Tag Archives: OT

Increasing Awareness of Pediatric Feeding Disorder

July 3, 2024Autism, Early Intervention, Feeding Therapyautism, feeding, Occupational Therapy, OT, speech and language, speech and language authorsGuest Blogger

Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) presents significant challenges for children and their
families; raising awareness about PFD is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention, ensuring that children receive the appropriate care and support. This disorder can affect a child’s ability to eat and drink, impacting their nutrition, growth, and overall development. It is defined as “impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate, associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial dysfunction.” Studies show that in the United States, PFD affects more than 1 in 37 children under the age of 5. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Feeding Matters have been at the forefront of these efforts, working collaboratively to enhance understanding and recognition of PFD.

Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorder

Pediatric feeding disorders encompass a broad range of difficulties related to eating and
drinking. These can include medical, nutritional, feeding skill-based, and psychosocial
aspects. Common symptoms may include difficulty with sucking, chewing, or
swallowing, aversion to certain textures or foods, and disruptive mealtime behaviors.
Early identification and intervention are essential to prevent long-term consequences,
such as malnutrition, growth delays, and social-emotional issues.

The Role of AOTA in Addressing Pediatric Feeding Disorder

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) plays a vital role in promoting
the role of occupational therapy in the assessment and treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorder. Occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to address the complex interplay of physical, sensory, and psychosocial factors involved in feeding disorders. Through education, advocacy, and research, AOTA supports occupational therapists in providing evidence-based interventions to improve feeding outcomes for children.

Key Initiatives by AOTA:

Educational Resources: AOTA offers comprehensive resources and continuing education opportunities for occupational therapists to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in pediatric feeding.
Advocacy: AOTA advocates for policies and practices that support early identification and intervention for PFD, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research: AOTA promotes research in the field of pediatric feeding, encouraging the development of innovative assessment tools and intervention strategies.

Feeding Matters: A Leading Voice in Pediatric Feeding Disorder Advocacy

Feeding Matters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding
and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. Founded by parents of children with PFDs
Feeding Matters aims to provide support, education, and resources to families and
professionals alike. The organization works tirelessly to create a world where children
with feeding disorders thrive.

Key Contributions by Feeding Matters:

Educational Programs: Feeding Matters offers a range of educational programs for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to increase awareness and understanding of PFD.
Support Networks: The organization provides support groups and resources for families, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
Research and Advocacy: Feeding Matters collaborates with researchers and advocates for policy changes to improve the diagnosis and treatment of PFD. For example, they have worked effectively to develop the Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire (ICFQ) – an age-specific tool designed to identify potential feeding concerns and facilitate discussion among the child’s healthcare team. It was designed by a group of internationally esteemed contributing authors including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physicians, dietitians, and more.

Collaborative Efforts: AOTA and Feeding Matters

The collaboration between AOTA and Feeding Matters has been instrumental in raising
awareness and improving the diagnosis and treatment of PFD. By combining the
expertise and resources of both organizations, they have made significant strides in
addressing the challenges faced by children with feeding disorders.
Joint Initiatives:

Public Awareness Campaigns: AOTA and Feeding Matters have launched joint campaigns to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the signs and symptoms of PFD, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.
Interdisciplinary Conferences: Both organizations co-host conferences and workshops that bring together experts from various fields, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nutrition, and psychology, to share knowledge and best practices.
Research Collaboration: AOTA and Feeding Matters support and fund research projects aimed at developing innovative approaches to the assessment and treatment of PFD.

The collaborative efforts of AOTA and Feeding Matters have significantly advanced the awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. By promoting education, advocacy, and research, these organizations ensure that children with PFD receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive. Continued collaboration and support from the broader healthcare community are essential to furthering these efforts and improving outcomes for children and families affected by feeding disorders.

Check out these important feeding resources that Therapro offers for your personal
library.

Gust Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT – Retired

Exploring Halifax: 2024 CAOT Conference Highlights

May 28, 2024ConferencesOccupational Therapy, OTAllyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

The 2024 Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia was an incredible journey for the Therapro team with many highlights to share. Setting out from the Therapro warehouse in Framingham, MA, the Therapro team embarked on a road trip filled with anticipation and excitement. Along the way, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, soaking in the beauty of nature surrounding them.

Upon arriving at the conference, the Therapro team was ready to showcase the latest and greatest products to the passionate occupational therapy community. From assistive technology devices to sensory items, the Therapro booth was buzzing with activity as attendees participated in hands-on product demonstrations.

Among the conference favorites were the Functionalhand and Eazyholds, which captivated attendees by showcasing how they could seamlessly collaborate to accomplish fine motor tasks, especially when grip or grasp is limited. Attendees were fascinated by the versatility and effectiveness of these tools in enhancing functional independence.

EazyHold Universal Cuff — The Functionalhand

Sensory items also stole the spotlight, with the Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet captivating attendees as they experienced firsthand the benefits of dynamic seating options. Fidgets, weighted items, and resources like the Sensory Connection Program and The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning were met with enthusiasm, highlighting the growing importance of sensory interventions in therapy.

black chair with Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet attache

For school-based therapists, Therapro offered a wide array of resources to support fine motor development, including various pencil grips, raised line paper, and slant boards. The Fine Motor Olympics, a collection of engaging activities designed to promote fine motor skills, garnered significant interest and excitement among attendees.

LegiLiner Double Solid Line 3/8' tall, Pen Style Rolling Ink Stamp — LegiLiners

Raised Line Paper Assortment — LegiLiners

Evaluations such as Here’s How I Write and the COMPs provided valuable insights into assessment tools that can inform intervention strategies and promote optimal outcomes for clients.

The CAOT conference was a whirlwind of learning, networking, and inspiration. Interacting with dedicated therapists made it a truly rewarding experience for the Therapro team. We’re thrilled to continue supporting the OT community.

Oppenheim Award Winning Games

May 14, 2024Activitieseducational games, games, learning games, Occupational Therapy, OT, speech and languageGuest Blogger

Therapro offers select Oppenheim Award-Winning games that target preschool children but can be easily adapted to engage older children and families. The Oppenheim Awards are prestigious accolades given to outstanding toys, games, and books that promote learning and creativity in children. Each product undergoes rigorous evaluation based on criteria such as its educational value, engagement level (active vs. passive play), safety, developmental appropriateness, and avoidance of stereotypes. The awards prioritize products that are entertaining but also enriching, encouraging meaningful learning experiences for children. They represent the most innovative, engaging new products of the year and are judged by child development experts, including educators and therapists, making them highly respected within the industry. In addition, parents and children from across the US are recruited to help choose the best toys of the year. Earning an award seal on a product signifies that the toy was carefully selected.

Therapro features three spinner games designed by eeBoo that are Oppenheim Award winners. They will bring hours of fun and learning to the table!

Cupcake Shaped Spinner Game: This game appeals to young children with its engaging cupcake theme. It encourages turn-taking, fine motor skills (such as spinning the spinner), and color recognition. Therapists can use this game to work on social skills, imaginative play, sequencing, following directions, and more. Children choose ingredients for making their cupcakes and win the game by completing their cupcakes.

Picnic Shaped Spinner Game: All the fun items involved in having a picnic are included in this game, including the ants! The first player to collect an item from each category wins the game. The game can be used to enhance language development by discussing picnic items and actions (e.g. “Let’s have a picnic with sandwiches and watermelon.”). Players learn to categorize, build new vocabulary, and participate in cooperative play.

Build a Robot Game: This game involves assembling parts to create different robot combinations. It employs the player in using fine motor coordination and problem-solving skills to build a robot. This game can be used to target specific goals like visual perception, sequencing, number recognition and understanding, and planning.

Teachers and parents can integrate these games into learning activities at home or in the classroom. The therapeutic value of these games for children with various developmental needs, such as those working on sensory integration, social skills, or cognitive abilities is undeniable. Creative adaptations for an individual child’s needs are possible due to the versatility of these games in addressing various developmental needs.

Discover the transformative power of play with these Oppenheim Award-winning games from eeBoo, available at Therapro. Each game is meticulously designed to foster essential skills like executive function, language development, fine motor coordination, visual perception, and problem-solving. Whether you’re a therapist, teacher, or parent, these versatile games offer endless opportunities for learning, development, and fun! Explore these games today and witness the positive impact they can have on children of all ages and abilities.

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT – Retired