March 27, 2008 5:55 PM
The act of playing is a vital tool in a child's development. The primary goals of childhood are to grow, learn, and play. It is often through play that children learn to make sense of the world around them. It is a child's "job" or "occupation" to play in order to develop physical coordination, emotional maturity, social skills to interact with other children, and self-confidence to try new experiences and explore new environments.
Pediatric therapists have expertise in evaluating children's neurological, muscular, and emotional development; and determining the effects of infant and childhood illness on growth and development.
March 27, 2008 5:31 PM
While each child is unique, those who share a diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) demonstrate various degrees of inability to pay attention and restrain impulsive behavior. It is estimated that approximately 3% of all school-age children are affected by this problem.
The daily performance of the child with ADHD does not meet standard educational goals or age-related expectations. Typical parenting techniques and classroom management strategies do not produce the desired behavior modifications. These children are often identified as underachievers, which can be an extremely painful prospect for parents and caregivers.
January 28, 2008 9:14 PM
The ability to write legibly and with appropriate speed and accuracy is a complex process of managing written language by coordinating the eyes, arms, hands, pencil grip, letter formation, and body posture. The development of a child's handwriting skills provides invaluable insight into deeper developmental problems that could hinder, among other things, a child's learning because teachers depend on written work to measure how well a child is learning.
August 14, 2007 1:13 PM
A child with delayed development may not show behaviors and abilities that are typical of the child's age. An infant may have difficulty swallowing, sucking, and chewing; developing coordinated tongue movements for speech; achieving independence in eating, dressing, and using the bathroom; understanding relationships between people, objects, time, and space; and developing problem-solving and coping strategies.
August 14, 2007 12:57 PM
A child with a disability can cause great physical, emotional, and financial demands on parents, families, and caregivers, and the needs of caregivers are often ignored or forgotten. Caring for a child with a disability can create stress, depression, and physical problems.
August 14, 2007 12:49 PM
Autism is a developmental disability that affects how the brain functions, specifically those areas of the brain that control social interaction and communication skills. Boys are more likely to develop autism, and most children are diagnosed by the age of 3.