Augmentative
Alternative
Communication (AAC)
AAC tools and devices aim to facilitate, supplement, or replace verbal speech.
Picture exchange systems, communication boards, choice cards, and speech generating devices are all examples of AAC options.
AAC isn't just for people who have motor impairments which limit their verbal speech. AAC can also be used for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, or Cognitive Disabilities.
Occupational
Therapy
Our occupational therapists use functional and play-based activities to facilitate motor, cognitive and socio-emotional development. Accommodations and recommendations for fostering success at home, school, and on the playground are also provided.
Children with a variety of medical diagnoses can benefit from occupational therapy, including, but not limited to:
Strength/Endurance
Play Skills
Eye-hand Coordination
Handwriting
Gross Motor Coordination
Fine Motor Coordination
Self-Care
Visual Perception
Self-regulation
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Developmental Delays
Neurological Disorders
Sensory Processing Disorders
Occupational Therapists aim to improve your child's skills in the following performance areas to increase their independence and success across all environments.
Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration Therapy (SI) aims to improve sensory processing skills through guided activities that challenge your child's ability to respond, or adapt, to sensory input appropriately. It is this active involvement and exploration of sensory based activities that enables your child to become a more mature, efficient organizer of sensory information.
For most children, sensory processing develops in the course of ordinary childhood activities. But for some children, sensory processing does not develop as efficiently as it should. Signs of difficulties processing sensory input include:
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withdrawal when touched
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avoidance of textures, certain clothes, foods
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fear of ordinary movement experiences
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seeking of intense sensory experiences such as body whirling, crashing into objects, falling purposefully
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difficulties learning new tasks
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apparent coordination difficulties
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emotional regulation difficulties
Interactive Metronome
IM is an assessment and treatment tool used by therapists to promote improved synchronized timing in the brain. Synchronized timing of the various networks in our brain is what underlies our ability for cognitive processes and physical movement. IM can be an effective treatment modality for individuals that struggle with:
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Attention
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Processing Speed
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Working Memory
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Executive Functions
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Self-Regulation
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Expressive and Receptive Language
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Reading comprehension, Rate, and Fluency
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Mathematics
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Upper Extremity Function
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Overall Motor Coordination
You can learn more about IM here https://www.interactivemetronome.com/what-is-im
**Our approaches to therapy include, but are not limited to:
Integrated Listening System
(iLs)
iLs is a listening protocol that combines filtered music that is projected through bone conduction headphones with movement exercises. These protocols engage both sensory, motor, and neurological processes.
iLs is based on the theory of neuroplasticity and aims to "re-wire" our brain through repeated and specific stimulation. iLs provides your child's therapist the ability to exercise the neural pathways in your child's brain improving the way their brain processes information.
Case studies, research, and further information can be found at
Social Thinking Curricula
Here at Abilities, our therapists use a variety of evidenced-based social thinking curricula to help children 4 and older improve their social-emotional skills. This social thinking methodology promotes the use of visual supports, modeling, naturalistic teaching, and self-management. Some of our favorite curriculums include:
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The Zones of Regulation
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Superflex: A Superhero Social Thinking Curriculum
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We Thinkers!
You can learn more about social thinking by visiting the website below.
https://www.socialthinking.com/evidence
Handwriting
Many underlying skills are required for efficient and legible handwriting. Particularly important skills include fine motor coordination, hand strength and endurance, and visual perception. A child's ability to sustain attention to table top tasks is also critically important for legible handwriting. For children with difficulties mastering these skills, handwriting can be a chore causing them to avoid school work altogether.
Our therapists evaluate and target these underlying difficulties that may be impeding legible handwriting. In addition, they implement the Handwriting Without Tears method to improve legibility for both cursive and manuscript writers from pre-school to 5th grade.