Sensational: Get Children Ready For Testing

Pediatric Health The Newsletter About Taking Care Of The Ones That Matter Most

October 2018

“Have You Notice A Decline In Your Child’s Grades?” GET YOUR CHILD READY FOR TESTING

There is increasing evidence that there’s a positive link between physical activity and academic performance. According to Active Living Research, even children who played physically active video games experienced improvements in math. There are several physical activities that can prepare a child for testing. (continued inside)

Inside: • Get Your Child Ready For Testing

• FastForward Program

• Patient Spotlight

Pediatric Health The Newsletter About Taking Care Of The Ones That Matter Most

October 2018

“5 Simple Tips To Improve Your Child’s Testing Habits!” GET YOUR CHILD READY FOR TESTING

1. Use the Entire Body Simple activities like Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes is a way for younger children to get moving while engaging the entire body. Playing Simon Says before an academic activity is also a fun game to make sure kids move in a variety of ways. If there’s room, acrobatic activity is a great option. Headstands and cartwheels are fantastic ways to stretch muscles and use the entire body. 2. Include Adaptations Action for Healthy Kids states that activities should be made as inclusive as possible for children with special needs. For kids that are mobility challenged, activities can be adapted so they can do them in a sitting position. If it’s applicable, pair children with a partner who can guide them through an activity. 3. Make it Educational There are several types of interactive video games that can be used so kids can learn while they’re moving. Dance video games provide a fun way to learn songs while incorporating physical movements. When learning math, draw numbers on the ground with chalk or tape and have kids jump on the right answer.

4. Make it Competitive Kids love games like kickball, softball, and tag. If there’s a large enough area to play competitive games, this is an easy way to get kids moving. Scavenger hunts and inside or out, can keep kids of all ages both physically and mentally active. Simple obstacle courses can be set up in a room or outside. Children can be on teams or race against their own individual times. 5. Keep it Short No matter what type of activities a child engages in, it’s a good idea for exercise not to last longer than 20 or 30 minutes. This is enough time for children to get their heart rates up and increase circulation without making them too tired to concentrate on academics later. There’s little doubt that exercise is good for the brain on both a physical and mental level. Getting kids involved in a variety of physical activities will not only improve their health but boost their academic performance.

https://activelivingresearch.org/sites/default/files/ALR_Brief_ActiveEducation_Jan2015.pdf http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/tools-for-schools/1252-brain-breaks-instant-recess-and-energizers

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TIPS TO SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYSWITH YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD

1. Safe Space Whenever you visit a person’s house or stay at your own, establish a “safe zone” for your child so that she can retreat and be alone, if desired. This may be a room in the house or even a desk she can crawl under for a time. 2. Maintain Routines -- as Much as Possible Quite likely, there will be routines forsaken, forgotten or simply adjusted for festivities. Many children with sensory issues or autism struggle with such change. As a result of their brains and bodies adapting well, they may become overly disorganized and overstimulated; more, they likely will exhibit more sensory seeking/avoidance behaviors and have meltdowns more frequently. If an occupational therapist has made recommendations for a special sensory diet, try to maintain those activities as much as possible to foster physical and emotional regulation. 3. Introduce Sensory Input Slowly For many of the Fall and Winter holidays, sensory input is at a maximum. Between Christmas’ twinkling lights and Hanukkah’s fragrant oils cooking, many children with special needs are easily overwhelmed. To help with this adjustment, introduce new sites, smells, and sounds one at a time, when possible. Combine it with familiar, cozy sensory input as well. 4. Utilize Tools Ask a pediatric therapist for recommendations of equipment or tools that may help your child and family. For children with physical challenges, TheraTogs and Kinesio Tape may be useful. Children with autism may benefit from weighted blankets, earmuffs, and specialty sand. Those with ADHD often find comfort in fidget toys and calming jars. 5. Prep Family If you’ll be spending time with family and friends who haven’t been around your child much, consider giving them a little tutorial in advance. This will

help avoid hurt feelings when Madison doesn’t want Grandma’s hugs or Adam refuses to touch Uncle Luis’ casserole. If you aren’t yet comfortable giving all the details of your child’s condition, just offer ideas on how your child best responds. For instance, Madison loves high fives more than hugs or Adam is still learning how to try new foods. 6. Simplify Opening Presents For children who struggle with fine motor skills, reduce frustration by adjusting presents and cards. Loosen ribbons, unseal envelopes, and minimize tape so your child can feel successful with little frustration. He’ll feel a sense of satisfaction over the ability to complete tasks. 7. Enlist a Support Team Identify at least one other person who will be on your side during the gathering. This person can help ensure the special space is prepared ahead of time or that your child is taken care of while you visit and eat. There are many aspects of holiday celebrations that can be frustrating and stressful for families of children with special needs. While it’s impossible to cover every possible concern, following these suggestions should make the season more enjoyable for everyone. “Very efficient and professional!” “Tisoa was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at nine months which makes it difficult to walk, stand or move her arms and legs without assistance. I enrolled Tisoa to Sensational kids Therapy in Woodbridge since 2016 and I would take her there at least once a week to follow some physical and occupational therapy. Tisoa has made lots of progress and is now able to move her legs and hands a lot. She has a strong capacity to move on both legs and hands and would be able to roll out and use her legs like a normal kid. Sensational Kidz is outstanding and encouraging. The staff is devoted and professional in their work. I would like to highly appreciate Sensational Kidz in Woodbridge for their care and attention to the customer. I would recommend other parents who may have CP children to take them to Sensational Kidz, as they are very efficient and professional. I see lots of positive changes on my little daughter Tisoa’s overall physical health.” - Solonirina R. Patient Spotlight

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What is Fast ForWord? Fast ForWord is an evidence-based digital intervention program designed to directly target the root causes of language and reading difficulties and produce fast learning gains. Fast ForWord was created by renowned neuroscientists to permanently improve brain processing speed using the principles of brain neuroplasticity. It provides cognitive and literacy “cross-training”. Each Fast ForWord exercise focuses on a specific set of reading or language tasks while simultaneously developing memory, attention, processing speed, and sequencing. Fast ForWord is the only program that customizes itself to suit the needs of each individual learner. Skills Developed by the Fast ForWord Exercises • Processing Rate • “Processing Rate” refers to both the speed and accuracy with which the brain processes information. • A child has to be able to process many details quickly to be able to follow the directions of a teacher, or read a book. • Attention • “Attention” is the ability to focus and pay careful attention to details. • Teachers may use the term “good listening skills” to refer to students who “attend” and follow class directions well. • In school, teachers often evaluate students by how well they “attend” in class. • Recall & Memory • “Recall” is the ability to retrieve information from long-term memory. • “Working memory” is the short term holding and manipulating of information while various mental tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehending are carried out. • The Fast ForWord exercises build both recall and working memory, helping your child follow directions better and process small, detailed differences in words and sounds.

• Sequencing • “Sequencing” means placing the detail of information in the correct order such as days of the week. • Understanding the correct sequence helps in the processing and comprehension of the message and information. • Reading • Phonemic awareness and phonics, including auditory discrimination of sounds and sound sequencing, skills that directly correlate to reading ability. • Comprehension strategies and skills • Vocabulary

• Grammar • Knowledge

• The Fast ForWord exercises help learners more easily attain knowledge in a variety of subject matter areas and also directly impart knowledge, such as vocabulary and language conventions that help with reading. Do you know a child who needs therapy? Pass this on to a friend! Does Your Child Need Help with New Patients! Schedule a FREE Screening for Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy Today!

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