Early Intervention

The first few years of a child’s life are a critical time of cognitive, emotional and physical development. Early active movement and environmental exploration drive development through the building of cortical connections and physical…

“On Time Mobility” is a term coined to reflect best practices towards providing hours of daily active mobility opportunities to young children with disabilities, to foster exploration, motor development and socialization.

According to the National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study, only 4% of infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services have assistive technology and AT services listed on their Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP.)…

I recently attended the annual American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting (APTA CSM) in New Orleans. Among the wealth of great programming, I chose a course looking at early intervention for children with cerebral…

In a fascinating research project, Law and colleagues set out to test the efficacy of context-focused intervention.¹ What is the context-focused approach? In this approach, the primary therapist (either an occupational or a physical…

Young children with disabilities respond well to early therapeutic intervention. Literature regarding cortical plasticity in the developing brain points to encouraging therapy results as well. Not surprisingly then, initial research on…

Typically developing children reach most motor milestones in a fairly predictable manner. By six months babies are rolling; by eight months they are creeping on all fours and sitting on their own and by ten-twelve months they are standing…

Because bone is dynamic and responds to positive stresses and forces placed on it through weight-bearing activity, the authors of a recent study set out to examine the effects of early upright supported stepping on bone mineral content in…

Factors In Choosing Medical Equipment The client's diagnosis and overall medical assessment is the predominant factor in choosing the correct medical equipment for any life care plan.  The diagnosis will also indicate the…

Assistive technology (AT) is defined as any device which increases, maintains, or improves the functional capabilities of an individual with special needs. Providing AT for young children with disabilities makes a significant difference…

Not long ago I had the opportunity to interview Toby Long, PT, PhD, FAPTA . As Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Georgetown University and Director of Training in the Division of Physical Therapy at the Center for…

Ambulation is defined as the ability to walk from place to place, with or without an assistive device. Locomotion is the ability to move from one place to the next. In human development, independent mobility begins with the locomotion of…