283 Results

Research: Parent Perspective on Sensory Integration

Ahn RR, Miller LJ, Milberger S, et al. Prevalence of parents’ perceptions of sensory processing disorders among kindergarten children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2004; 58(3): 287–293. This article shares results of a parent survey indicating that approximately 5.3% of incoming kindergartners in one suburb’s schools met criteria for sensory processing issues based on parental perceptions – … Continued

Research: Sensory Integration/Processing Effect on Learning

Ayres AJ. Effect of sensory integrative therapy on the coordination of children with choreoathetoid movements. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 1977; 31(5): 291–293. This study affirms that children with learning issues, SI deficits and choreoathetosis (involuntary movements) who received SI therapy developed better eye to hand coordination. Ayres AJ. Improving academic scores through sensory integration. Journal of Learning … Continued

Research: Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Theory

Addison LR, Piazza CC, Patel MR, Bachmeyer MH, Rivas KM, Milnes SM, Oddo J. A comparison of sensory integrative and behavioral therapies as treatment for pediatric feeding disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 2012; 45(3): 455-71. This study about children with feeding issues concludes that behavioral and SI therapy used together can build the variety and amount … Continued

Research: Early Identification & Intervention for Communication Delays & Disorders

Conner J, Kelly-Vance L, Ryalls B, Friehe M. A play and language intervention for two-year-old children: implications for improving play skills and language. Journal of Research in Childhood Education. 2014; 28(2): 221-37. Results of this study show that typically-developing two-year-old children who received play and language intervention over a four-week period increased pretend play, comprehension skills, and … Continued

Research: Facilitating Language Development in Infants & Children

Bernhardt BM, Kemp N, Werker JF. Early word-object associations and later language development. First Language. 2007; 27(4): 315-328. This study found that word-object association performance at 17 or 20 months, measured by the Switch task, was related to scores on standardized tests of language comprehension and production up to two and a half years later. The … Continued

Research: Language Development in Atypically Developing Infants & Children

Eilers RE, Oller DK. Infant vocalizations and the early diagnosis of severe hearing impairment. J Pediatr. 1994; 124(2): 199-203. Findings from this study indicate that infants with normal hearing produce canonical vocalizations before 11 months of age, while infants with severe to profound hearing loss do not produce these vocalizations until they are 11 months of age … Continued

Research: Infant Motor Development & Tummy Time

Abbott AL, Bartlett DJ. Infant motor development and equipment use in the home. Child: Care Health & Development. 2001; 27: 295–306. This study concluded “parental education with respect to moderate use of equipment and provision with adequate floor time (tummy time) to practice and experiment with motor abilities might be required to enhance motor outcomes of vulnerable … Continued

Augmentative and Alternative Forms of Communication

Pathways.org produces content (like the article below) for health publications and newsletters that discuss issues related to children’s development. Our content features information for healthcare professionals on talking to families, recognizing delays, and early referrals. For children with severe expressive communication disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can improve their ability to interact with others in … Continued

Tips for Traveling with Baby

Traveling with baby can be a little more complicated than before your bundle arrived. There is more planning involved and certainly more things to bring along. When taking a trip, it is helpful to know what you may encounter along the way. Read below for some more tips on traveling with baby Flying On an … Continued

Fun Things to Do on Father’s Day

June means the start of warm weather and school vacations, the opening of lakes and swimming pools, and of course Father’s Day. This year, celebrate the father figures in your life with engaging, family activities that are a break from the normal weekend routine. Have a Family Picnic or Grill Outside Take the mess outside! … Continued

Summer Vacation Safety

It’s the time of year your child has been anticipating for months – summer vacation! Why not have fun outdoors with friends and family? Here are some summer vacation safety tips that will help keep your child healthy and active. Beach and Pool Safety At either a beach or swimming pool, there should always be … Continued

Helping Your Child Retain Learning Over Summer Vacation

Summer vacation provides time for your child to relax and have some fun. However, it’s important to help make sure what they learned over the previous year isn’t forgotten. Help children learn and review information from the previous school year by preventing learning loss and keeping them up to date on information that they should … Continued

Augmentative and Alternative Communication For Kids

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a form of communication used instead of or along with talking. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) helps children who have difficulties hearing and/or speaking. These alternative forms of communication can help children take in and understand messages, as well as express their thoughts and ideas with others. What are … Continued

Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Equipment

What is infant equipment? Infant equipment are devices that hold your baby during playtime, activities, and during transportation. How much time should my baby spend in infant equipment? You should limit the amount of time your baby spends in car seats, jumpers, baby swings, and other types of equipment. There are some situations that make … Continued

Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders

A toddler’s food preferences can be very unpredictable. Identify picky eaters vs problem feeders through these telltale signs. What is a picky eater? Eats at least one food from most texture groups e.g crunchy, chewy, mushy, but may not like a variety of food in each group Can manage new food on their plate and … Continued

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Spring is here (or almost here depending on where you live)! As the weather becomes warmer take advantage of the nice weather with some fun family activities. Read below for suggestions on fun outdoor activities for kids. While At Home: Turn Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Play Area – Set up a mini Frisbee or soccer … Continued

St. Patrick’s Day Ideas for Kids

Here are some ideas for kid friendly St. Patrick’s Day activity ideas to encourage creativity and practice fine motor skills. Holiday activities give your little one something to look forward to after school and during weekends. Read below to gather information on crafts for St. Patrick’s Day. These are great St. Patrick’s Day activity ideas … Continued

4 Common Questions about Raising Bilingual Children

There are many misconceptions about raising children who speak more than one language (bilingual). Although parents may at first have concerns about teaching their children multiple languages, there are many benefits of being bilingual. Here are answers to common questions about raising a child who speaks more than one language: Will raising my child in a bilingual … Continued

When to Start Baby on Solid Foods

When should I start my baby on solid foods? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting babies on solid food around 6 months old. What are signs my baby is ready for solid foods? Here are a few signs your baby is ready for solid foods: Able to hold their head up when sitting Shows … Continued

Valentine’s Day Ideas for Kids

Sensory activities are a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with kids, because they add new variations to familiar games and craft projects. Check out these simple Valentine’s Day ideas for kids: Create a Sensory Bin Be creative in designing a Valentine’s Day themed sensory bin. This activity can help your child build vocabulary skills … Continued

What is Early Intervention?

Do you have a concern about your child’s growth or development? Could you complete one of these statements with your concern: “my baby isn’t…” or “my baby doesn’t…” If you suspect your child might have a developmental delay it is important that your child is evaluated to see if they would benefit from early therapy … Continued

11 Ideas to Make Story Time Fun

Reading is a great activity for mom and dad to do with their children regardless of their age. It can help boost language development while inspiring a love of books and reading early in life. Here Are Eleven Tips to Make Story Time Fun For You and Your Little One: You Don’t Have to Follow … Continued

Children’s Executive Function Skills

Executive function is a mental process that allows us to understand our past experiences with present action. As you know, the brain uses this skill to guide behavior toward accomplishing a goal, prioritizing tasks, controlling impulses and focusing our attention. Doctors can explain to parents that children are born with the potential to gain these … Continued

Have You Started Tummy Time Yet?

Newborn Development Through Tummy Time Did you recently bring a new baby home from the hospital? As a parent to a newborn, you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure your little one reaches their milestones and grows up to be a healthy and happy child. Read to learn how to help with … Continued

Promoting Safer Sleep

While the incidence of SIDS has decreased since the launch of the Back to Sleep campaign in 1992, the number of infant deaths resulting from accidental suffocation, asphyxia, and entrapment has increased in recent years1. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics expanded its recommendations to promote safe sleep for infants. However, a recent study … Continued