Unlocking Your Child’s Potential: How Early Intervention and Neuroplasticity Shape Brain Development – WDIV Segment #2

What is the Intensive Feeding Therapy Program Like at MetroEHS?

As we dive into the details of the Intensive Feeding Therapy Program at MetroEHS, hear from the experts at MetroEHS and how they collaborate on the most wholistic approach to Intensive Feeding Therapy.

Jessica Hunt (Occupational Therapist/Feeding Specialist):
When it comes to treating children who have complex feeding difficulties and pediatric feeding issues, there's a multitude of things that are typically at the root of the problem. So what's very unique about the program that we have here is that we have involvement from both occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, a dietician, as well as psychology.

Rose Britt (Registered Dietitian):
So it's all five disciplines. Spending time together with the family, with the patient, with each other, all talking at one cohesive time, making a plan instead of grabbing pieces from all over the place and putting them together. I think it makes it a lot smoother for us and the families as well.

Kris Krajewski (Director PT, OT, and Speech Services/SLP):
Each of our disciplines really does have something to offer to this process, but when we work all together, we have the ability to help our kiddos make more progress more quickly.

Kayla Daniels (Physical Therapist):
At Metro, we really take a whole body approach. We don't just look at one aspect of the child. And a lot of people don't think of physical therapy as part of the feeding team, but in order to eat, you have to use all of these posture and muscles, you have to hold yourself up. You have to hold your head up to be able to swallow. So really focusing on all of those aspects of your body is really important to be able to make the progress.

Azari Haygood (Psychologist):
As a psychologist on staff for the Intensive Feeding Program, I offer mental health services to the families and to some of the clients. It's very stressful for a lot of these families. It's stressful for the clients that we see. And so, I offer just another support for them, where I'm helping them kind of overcome some of the stressors that they're experiencing around feeding.

Rose Britt (Registered Dietitian):
It's not just me telling you what to do. There's so much more going into that, and you get to really listen to the families and hear why it's not working and problem solve together.

Kayla Daniels (Physical Therapist):
The impact you can make, not only on the child's life, but on the family's life as a whole is huge.

Azari Haygood (Psychologist):
Seeing that improvement in their family's lives feels really great all around.

Jessica Hunt (Occupational Therapist/Feeding Specialist):
One in 23 children have a pediatric feeding issue. And so, to truly be able to address all of the aspects of that in one place, that's where we get to make a difference every single day.

Kris Krajewski (Director PT, OT, and Speech Services/SLP):
It's like when you have a jigsaw puzzle and you're missing one piece, you can still tell what the picture of the jigsaw puzzle is going to be, but when you have all of the pieces together, integrated into this treatment, the result is just something so much more beautiful.

Play is crucial for children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Through play, children learn important life skills such as problem-solving, creativity, social interaction, and self-regulation. Play allows children to explore their environment, experiment with different ideas, and express themselves in ways that are natural and meaningful to them.

Play can take many forms, including physical play, imaginative play, sensory play, and social play. Children learn best through play that is meaningful and engaging to them, so it is important for parents, caregivers, and educators to provide a variety of play opportunities that are tailored to a child’s individual needs and interests.

What is play?

Play includes fun activities enjoyed independently or with others. Play has no rules, and people make up their own games. Play can be inside or outside. It uses things around us, like balls and sticks. Playing helps us learn how to get along with others and think about new things.

Types of play:

• Social Play is when kids play together. For example, playing soccer.
• Symbolic Play is when you pretend. You can do this from 18 months to 5 years old.
• Practice Play is doing the same thing repeatedly to learn how to do it better. For example, you might practice throwing a ball.
• Sensorimotor Play is used by infants. This means that they use their senses and move around. An example of this is shaking a rattle.
• Constructive Play is when kids make something. For example, building with legos or painting with their fingers.    

Play helps a child…

• Build Imagination and Creativity
• Foster Cognitive Growth
• Improve Literacy
• Improve Emotional Well-Being
• Encourage Greater Independence

Play is not just a fun activity for children but a vital part of their development. Therefore, it is essential to support and encourage play in children and create a safe and stimulating environment for them to explore and learn.

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promoting understanding and acceptance. Throughout this month, we've been exploring how MetroEHS, a pediatric neighborhood therapy company with locations across Metro Detroit, is making a difference in the lives of children on the autism spectrum through various forms of therapy.

Today, we delve into a common phenomenon observed in children—toe walking—and its potential significance, particularly in relation to autism. Toe walking, the act of walking on the toes, balls of the feet, or tippy toes, is a behavior that may raise concerns, especially when observed in children around the ages of two to three.

According to experts at MetroEHS, including Kelly Johns, the Director of Physical Therapy, toe walking can be an indicator of potential developmental issues, including autism spectrum disorder. Children on the spectrum often exhibit sensory-seeking behaviors, and toe walking can be one manifestation of this sensory-seeking behavior, providing them with additional sensory input.

While occasional toe walking in toddlers who are still learning to walk may not be alarming, persistent toe walking, especially beyond the age of two or three, warrants attention. If a child is consistently toe walking more than 50% of the time, it is advisable for parents to seek evaluation and possible intervention, such as physical or occupational therapy.

Toe walking can have various implications for a child's physical development and overall well-being. It can lead to issues such as pelvic misalignment, muscular imbalances, and even the shortening of the Achilles tendon over time. Addressing toe walking early through therapy and interventions can mitigate potential future problems and promote proper musculoskeletal development.

MetroEHS offers a range of therapies, including physical and occupational therapy, to address toe walking and other developmental concerns in children. Additionally, parents can play an active role in helping their children at home by incorporating simple exercises and activities aimed at stretching the calf muscles and promoting proper walking mechanics.

Simple interventions like stretching exercises and using swim flippers can aid in correcting toe walking tendencies and promoting a more natural gait pattern in children. By combining professional therapy with at-home practices, parents can support their children's physical development and overall well-being.

MetroEHS has 14 locations across Metro Detroit, with three more on the way, ensuring accessibility for families seeking therapy services for various developmental needs, including autism spectrum disorder. Find the nearest MetroEHS location to you on the Locations Page!

As we wrap up Autism Awareness Month, let's continue to spread awareness, understanding, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, empowering them to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.