Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Superpower!

Speech, Occupational and ABA Therapy provided in the comfort of your home via Teletherapy!

Teletherapy

MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy proudly offers excellent therapy to our clients, and service them in a way that suits their individual needs. Speech, Occupational and ABA Therapy provided in the comfort of your own home via Teletherapy! Teletherapy, or telepractice, uses a HIPPA compliant and secure video platform, similar to Skype, to connect a client to a specially trained Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist for live, individual treatment sessions. This virtual therapy is an excellent option for families all over Michigan who home-school, have busy schedules, or anyone who otherwise have a difficult time coming into the clinic. Contact us if you think Teletherapy would be a good fit for your family!

In addition to individual families, MetroEHS also offers Teletherapy to schools in Michigan to keep IEP’s in compliance. Please visit our Staffing Page to explore more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will my insurance cover Teletherapy?
   Most insurances cover Teletherapy, including many BCBS plans. Community Mental Health is not currently covering Teletherapy in the Metro Detroit counties, but this could change in the future.
2. How old does my child have to be to participate?
   Any age! If a child is young or active, the therapy session will be geared towards “parent training”. The therapist will provide materials and coach the parents to implement the goals and provide feedback.
3. Do kids find it boring?
   No! Our Teletherapy website offers a variety of picture cards and we always incorporate games to keep clients engaged. Kids also love having the attention of their parent and the person on the other side of the screen. It’s all about them!
4. What do I need to use Teletherapy?
   You will need internet connection, a computer or tablet with a camera, microphone, and speakers. Headsets are not required.
5. How will I access the platform?
   Your therapist will send you an email and you will make a free account. When it is time for your session, you will receive another email with a link to the session, you will put in your password, and you will be connected with your live therapist.
6. What if I live outside of Michigan?
   Due to state licensing requirements, we are only able to provide therapy to residents of Michigan.

MetroEHS introduced Pelvic Floor Therapy last month and this new therapy will change the lives of countless children because of it. Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized field of physical therapy that focuses on treating conditions and symptoms related to the pelvic floor muscles in children.  Pelvic Floor Therapy involves training your child on how to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles and with retraining and regular exercises, your child can learn how to better control and gain sensory awareness of these muscles, which play a crucial role in urination and stooling.

Who Could Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for children who struggle with or are unable to gain control over their bowel and bladder. This therapy is often recommended for children who are diagnosed with one or multiple of the following conditions:

• Enuresis/Bedwetting
• Constipation
• Incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary frequency/retention
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency
• Frequent UTIs

What to Expect with Pelvic Floor Therapy?

The success of pelvic floor therapy often depends on the involvement and commitment of parents or caregivers. Adherence to recommended diet modifications and daily routines can greatly improve the outcomes of this therapy. At MetroEHS, our physical therapists take into account the family history and any life-changing events to tailor the therapy according to the specific needs of each child.

In today’s hectic world of parenting, where every child seems to come with their unique set of challenges, one common struggle that many families face is dealing with picky eaters. It’s a scenario familiar to almost every parent or guardian out there. But fear not, because MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy is stepping in to offer a solution that not only addresses the needs of the child but also brings relief to the entire family.

During a recent segment on Live in the D, Tati Amare dove into the topic of feeding therapy with two experts from MetroEHS: Dawn Sterling, a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, and Sam Fitzsimmons, the Director of Occupational Therapy. Their insights shed light on the signs indicating a child could benefit from feeding therapy, how MetroEHS approaches this issue, and invaluable advice for parents navigating feeding challenges.

According to Sam Fitzsimmons, pediatric feeding disorders are more common than we might think, with one in 23 children under the age of five affected. These disorders often accompany developmental disabilities like ADHD and autism, making them even more prevalent. Signs to watch out for include mealtime behaviors that disrupt daily routines, extreme food selectivity, and a reduction in the variety of foods consumed.

MetroEHS takes a holistic approach to feeding therapy, utilizing an interdisciplinary model that incorporates occupational therapy, speech therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and physical therapy. Their goal is to make feeding a positive and enjoyable experience for children, starting with non-food items and gradually progressing to food-based activities through play and sensory exploration.

One of the most significant takeaways from the discussion is that it’s never too early to seek help. Whether it’s addressing difficulties with latching during breastfeeding in newborns or tackling food aversions in older children, MetroEHS is there to support families every step of the way.

When it comes to feeding strategies, Dawn Sterling emphasizes the importance of keeping things light and pressure-free. Rather than engaging in power struggles over food, she advocates for creating a nurturing environment where children feel comfortable exploring new foods at their own pace. The key is to focus on engagement and enjoyment, both for the child and the family.

In their own words, both Dawn and Sam emphasize MetroEHS’s commitment to holistic care, not just for the child but for the entire family. By adopting a whole-child approach and empowering families, MetroEHS aims to foster growth and success in every aspect of a child’s development.

As the conversation drew to a close, Tati Amare reiterated the accessibility of MetroEHS’s services, with 14 locations already established in Metro Detroit and three more on the horizon. Whether it’s ABA, speech, occupational, feeding, or physical therapies, MetroEHS stands ready to lend a helping hand to families in need.

In conclusion, dealing with picky eaters can be a daunting challenge, but with the right support and guidance from experts like those at MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy, families can overcome these obstacles and ensure that every child thrives. If you’re facing feeding difficulties with your child, don’t hesitate to reach out and discover the transformative power of pediatric feeding therapy.