Positive Attitudes During Pediatric Physical Therapy

My Four-Letter Word

It happens every once in a while. Just your ordinary therapy session in progress when one word elicits an over-the-top theatrical wide-eyed gasp, disbelieving, as the hand comes up to the mouth just before the words escape. “WHAT?! What did you just say?! I’m sorry, but we don’t use that kind [..}


High School Students With Special Needs

Awkward: Growing Up & Away From A Parent PCA

For high school students with Special Education services, team meetings should address plans for post-secondary education, employment, and living options, as well as the type of support required for success in these areas. During Tina’s meeting, there was something about her non-verbals that made [..}


Physical Therapist Holiday Wish List

Holiday Wish List

1. Please move the accessible stalls closer to the restroom entrance. Why does someone with a mobility impairment who really needs a bathroom break have to travel 50 feet further than everyone else? 2. No more flat heads. Those little babies are so cute in their little custom-made multi-sport [..}


Pediatric Physical Therapy

If I Knew Then…

Really smart kids can be so annoying. Mainly because they can be so - correct. One of my favorite high school freshmen is due to have his wheelchair adjusted for growth because like so many adolescents out there, he went and grew. After our twelfth friendly chat about his posture this school year, [..}


A Hoyer lift is used for a transfer that requires total assistance.

Need A Lift?

A standing program is only as good as the ability of the individual using the stander to transfer or be transferred in and out safely, ensuring consistency of the routine. I am a huge fan of standing and the physiological and social benefits that students experience in the school environment when [..}


IMAG0219-1

Get Out!: Planning for Emergencies and Evacuations

Everyone is full of excitement as the children head back for another promising school year. But just as soon as they get in the building, the educational team is considering how to get them out in the event of an emergency. There are many variables to take into consideration, including: - The [..}


"W" sitting may be functional, but has potential for negative long term effects.

“W”-Sitting “X”-plained

Many young children find that a “W” sitting position is how they prefer to sit on the floor and play. The “W” describes the shape a child’s legs make when he is sitting with the insides of his legs on the ground and his bottom between his heels. “W” sitting may occur because: - It [..}


Scientist Steven Hawking usually uses a wheelchair for mobility, but flew like a superhero for a few moments.

I Need A Hero

We look around ourselves for people who provide inspiration and support. Children in particular are shaped by the role models in their lives. But what if most of the models in a child’s life don’t look like them, or move the way they do, or face the same kinds of challenges they do in everyday [..}


A good book makes tummy time enjoyable.

Prone To Help: Getting Down To Stand Taller

There is one simple activity that is beneficial for most of us to do every day regardless of age or ability. That is lying in a prone position, or enjoying a little tummy time. Many of us spend hours of the day sitting, whether in a desk chair or wheelchair. This leads to shortening of certain [..}


Standing frame for therapy in school.

Ode to the Shadow Tray

This is not going to be one of my most professional, scientific, well-researched blogs. It comes straight from the heart. I don’t just like or appreciate the Shadow Tray - I love it! In the school setting, we have two main objectives as physical therapists: 1) - Help children with physical [..}