmental milestones. By focusing on your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth, we can provide targeted interventions that empower their development. With pediatric therapy, you can help your child overcome any challenges they may face in daily life. The Right Time to Start Is as Soon as Developmental Problems Surface Parents know their children best and have invaluable insights into their child’s development. If you have any concerns about your child’s development or notice any struggles they have in daily life, we do recommend that you get a pediatric therapy evaluation as soon as possible. This is because the earlier developmental delays are addressed, the easier they are to manage. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s ever “too late” for your child to receive support. Parents, like all of us, are only human, and sometimes we miss things. Or sometimes we take a “wait and see” approach in hopes that the delay will improve with time. The important thing to remember is that there is not a limited window of time where your child can benefit from pediatric therapy. The best time to seek pediatric therapy is as soon as you notice something is not quite right. The second-best time is now. Our advice to you is to trust your instincts and reach out for help, no matter how young or old your child is. Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation If you are concerned about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at No Limits Pediatric Therapies. We offer a free 15-minute developmental consultation to help you determine if therapy is the right step for your child. Call us today at (479) 250-9838 to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards helping your child grow beyond their limitations. About Terrica Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
Physical Therapy vs Occupational Therapy for Children: Understanding the Differences
As a parent or caregiver, you may have heard of both physical therapy and occupational therapy, especially if your child is dealing with a health issue or developmental concern. While both forms of therapy are geared towards improving a child’s quality of life, their approach and focus areas can be quite different. Understanding these differences can help ensure your child gets the most appropriate care for their needs. Physical Therapy (PT) for Children Pediatric physical therapy primarily aims at improving a child’s physical abilities. It focuses on enhancing a child’s gross motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination, especially those necessary for mobility. For instance, a physical therapist might help a child with cerebral palsy learn to walk with assistive devices, or aid a child recovering from a sports injury to regain strength and flexibility. Pediatric physical therapists also play a significant role in early intervention, helping to mitigate developmental delays in infants and toddlers. Occupational Therapy (OT) for Children On the other hand, pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children achieve independence in all areas of their lives. It’s centered around improving fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, visual-perceptual skills, and sensory processing abilities that children need for daily activities or “occupations.” In this context, “occupations” refer to the everyday activities that occupy a child’s time, such as dressing, eating, playing, and school-related tasks. For example, an occupational therapist might help a child to improve their handwriting skills or guide a child with sensory processing disorder in managing overstimulation. There is often an overlap between PT and OT, and in many instances, a child may benefit from both services. For instance, a child with a physical disability may work with a physical therapist to improve overall body strength and mobility, while also seeing an occupational therapist to work on specific skills such as dressing or using utensils. Physical therapy and occupational therapy, though different in their focus, are both crucial to promoting healthy development and quality of life in children who need them. A comprehensive understanding of both therapies can help parents advocate for their children and ensure they receive the most appropriate and effective care. Remember, every child is unique, and what works best will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. A discussion with your child’s healthcare provider can provide further guidance on which therapy, or combination of therapies, would be most beneficial for your child.
Grasping Development…What Should My Child’s Grasp Look Like?
Your child was recently evaluated for occupational therapy. When reading over the report you noticed delays in overall grasping skills. You may be wondering, what does this mean? And what grasp are we looking for? We will first discuss the progress of grasp on objects such as blocks and small items like a Cheerio or a bead. And then move towards the progress of a child’s grasp on a writing utensil. The most primitive grasp you will see is the palmar grasp reflex. Palmar Grasp Reflex – A palmar grasp reflex is when a baby immediately wraps all fingers around your finger, or an object placed in his/her palm. This reflex will integrate (go away) around 4 months of age. At this time, your child should begin to demonstrate a voluntary grasp to pick up different sized objects. (Usually Emerges in Early Infancy) The following progression is noted by Jane Case-Smith an occupational therapist and a leading educator in pediatric occupational therapy as well as The Erhardt Developmental Prehension Assessment. Ulnar-Palmar Grasp (Crude Palmar Grasp) – The index finger and Thumb are not used in this pattern. (Usually Emerges Around 4-6 Months of Age.) Palmar Grasp – Using the central portion of the palm to pick up objects from a flat surface. This grasp does not involve use of the thumb. (Usually Emerges Around 4-6 Months of Age.) Radial Palmar Grasp – your child should begin to use his/her thumb while picking up objects from a surface. When first adding the help of the thumb to grasp objects, there will be no open space between the object your child is grasping and his/her palm or “web space”. (Usually Emerges between 6-7 months of age.) Raking grasp – This is when your baby will attempt to pick up objects on her own using a “raking” method. You’ll see her reach out and move her arm in a raking motion to try to pull it closer and grab. She’ll usually spread out her fingers and contract them to close around the object, strengthening her muscles with each movement. (Usually Emerges Around 7 Months of Age.) Radial Digital Grasp/Three Jaw Chuck – This is the first grasp where more precise finger movements are required and utilized. Your child will begin to pick up objects with fingertips, rather than the whole hand, which leads into the very important, pincer grasp (see below). (Usually Emerges Around 8-9 Months of Age.) Inferior pincer grasp – Child will begin to pick up small objects with thumb and index finger only. Initially, your child will only be able to use this grasp with his/her arm supported on the table/surface and will use the side of their index finger and a straight thumb to pick up objects. (Usually Emerges Around 9 Months of Age) Mature/Dynamic Pincer Grasp – When the mature pincer grasp is developed, you will notice your child picking up small objects with the tips of thumb and index finger, while holding the forearm off of the surface. (Usually Emerges Around 12 Months of Age) Writing Utensil Grasping Patterns (Info Based off of Jane Case-Smith) Palmar Supinated/Gross Fisted Grasp — The toddler will use their whole hand as one unit, wrapping all of their fingers around the writing utensil with their thumb positioned at the top of the crayon and their pinkie towards the paper. They are still working on “proximal stability” and so they move the writing utensil with large arm movement originating from the shoulder. (Usually Emerges Around 1-2 Years of Age) Radial/Digital Pronated Grasp – As they begin to have more finger isolation, they will begin using the thumb functionally for prehension grasping. In this grasp pattern, the arm is turned slightly inward (pronated) and the crayon is positioned under the palm. The tip of the writing utensil is held by a straight index finger and adducted thumb. Again, most movement is from the arm. (Usually Emerges Around 2-3 Years of Age) Static Tripod Grasp – With this grasp you will begin to see the child is beginning to have more control of the writing utensil. They appear to have better separation of the two parts of the hand, and they use the thumb side for movement and the pinkie side for strength. It is this time, you will begin to see an opening of the thumb webspace, and the use of the thumb, index and middle finger to control the writing utensil. The child should be able to stabilize at the shoulder, rest the forearm on the table, and movement should be coming from the wrist, or fingers. (Usually Emerges Around 3 ½ Years of Age.) Dynamic Tripod Grasp – A mature prehension grasp pattern which will allow your child to make smooth, colored strokes for coloring, tracing, drawing and printing. You will notice a nice, round open webspace. The index finger PIP and DIP joints and the thumb’s IP joint will be slightly bent. The writing utensil rests on the side of the DIP joint on the middle finger and most of the movement comes from the fingers. (Usually Emerges Around 5 Years of Age) Insufficient Grasping Patterns (Info from AnOTMom) The Thumb Wrap – The thumb wrap is one of the most common inefficient grasp patterns. One of the main reasons it’s problematic is because the fingers are in a position where they actually block part of the visual field. It is very difficult to see where and what you are writing with this grasp. Also, the index and middle fingers are stabilizing the writing utensil instead of moving it. As a result, movement comes from the wrist or arm, which leads to large strokes that lack control and precision. The Thumb Tuck – The thumb tuck is a variation of the thumb wrap, where instead of wrapping the thumb around the fingers/writing utensil, it is tucked in the fingers. Once again, the fingers and the thumb are stabilizing the writing utensil rather than moving it. Movement is distal, decreased control and precision. The Interdigital
Posture
Growing up, I vividly remember my mother frequently correcting my posture. The biggest challenge was sitting at the dinner table. My mom would sandwich her arms around me and shift my rounded shoulders and slumping posture back to sitting upright. It was quite alarming when I realized that I was slumping so far over in my chair that my chest about touched the table. Do you ever find yourself doing this to your kiddos or find yourself correcting your own posture? With virtual schooling and working from home continuing to take place, it is important to evaluate you and your child’s posture. There are many ways to change up our positions that can incorporate different muscle groups and continue to help develop strong core muscles that make sitting up in a chair easier. Here are some tips and tricks on different positions that can help with your child’s posture: Seated Posture: It is recommended that your child sit all the way back in their chair. Place a small, rolled-up towel or lumbar cushion behind their mid-back to protect the spine’s natural curve. Keep the knees bent at a right angle, keeping them the same height, or a bit higher, than the hips, and feet should be flat on the floor. Have a table that is too tall where your child’s feet cannot touch the floor? Grab a box or stool that can go under their feet to help maintain a right angle throughout the hips and knees, keeping the feet flat on the surface provided. Is your child looking down at their laptop to complete their Google meets and school work? Grab a box, stool or plastic bin to place the computer on that would raise the screen to eye level when they are seated in their chair. Tall Kneel: Tall kneel is a great alternative to sitting in the chair. Whether completing school assignments online, playing games with family and friends, drawing or coloring on vertical surfaces, or watching tv, tall kneel and/or half-kneel are two ways to incorporate core strengthening and balance, and continuing to work on your child’s posture. Prone: Prone positioning is great for upper-body and core strengthening. Incorporating prone positioning into your child’s daily activities such as when they are coloring, drawing, reading a book, watching a movie, playing with legos or playdoh, or other board games, this is an awesome way to work on their upper-body, core strength and posture. When your child is in the prone position, there are a few things to watch out for including: Holding their breath Moving in and out of the position Laying their head on their arms and/or the floor Pulling their knees up beside their hips Side Sitting: Side sitting is another way to change up your child’s posture. Side sitting is great for core strengthening and is easy to incorporate into the child’s daily activities when seated on the floor whether inside or outside. Enjoy playing games or going outside for a picnic? Side sitting is an awesome way to work on your child’s core strength, balance and posture. Dynamic Sitting: Have a physioball laying around the house? Adding a ball as an option for a chair is a great alternative. Sitting on a physioball addresses core strengthening and balance, and continues to work on your child’s posture. Similarly to sitting in a chair, we also want the child’s feet to be flat on the floor with 90 degree angles through the ankles, knees and hips during dynamic sitting. Posture to AVOID: W-Sitting W-sitting is common for kids to move into, however, this is a posture we want to avoid. W-sitting can lead to increased stress on the hip and knee joints, and can lead to the hip and leg muscles tightening which can lead to difficulties with overall strength, endurance, coordination and balance. When sitting in this position, it makes it more difficult for the child to rotate their bodies and shift their weight as well as decreases the need to engage their core muscles because they are getting a wider base of support with the “w.” It is recommended to encourage your child to move out of this position into other postures mentioned above or “criss-cross applesauce.” If you have any concerns regarding your child’s sitting posture contact your child’s therapist, and they will be glad to help give any tips and pointers to help increase your child’s postural control.
SUMMER PACKING LIST
Summer is here and in full swing, and so are all of the fun activities and travel plans! When traveling with kids, especially on long road trips or flying in an airplane, we often begin to pack all kinds of goodies to keep our little ones entertained. We have included a list below of snacks, toys, games, and activities that can provide a variety of sensory input, aid in regulation, and fun! Changes in routine and new places can be exciting, yet overwhelming for some kiddos; therefore, having a variety of items and activities can be helpful in keeping the kids entertained while also serving as regulation tools is vital when traveling. Check out our list below: Fidgets Coloring/activity books Gum Chewy, Crunchy, Sour snacks (granola bars, red and green apples, carrots, veggie straws, pretzel sticks, fruit leather, etc) Lemon or lime juice to add to water Drinks with straws Sparkling water Games – iSpy, card games, Spot It, the ABC game, the Animal Name game, Road Trip Scavenger Hunt Weighted blanket Noise canceling headphones Headphones that can play music Audiobooks Colorful doodle writing tablet Sticker books Weighted lap pad Playdoh Sound machine Sunglasses Bubbles Jump rope to use during rest stops Sensory bottle
What is Torticollis?
You may have heard of the term “torticollis,” also known as wryneck. Torticollis is the twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an angle. The twisting of the neck occurs when the large muscle running on both sides of the neck, from the back of the ear to the collarbone, is too tight and/or shortened. In newborns, torticollis can happen due to the baby’s position in the womb or from consistent positioning following birth. The following are the most common symptoms of torticollis; however, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Inability to turn the head (rotation) Spasm of the neck muscles The top of their head may be tilted to one side and their chin may be tilted to the other side. Difficulties visually tracking Difficulties holding the head in an upright position Preference among breast-fed and bottle-fed babies to eat on one side over the other or problems latching onto the breast or bottle. Physical therapy helps prevent permanent shortening, head and neck pain, and helps prevent developmental delays that could occur secondarily. Early physical therapy for torticollis is very helpful and effective. The physical therapists’ focus includes passive range of motion, active range of motion, stretching, muscle strengthening, and parent education for positioning, stretching and activities that they can incorporate into their daily lives in order to increase the child’s ability to turn and move their head and continue to make gains towards their developmental milestones. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to torticollis, please reach out to your doctor or your child’s physical therapist.
Winter Therapeutic Activities
It’s that time of the year where the temperatures drop and the indoor activities begin, but this also tends to pose the question – What can we do to keep the kids entertained ALL of those hours? Below are some great activities that can be completed indoors. These activities can incorporate so many skills that are beneficial to a child’s development including activities that work on language, play, fine motor skills such as coloring, cutting, drawing, and manipulation of small objects, gross motor skills to address overall strengthening, endurance, coordination and balance, and activities that help with sensory processing and self regulation, and executive functioning skills. Therapeutic Activities: Scavenger hunts around the house Stickers Potato sack races Dance parties Sensory bins Animal walk races Kosmic kids yoga videos Charades Playdoh – homemade or store-bought Build a Fort Hidden picture books or printables Science experiments Mazes – on paper, build your own to walk through Origami Jewelry making Baking Bubble mountain Painting Create sensory bottles Balance boards Paper plate skating across the carpet Scooter boards Obstacle courses: climbing over obstacles, balance beams, jumping over obstacles, army crawling Coloring and cutting activities: snowmen, mittens, snowflakes, penguins, polar bears, arctic animals, sleds Build-it crafts: popsicle sticks, q-tips, cards, graham crackers, build-it kits