Tummy Time

Tummy Time

If you watch a typically-developing seven- or eight-month-old child for an hour, you will see them move and assume a wide range of positions. There is an amazing amount of variety in their movement. Variety is important – we want our children to be comfortable and able to play in sitting, on their back, on…

Feeding Development 101

Feeding Development 101

Feeding development is a complex topic that can be confusing for many parents to navigate. With hundreds of information sources out there, it becomes difficult to understand your child’s feeding development and the strategies you can use to help raise a healthy eater. Below we offer some helpful tips to support your child’s feeding during…

Speech Therapy: What is AAC!?!

Speech Therapy: What is AAC!?!

Your speech-language pathologist/speech therapist may recommend that your child could benefit from AAC, but what is AAC? Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a term used to encompass all forms of communication, other than oral speech, to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC to communicate throughout the day. We may use gestures…

Autism and Communication

Autism and Communication

Children with autism or with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) typically display difficulties in the areas of communication, social, and behavior. In regard to communication, a child may present with significantly delayed receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language skills. A child with ASD often has difficulties processing information which makes it difficult for him or her to…

My Child Won’t Eat!

My Child Won’t Eat!

MY CHILD WONT EAT!  Some tips/techniques to help! No parent imagines that feeding their child is going to be a difficult task.  I look back at my own childhood and thought about how much I loved to eat at a young age, and there was no food that I would refuse.  However, after becoming a…

Loving All of Me and My Extra Chromosome: Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

Loving All of Me and My Extra Chromosome: Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

With a background in early childhood special education, I have spent so much time studying about disabilities and diagnoses. However, the most invaluable lessons that allow me to effectively support caregivers and their children with developmental differences always come from the parents of these amazing children. Since World Down Syndrome Day is quickly approaching (March…

Edible Finger Paint

Edible Finger Paint

Supplies: Yogurt Food Coloring Plastic bowls Spoons Paper Painting…and making…edible finger paint is a great activity for toddlers! Measuring, mixing and painting gives them the opportunity to practice early math and science skills, while experiencing the sensory input of paint on their hands. It was a hit! Steps: Have your child spoon out a few…

No Screen Time for my Child! Perhaps?

No Screen Time for my Child! Perhaps?

By: Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center Author: Nat Vikisreth DT, Ed. M, CEIM Here is one parenting dilemma: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended parents avoid any screen time for children younger than two years old; however, you are passionate about maximizing your child’s learning while they are sitting on the floor waiting…