Occupational Therapy

Pediatric Connections specializes in helping children and adults succeed in activities of daily living in the home, school and community. Our staff is uniquely trained to detect, interpret, and teach clients how to regulate sensory information. They help clients of any age move out of patterns of survival into healthy patterns of connection. Creating safety in the body is paramount for cognitive, physical and emotional growth and development.

Each session is personalized to meet the unique needs and goals of the client, helping them achieve greater independence and overall well-being.

During OT sessions, treatment rooms are utilized as well as our two large sensory gyms.

At Pediatric Connections, we use a variety of OT modalities within our sessions:
MNRI Reflex Integration

MNRI therapy is designed to help integrate and retrain reflexes that may not have fully developed or have been disrupted. It aims to improve motor skills, sensory processing, and overall functioning by addressing the body’s automatic reflex responses.

CFT is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that focuses on releasing tension in the fascia (the connective tissue) and the craniosacral system. It aims to restore balance and promote self-healing by addressing restrictions and imbalances in the body’s connective tissues.

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Polyvagal Theory demonstrates how the autonomic nervous system shapes health and behavior. It highlights the importance of safety, connection, and co-regulation in well-being.

Balance, Auditory, Vision, eXercises are made up of hundreds of rhythmic movements. These teachable exercises cross the midline and emphasize balance, calm, and precision.

Safe Sound Protocol (SSP): The Safe and Sound Protocol uses filtered music to send cues of safety to the nervous system, building the foundation for awareness and resilience. It helps facilitate social engagement and regulate auditory processing.

Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP): The Rest and Restore Protocol is a listening program that helps to improve mental and physical health. It strengthens self-regulation skills and helps improve listening inside the body (interception).

Neurofeedback is a nonlinear system that focuses on restoring brain resilience and flexibility. It is noninvasive and no diagnosis is necessary to receive neurofeedback training.

Aqua therapy is offered in 8-week sessions. Aqua therapy provides an excellent opportunity to improve reflex skills while benefiting from the additional sensory input offered by the water.

SPEECH THERAPY

Speech therapists help individuals of all ages improve their communication skills. They assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders. Speech therapists work with children and adults to address issues like speech delays, feeding difficulties, phonological disorders, articulation problems, stuttering, language disorders, and voice issues, as well as challenges related to social communication and cognitive-communication skills.

In addition, speech therapists are skilled in using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods to support individuals with severe speech or language impairments, providing them with tools to communicate more effectively. Through tailored exercises and techniques, including AAC strategies, speech therapists help individuals develop better communication abilities, enhance their quality of life, and gain confidence in both personal and professional interactions.

Speech Therapy Modalities Used in Our Sessions

Myofunctional Therapy:

is a specialized treatment that focuses on improving the function of the muscles of the face and mouth, including the tongue, lips, and jaw. It addresses issues such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, improper swallowing patterns, and poor tongue posture, which can affect speech, breathing, and overall oral health. Through a series of personalized exercises and techniques, myofunctional therapy aims to retrain these muscles, promoting better oral habits, improving facial development, and supporting healthy breathing patterns. It is often used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to ensure long-term success and optimal results, benefiting both children and adults.

Pre/Post Myo work for frenectomies:

is a specialized treatment that focuses on improving the function of the muscles of the face and mouth, including the tongue, lips, and jaw. It addresses issues such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, improper swallowing patterns, and poor tongue posture, which can affect speech, breathing, and overall oral health. Through a series of personalized exercises and techniques, myofunctional therapy aims to retrain these muscles, promoting better oral habits, improving facial development, and supporting healthy breathing patterns. It is often used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to ensure long-term success and optimal results, benefiting both children and adults.