In the fast-paced world of grand parenting, it’s crucial to stay informed and equipped with the best solutions for raising grandchildren. With approximately 3 million grandparents across the United States taking on the responsibility of raising their grandkids, there is a growing need for expert guidance and support. That’s where the podcast “It’s a Grand Life” comes in, connecting listeners with subject matter experts who understand the unique challenges faced by grand families.

A Valuable Resource:

In a recent episode, host Craig Nash warmly welcomed new listeners from Texas, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, and Alabama. He emphasized the importance of being informed about the best solutions for raising grandkids, setting the objective of “It’s a Grand Life” to present subject matter experts who can provide valuable insights and information.

Expertise in Pediatric Therapies:

The guest of the episode was Kris Krajewski, a speech and language pathologist with MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy, a group dedicated to pediatric therapy in Michigan. Kris shared her background and expertise in speech and language pathology, highlighting her passion for working with children and her personal experience as a parent of a child with Down syndrome.

Comprehensive Approach to Care:

MetroEHS offers a wide range of therapies, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy, as well as applied behavior analysis (ABA) and mental health services. Their focus is on a holistic and coordinated approach, providing support not only to the children but also to their families and caregivers. By incorporating various services, MetroEHS aims to address the unique needs of each child and help them reach their full potential.

Addressing Feeding and Swallowing Issues:

Kris shed light on pediatric feeding disorders, a relatively new diagnosis, and emphasized the importance of understanding the sensory challenges that some children face when it comes to food. MetroEHS provides interventions to help children develop tolerance for different textures and improve their chewing and swallowing abilities.

Navigating the Path to Treatment:

To begin the journey of seeking therapy services, Kris advised starting with a discussion with the child’s pediatrician, who can refer them to appropriate specialists for evaluations and treatments. MetroEHS collaborates with pediatricians, school districts, and insurance providers to ensure comprehensive and accessible care for children.

Supporting Grand Families:

The podcast episode acknowledged that the journey of raising grandchildren can be overwhelming, but it highlighted the importance of seeking help and support. MetroEHS welcomes inquiries and assists families in finding the right resources for their specific needs. Additionally, the Autism Alliance of Michigan was recommended as an excellent resource for families dealing with autism-related concerns.

Raising grandchildren comes with unique challenges, but resources like “It’s a Grand Life” and organizations like MetroEHS provide valuable expertise and support for grand families. By accessing specialized therapies and collaborating with professionals, grandparents can help their grandchildren thrive. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are pathways to assistance and resources available to support you and your grand family along the way.

AAC Devices in Pediatric Therapy

AAC is the term used to describe any form of communication that a person can use that is not speech. This may include pointing to pictures of what the person wants, using sign language, or using a device that will speak a message when a specific button is pushed.

MetroEHS can boast a 100% success rate in supplying clients with these crucial communication devices giving a voice to our superheroes.

When Should AAC be Considered for a Child?

An AAC device should be considered for any child whose speech output is not adequate to fully communicate their wants and needs.

Things to consider:

-Child’s frustration levels

-Adult frustration levels

-Access to school curriculum

-Participation in classroom activities

-Ability to demonstrate knowledge to teachers

-Access to home and community environment

-Ability to interact appropriately with family and peers

-Independence in developmentally-appropriate daily activities

MetroEHS partners with an AAC company and a medical equipment company. These companies serve as consultants for Metro EHS SLPs as we work toward supplying families with AAC devices. Some AAC tools are covered by insurance, but some are not. MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy will help you understand your options.

The Process:

Step One: Our SLPs identify kiddos who might benefit from using AAC!

Step Two: We begin trialing different devices and different communication systems determining which systems work best for each individual client. There are several devices and programs to choose from.

Step Three: Once the SLP determines which system works best, an AAC evaluation is submitted to the client's pediatrician for review. If the pediatrician approves, we obtain a prescription for the device, much like obtaining a prescription for a splint, or other form of medical equipment.

Step Four: When the prescription is received, the prescription and evaluation report are all submitted to the insurance company.  Once approved, the device is ordered!

Step Five: The device is delivered to the family and they family receives assistance with set up and demonstration.  The device fully belongs to the child.

After the device is in the hands of our client, MetroEHS SLPs work with the family and the client to integrate the device into their world in speech therapy.

With Locations all over South East Michigan and excellent Speech Therapy services, MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy is here to help. Browse through our Locations Page to find a Local Therapy Center near you!

A Mother and Daughter's Journey

Kris Krajewski: Hi, I am Kris Krajewski. I am the director of PT, OT and Speech Therapy Services at MetroEHS. I am a clinical fellow mentor, a speech language pathologist, and a mom. And this is my daughter McKenna. McKenna is a therapy assistant at our Rochester Hills location.

Mckenna Krajewski: So as therapy assistant, they clean, do desk work and sanitize, take temperatures, taking care of clients, make sure they're safe and healthy, help them with their work and special needs. It makes me feel amazing and happy to be there for them. I am very, very proud.

Kris Krajewski: I got teary listening to McKenna talk about it because what, what is most important to me for children or anybody of any age, but in particular my child, is that they are happy. A large part of that happiness comes from feeling connected and having a purpose, um, and knowing that you have somewhere to go where you're valued and you're important. And so I see that happening at Metro with McKenna, with her job as a professional. I'm really proud of MetroEHS for thinking about people at, you know, both ends of that age spectrum, right? We have our little littles coming in at a very young age, and we are still interested in what happens to our kiddos when they get out into the world of work. Um, and to me that's a really important message.

A Family's Journey with a Special Need Diagnosis is a beautiful journey! Listen from some more of our MetroEHS Family's stories > HERE