Screenings:
A screening is a brief procedure during which a therapist performs quick tests and clinical observations to identify whether a child would benefit from services. Screenings allow us to determine whether further evaluation and intervention is appropriate. We are happy to work with local child care centers to conduct screenings.
Initial Evaluations:
An initial evaluation involves a holistic approach that allows us to gain a clear picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses across performance domains. Our therapists utilize a variety of standardized assessments during the initial evaluation in order to assess your child’s current level of function. In addition to standardized testing, our initial evaluations include clinical observations, parent questionnaires, and/or teacher questionnaires.
- Skills assessed during Occupational Therapy evaluations include the following: gross motor, fine motor, visual motor, visual perception, handwriting, primitive reflex integration, and sensory processing.
- Skills assessed during Speech Therapy evaluations include the following: expressive language, receptive language, articulation, oral motor/feeding, phonological processing, auditory processing, fluency, and social/pragmatic.
- Skills assessed during Physical Therapy evaluations include the following: strength, balance, coordination, posture, flexibility, range of motion, and functional mobility.
Treatment Sessions:
Our therapists develop an individualized plan of care with specific treatment goals for each child. Each treatment session is 1:1 with a board-certified therapist. Sessions are between 30 and 60 minutes and consist of direct treatment and caregiver consultation. Typically, the last 5 minutes of each child’s session is reserved for caregiver consultation and includes the following: session overview, problem solving for performance in the home and/or school, and activity recommendations to facilitate carry over of therapeutic interventions and continued growth in functional skills.
Specialized Programs:
High Hopes Children’s Therapy offers several specialized programs that may be included in your child’s plan of care. Our therapists are certified and/or trained in the following programs:
- Interactive Metronome (IM): A training program that improves timing in the brain in an organized, systematic, flexible, and engaging format. IM targets sensory processing, working memory, attention/concentration, processing speed, motor planning, and balance/coordination.
- Astronaut Program: A therapeutic protocol designed to promote optimal vestibular function, an essential foundation for sensory processing and movement control.
- Integrated Listening Program (iLs): A program that incorporates movement and language exercises with the purpose of improving overall brain function. The iLs program first addresses the fundamentals of sensory integration and then extends through more complex cognitive functions including language, self-expression, and social skills.
- Therapeutic Listening: A comprehensive, multi-faceted sound-based approach that uses rhythmic sound patterns to trigger the self-organizing capacities of the nervous system. This program captures attention and activates body movements, helping the listener to become synchronized with the environment.
- Primitive Reflex Integration: An exercise program designed to address primitive reflex retention. Retention of primitive reflexes may result in immature patterns of behavior or decreased functioning across body systems causing adverse symptoms including poor emotional regulation, poor coordination and balance, difficulties with handwriting, poor processing skills, bedwetting, and poor sensory integration.
- Handwriting Without Tears: A therapeutic protocol for handwriting aimed at developing penmanship and children’s ability to express themselves using written language.