Interactive Metronome is a therapeutic assessment and training program that improves attention, concentration, motor planning and sequencing (from Interactive Metronome).
Many of our clients have benefited from Interactive Metronome Therapy, also known as IM. We are excited to announce that there is a new edition of IM available and we have it in our Plano clinic. According to Interactive Metronome, they have “re-thought the best that IM has to offer while integrating the latest technology”. The newest version of Interactive Metronome has a wireless trigger and headset and improved signal strength.
The new Tap Pad, which replaces the old foot trigger, is more versatile and can be used with feet or light touch. The most exciting part is that the new IM sets the stage for whole body movement, allowing the client to be more engaged in synchronous activity taking the greatest advantage of neuroplasticity.
Summer is a great time to do IM because it is best when done several times a week.
For more questions call our clinic at 972-424-0148.
Friday 27 May 2011
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Do You Suspect that Your Child has a Feeding or Swallowing Disorder?
Your child may have difficulty with feeding or swallowing in different ways and at different points in the process. Perhaps your child has difficulty with the texture or feel of food on his or her fingers or maybe has difficulty getting food onto a spoon. The first example might have a sensory component and the second may involve motor planning.
A child can have difficulty with sucking, chewing or swallowing. Again, these stages of feeding and swallowing can have a sensory component and motor planning component, as well as possible muscle weakness or discoordination. Each stage in the feeding process is important for your child’s health.
Signs and symptoms of feeding and swallowing disorders in children
Arching or stiffening of the body during feeding
Irritability or lack o f alertness during feeding
Refusing food or liquid
Failure to accept different textures of food (e.g. only pureed foods or crunchy foods)
Long feeding time (e.g. more than 30 minutes
Difficulty chewing
Difficulty breast feeding
Coughing and gagging during meals
Excessive drooling or food/liquid coming out of the mouth or nose
Difficulty coordinating breathing with eating and drinking
Gurgle, house or breathy voice quality
Frequent spitting or vomiting
Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections
Less than normal weight gain or growth
As a result of these signs or symptoms, children may be at risk for
Dehydration
Aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway)
Pneumonia or repeated upper respiratory infections which can lead to chronic lung disease
Embarrassment or isolation in social situations involving eating
If your child is having these kinds of difficulties, it is important to contact your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can examine your child to address any medical reasons for the feeding difficulty, including possible reflux or metabolic disorders.
A Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist who has specialized training in treating children with feeding and swallowing disorders can evaluate your child. After a thorough evaluation, if your child does meet the criteria for a feeding or swallowing disorder, the speech pathologist or occupational therapist will develop a treatment plan and work with you to remediate your child’s disorder. Working with the family is important for carryover of new skills.
Contact our office if you would like to speak to a speech pathologist or occupational therapist with special training in feeding and swallowing disorders.
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