Are you concerned about your child’s toe walking habits? Toe walking, a common concern for parents, can sometimes be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the connection between toe walking and autism is crucial for early intervention and support.
What is Toe Walking?
Toe walking refers to a walking pattern where a person walks on their toes or the balls of their feet without their heels touching the ground. While occasional toe walking in toddlers is common, persistent toe walking beyond the age of two may indicate an underlying issue.
The Connection with Autism
Toe walking is often observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While not all toe walkers have autism, studies suggest that many children with ASD exhibit toe walking behavior. Children with Autism often have higher sensory seeking behaviors, and being up on their toes gives them deep sensory input through their feet and in their contracted calf muscles. This connection can lead to more targeted interventions and support from therapists and parents.
How Can a MetroEHS Physical Therapist Help?
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in addressing toe walking in children, especially those with autism. A skilled physical therapist can:
Assess the Underlying Causes: A physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify any underlying factors contributing to toe walking, such as muscle tightness, sensory issues, muscle weakness, or lack of range of motion.
Develop Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, the physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This plan may include stretching exercises, strengthening activities, balance training, or different sensory inputs.
Educate and Empower Families: MetroEHS Physical Therapists work closely with families to educate them about toe walking and provide strategies for home exercises and activities to support their child’s progress.
Toe-walking can impact your child long-term if left untreated:
Toe walking will impact your child’s overall body positioning, posture, and muscles. With toe walking, because of these impacts, it will also change the load of the body’s joints and likely cause chronic pain as the individual ages. It is common for toe walkers to lose range of motion in their ankles, preventing them from being able to reach their heels to the ground and causing their Achilles tendon to shorten. In more severe cases, if the Achilles tendon shortens too much, the only way to regain that length is with a surgical lengthening.
Take the First Step Towards Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s toe walking or suspect they may have autism, early intervention is key. Schedule an evaluation with a qualified physical therapist who specializes in pediatric care. Together, we can help your child take confident steps towards improved mobility and independence.
Brittany: Hello! My name is Brittany, I am the bilingual Speech Pathologist at Metro EHS in Sterling Heights and Detroit.
Mallory: Hi! My name is Mallory, and I work in the Human Resources Department at the administrative office in Plymouth.
B: And we are so excited to announce that MetroEHS now offers speech therapy in Spanish and English!
M: That’s great! We can service Metro Detroit kids in their native language! But Brittany, can you tell me how to know if my child needs speech therapy?
B: Sure! If you have concerns about the language or articulation development of your child, it is possible that he/she might benefit from speech therapy. For example, if your child cannot pronounce certain sounds, does not say a lot of words or combine words to form sentences, or if you cannot understand him/her, we can do an evaluation to see if he/she qualifies for speech therapy.
M: That sounds great! What happens next?
B: After the evaluation, if therapy is necessary, we are able to initiate therapy in English, Spanish, or both languages to help your child communicate with family, friends and all of the people in the child’s life using their preferred language.
M: So cool! Are any other therapies offered?
B: Of course! We also offer therapy for feeding difficulties, stuttering, problems with social language secondary to autism, and the use of augmentative and alternative communication for children who are not able to talk using verbalizations. Here at MetroEHS we also offer occupational and behavior therapy at all of our centers. We have a phenomenal team of therapists that provide individualized services for your child. And Mallory, you can assist Spanish-speaking families get started, right?
M: Of course! We accept most insurances. I would be happy to answer any questions that families might have. Call our office to see if your child might benefit from speech therapy or other therapies in Spanish, English, or both languages. Our telephone number is 313-278-4601. We would love to talk to you!
Brittany: Hola! Me llamo Brittany y soy la terapeuta bilingue de habla en MetroEHS en Sterling Heights y Detroit.
Mallory: Hola! Me llamo Mallory y trabajo en el departamentro de recursos humanos en la oficina administrativa en Plymouth.
Brittany: Estamos emocionados de anunciar que MetroEHS ofrece la terapia de habla en ingles y espanol.
Mallory: Que excelente! Podemos proporcionar la terapia de habla a ninos en MetroDetroit en su idioma nativo. Brittany, me puedes explicar como saber si mi hijo necesita la terapia de habla.
Brittany: Por supuesto! Si tiene preocupaciones del desarrollo del lenguaje o de la articulacion de su hijo es posible que se beneficie de la terapia de habla. Por ejemplo, si su hijo no puede pronunciar ciertos sonidos, no dice muchas palabras ni combina palabras para hacer oraciones, o si no le puede entender a su hijo, podemos hacer una evaluacion para ver si califica para la terapia de habla.
Mallory: Suena muy bien! Que pasara despues?
Brittany: Despues de la evaluacion, si las terapias son necesarias, podemos iniciar las terapias en ingles, espanol o ambos idimos para ayudar a hijo a comunicarse con la familia, los amigos y todas las personas en su vida usando su idioma preferido.
Mallory: Guau(wow)! Ofrecen otras terapias?
Brittany: Tambien ofrecemos terapias para dificultades con la alimentacion, el tartamudeo, problemas con el lenguje social secundario al autismo, y el uso de comunicacion aumentativa y alternativa para ninos que no puede hablar con verbalizaciones. En MetroEHS, ofrecemos la terapia ocupacional y la terapia de comportamiento (ABA). Tenemos un equipo fenomenal de terapeutas que proporcionan servicios individualizados para su hijo. Mallory, tu puedes ayudar a las familiar que hablar espanol en la oficina, verdad?
Mallory: Por supuesto! Aceptamos muchos seguros medicos. Yo estaria encantada de responder a cualquier pregunta que tenga. Llame nuesta oficina para ver si su hijo se podria beneficiar de la terapia de habla en espanol, ingles, o ambos idiomas. El numero de telefono de la oficina es 313-278-4601. Nos encantaria hablar con usted.
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!
We love working in Southeastern Michigan as we get to work with hard-working families and amazing businesses like Emagine who intentionally create special experiences for members of the community that can get overlooked.
Join Emagine For A Sensory Friendly Movie!
Sensory Friendly Screenings provide modifications to the theatre atmosphere without modifying the film for those who experience sensory issues.
Sensory Friendly Film Screenings
Select Emagine locations will host a unique, sensory friendly screening twice a month, with specific modifications made to ensure an enjoyable experience for individuals with sensory needs and their supporters. Their sensory friendly programing makes going to the movies a more enjoyable experience for families, children, and teens with sensory needs. All sensory friendly films will be shown in 2D. *Note there are no modifications made to the film.
What does Sensory Friendly mean?
First, it means sensory friendly experience (lights up a bit, sound down a bit). Second, if your child needs to get up, move, dance, sing…No problem. Third, guests are welcome to bring a safe snack for any food allergies or food avoidance/restrictions.
First Showing of the Day. On-Sale dates vary. Check the website or Emagine app for theatres and showtimes.
The Little Mermaid Saturday, June 3, 2023
Elemental Saturday, June 17, 2023
Where
Tickets are available at the box office, online at Emagine-Entertainment.com or through the Emagine App. To purchase tickets and for a full list of showtimes visit Emagine-Entertainment.com On-Sale dates vary. All films, locations, dates, and times are subject to change.
Film Synopsis
The Little Mermaid (Rated PG) The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Elemental (Rated Pg) Follows Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together.
In addition to Sensory Friendly Movies
Join Emagine Entertainment For A Variety Of Specialty Screenings
Providing Open Caption, Sensory Friendly, Dementia Friendly, Breakfast & a Movie, and Lunch & a Movie Screenings
Join Emagine Entertainment this June as they host a variety of specialty screenings for their guests. Each month guests can watch some of the newest film releases with an enhanced experience. Open Caption screenings provide subtitles for those with hearing impairments. Sensory Friendly Screenings provide modifications to the theatre atmosphere without modifying the film for those who experience sensory issues. Dementia Friendly screenings provide exclusively selected classic movies and musicals and encourage audience participation while providing guests with special door-to-door service. The Breakfast and a Movie and Lunch and a Movie allow guests to enjoy a full meal and concessions while they enjoy their film.
Open Caption Film Screenings
Select Emagine locations will host Open Caption showings of some of the newest film releases on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons all month long. Guests who experience hearing impairments will be able to enjoy the movie-going experience with audio subtitles displayed on the big screen for all to see. All open caption movies are shown in 2D. *Note: there are no modifications made to the film.
Locations: (Michigan) Novi, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Hartland, Woodhaven, Quality 10 Powered by Emagine, (Minnesota) Eagan, Lakeville, Monticello, Rogers, White Bear, Willow Creek, (Wisconsin) Geneva Lakes, (Illinois) Frankfort, (Indiana) Noblesville, Portage
Films: On-Sale dates vary. Check the website or Emagine app for theatres and showtimes.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Sunday, June 4, 2023 Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Sunday, June 11, 2023 Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Elemental Sunday, June 18, 2023 Wednesday, June 21, 2023
The Flash Sunday, June 25, 2023 Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Dementia Friendly Screening
Dementia Friendly Screenings include exclusively selected classic movies and musicals presented in a unique setting with softer sound and ambient lighting. Guests are able to interact during the presentation and encouraged to talk back, clap, tap their feet, sway, sing along and get up and dance. Emagine works with Dementia Friendly Saline to provide guests with a special door-to-door experience guided by a team of dementia friendly “Purple Angels.” These staff and volunteers act as guides for the guests beginning the moment they arrive until the moment they leave. More information can be found on Emagine’s website. Tickets can be purchaseddirectly through Dementia Friendly Saline.
Location: Emagine Saline
Films: Showings are the second Wednesday of each month.
Meet Me In St. Louis Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Pre-Show Mingling: 1:15-2:00PM Film Begins: 2:00PM
Breakfast And A Movie Screening
Each month, Emagine hosts a Breakfast and a Movie showing, at select theatres, of one of the newest family-film releases. Tickets are $24 each and include a full breakfast buffet, a 44oz. popcorn, and a 21oz fountain drink as well as a ticket to the showing.
Location: Emagine Royal Oak, Emagine Palladium, Emagine Canton
Film: On-Sale dates vary. Check the website or Emagine app for more information.
The Little Mermaid* Sunday, May 28, 2023
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Sunday, June 4, 2023
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Sunday, June 4, 2023
Senior Lunch And A Movie Screening
Each month, Emagine Royal Oak hosts a special Senior Citizen Lunch and a Movie. Tickets are $24 each and include a full lunch buffet, a 44oz. popcorn and a 21oz. fountain drink as well as a ticket to the showing. This offer is valid for guests aged 55 and up.
Location: Emagine Royal Oak
Film: On-Sale dates vary. Check the website or Emagine app for more information.
About My Father Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Where: Tickets are available at the box office, online at Emagine-Entertainment.com or through the Emagine App.
Film Synopsis
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (Rated P) Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man across the Multiverse to join forces with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People to face off with a villain more powerful than anything they have ever encountered.
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts (Rated P-13) Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new breed of Transformer – the Maximals – to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, the film arrives in theatres June 9, 2023.
The Flash (Rated P-13) Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?
He Little Mermaid (Rated PG) The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Elemental (Rated PG) Follows Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together.
About My Father (Rated PG-13) The hottest comic in America, Sebastian Maniscalco joins forces with legendary Italian-American and two-time Oscar® winner, Robert De Niro (Best Actor, Raging Bull, 1980), in the new comedy ABOUT MY FATHER. The film centers around Sebastian (Maniscalco) who is encouraged by his fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo (De Niro), to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family (Kim Cattrall, Anders Holm, Brett Dier, David Rasche). The weekend develops into what can only be described as a culture clash, leaving Sebastian and Salvo to discover that the great thing about family is everything about family.
Meet Me In St. Louis St. Louis 1903. The well-off Smith family has four beautiful daughters, including Esther and little Tootie. 17-year-old Esther has fallen in love with the boy next door who has just moved in, John. He however barely notices her at first. The family is shocked when Mr. Smith reveals that he has been transferred to a nice position in New York, which means that the family has to leave St. Louis and the St. Louis Fair.
