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OVESC's Filemaker Pro Assessment Maker : For more info. click on our "For Teachers" Link at the
top of this page.
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What is Physical Therapy ?
Physical Therapy , or PT, consists of interventions designed to
enhance a child's gross motor functioning and independence. Interventions
include developmental activities, exercises for strengthening, joint range of
motion, balance and coordination, endurance, postural stability, myofacial
release, and sensory integration through play to help motivate the child.
Special equipment, such as specialized swings, therapy balls, tricycles and
scooters are used during treatment.
What Are The Benefits ?
It helps develop gross motor skills, improve balance,
coordination, and posture in order to promote independence in the environment
and interaction with peers.
Why Would A Child Need Physical Therapy ?
Any child with a medical diagnosis, such as autism, Down
Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, sensory processing deficits, or
developmental delay benefit from physical therapy to enhance his/her gross motor
functioning.
Other children who may not have a diagnosis , but demonstrate difficulty keeping
up with the same age peers, clumsiness, motor planning difficulties, postural
instability, or abnormal walking patterns can also benefit from these services.
How Does a Child Get Referred to Physical Therapy ?
A physician referral is required in Ohio in order for a
child to receive a Physical Therapy (PT) evaluation and services.
If a parent , teacher , or other professional detects a problem, a referral to
the physician can be made.
What Happens Next ?
Once the referral from a physician is received, the
physical therapist performs an evaluation using a standardized test,
measurements, and observations to access gross motor development and sensory
functioning. A moderate or severe delay in gross motor skills qualifies a child
for school based therapy. An individualized treatment plan and goals are
developed and included in the IEP.
Where Does The Therapy Take Place ?
Physical Therapy services are provided in different ways,
including direct services, consultation, or monitor. Direct Service
Treatments take place within the classroom or designated therapy room.
Consultation involves observation of the child and/or consult with the teacher
for progress and education on therapeutic activities. The most important
place for therapy is at the home. Parental involvement is very important
for children to fully benefit from the physical therapy and to reach their full
potential.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Child's
Development ?
If your child does not have a medical diagnosis, how do
you know if he/she needs physical therapy ? They key to remember is that
all children grow and develop at different rates. A few red flags may
include delays in growth and development, delays in obtaining developmental
milestones, such as walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, throwing,
catching, poor balance, frequent falling, inability to keep up with same age
peers, abnormal walk patterns, and toe walking.
Below are general guidelines of developmental milestones to monitor your child's
growth and development:
3 - 4 Years Old
* catch a bounced large ball
* rides a tricycle
* balances on one foot 2-4 seconds
* jumps forward with both feet
* hops on one foot 2-5 seconds
* walk up steps alternating feet without rail
* kicks stationary ball
4 - 5 Years Old
* balances on one foot 4-8 seconds
* walks across balance beam
* walks down steps alternating feet without rail
* kicks rolling ball
* catches large/small ball with arms outstretched
* throws small ball using overhead toss
* gallops
* runs smoothly at different speeds
5 - 6 Years Old
* balance on one foot 10 seconds
* hops on one foot 10 seconds
* skips
* rides bike with or without training wheels
* catches bounced or thrown ball with hands
What Can a Parent Do To Help Their Child's Gross Motor
Development ?
Keep your child active in play indoors and outdoors. Video
games are the big craze right now and this sedentary past-time takes away from
gross motor exploration and development. Involve your child in organized
sports, such as Tee-Ball, soccer, gymnastics, dance, or swimming. Local
organizations within the community, such as the YMCA offer these activities for
are youth for a small fee. If this does not fit your lifestyle, take your
child to the park or just play games in your backyard.
Below are websites / links full of ideas for games that
you can play at home with your child:
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