Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects the way the brain processes sensory information. Individuals with SPD may have difficulty with sensory integration, which means they struggle to receive, process, and respond to information from their senses. This can lead to challenges in everyday life, such as difficulty with social interactions, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. 
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition that affects how the brain receives and responds to sensory information. The senses include the commonly known 5: touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. Other sensory systems also include; vestibular (sense of head movement in space), proprioceptive (sensations from the muscles and joints in the body), and interoception (feedback from internal organs, e.g. hunger, thirst, other internal body signals/sensations).  In individuals with SPD, the brain may overreact, underreact, or have an unusual response to these sensations. As a result, they may feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or in pain when exposed to certain stimuli.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
The symptoms of SPD can vary depending on the individual and the specific sensory system affected. Some common symptoms of SPD include:

• Overresponsivity: Individuals with SPD may be hypersensitive to certain stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights. They may react strongly to these stimuli or try to avoid them altogether.
• Underresponsivity: Conversely, individuals with SPD may be hyposensitive to certain stimuli, such as touch or movement. They may not react to these stimuli or seek them out excessively.
• Sensory Seeking: Individuals with SPD may seek out intense sensory experiences, such as spinning or jumping, to satisfy their sensory needs.
• Motor Coordination Difficulties: Individuals with SPD may struggle with coordination, balance, and motor planning.
• Emotional Regulation: Individuals with SPD may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to mood swings, anxiety, or frustration.

Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder
The exact causes of SPD are not fully understood. Some research suggests that genetics may play a role, as SPD tends to run in families. Other factors that may contribute to SPD include prenatal exposure to toxins or trauma, premature birth, or a history of chronic ear infections.
Treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder
There is no cure for SPD, but there are several treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Some common treatments for SPD include:

• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists can help individuals with SPD develop skills and strategies to manage their sensory challenges.
• Speech Therapy: Though speech therapy does not provide direct treatment of sensory processing disorder, some individuals with SPD may also have difficulty with speech and language development. Speech therapists can help improve communication skills and work in coordination with the occupational therapist to support communication skills as they relate to the individual's occupational therapy goals.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms that may be related to SPD, such as anxiety or mood disorders.  Medication options can be discussed with your pediatrician if you are interested in learning what might be beneficial for your child.  

Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information. It can cause a range of symptoms, including hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, sensory seeking, motor coordination difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges.  Occupational therapy is the primary support for SPD and can make a huge difference in your child's daily living.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) refers to a range of communication methods used by individuals who are unable to effectively communicate using traditional spoken language. This can include individuals with disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays, as well as individuals with speech and language disorders, such as severe apraxia of speech.
The goal of AAC is to provide individuals with the means to communicate their needs, wants, and thoughts, regardless of their ability to speak. There are a variety of AAC devices and technologies available, each designed to meet the specific needs and abilities of the individual.

1. Picture Communication Boards: Picture communication boards are a type of AAC device that use pictures or symbols to help individuals communicate. These boards can be simple or complex, and can be used to communicate a wide range of messages, from basic needs, such as "I want a drink," to more complex thoughts and emotions.
2. Speech Generating Devices: Speech generating devices are electronic devices that allow individuals to communicate through a synthesized voice. These devices typically use touch screens or buttons to select pre-recorded or programmed messages, or allow individuals to type or write their message using an on-screen keyboard.
3. Augmentative and Alternative Communication Apps: There are many AAC apps available for smartphones and tablets that allow individuals to communicate using a variety of methods, including symbols, pictures, text-to-speech, and voice recognition. These apps can be customized to meet the specific needs of the individual and are often portable, making them a convenient option for on-the-go communication.
4. Eye Gaze Technology: Eye gaze technology is a type of AAC device that allows individuals to communicate using eye movements. This technology is often used by individuals who have difficulty using their hands or who have severe physical disabilities.

It is important to note that the most effective form of AAC will vary from individual to individual, and it is important to work with a Speech Language Pathologist to determine the best type of AAC for each individual's needs.
Please reach out if you're interested in learning more, or wondering if this could be a good fit for your child. We are happy to help!

Feeding therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals with difficulties related to feeding and eating. This can include difficulties with trying new foods (touching, smelling, texture differences, etc.), chewing, swallowing, and establishing healthy eating habits, among other things. Feeding therapy is designed to improve the ability to eat and drink, and to promote healthy growth and development.

Feeding therapy is accomplished through a variety of techniques and strategies, including exercises to improve oral motor skills, strategies for improving chewing and swallowing, and training in healthy eating habits.

In some cases, feeding therapy may also involve working with a team of healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and dietitians. This multidisciplinary approach can help to address a range of feeding difficulties and ensure that individuals receive the most comprehensive and effective treatment possible. At Columbia Pediatric Therapy, we have both SLPs and OT's trained in feeding strategies, depending on the child's presentation. Referrals are made out of clinic for dietitians and other specialists, if needed.
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For children, feeding therapy can be especially important for addressing feeding difficulties that are impacting their growth and development. Children with feeding difficulties may have difficulty gaining weight, may struggle to eat a variety of foods, or may experience discomfort or distress when eating. Feeding therapy can help to address these difficulties and promote healthy growth and development.
Feeding therapy is one of our favorites, as we hope to help children discover how enjoyable their relationship with food can be. 

Why is play important for speech and language skills? 
Play is primarily how children learn. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2007), play teaches children how to interact in their environment and promotes cognitive, motor, speech, language, and social emotional development. Play lets children practice language skills that they have learned and also expand on their vocabulary. When playing with your child, they hear the speech sounds you are using, which will help them refine their own speech sounds.  

How can I play with my child? 
Playing is important for children and often your child wants to play with you. Playing with your child promotes a closer relationship with you. Playing provides opportunities for you to model behaviors, problem solving skills, values, and real life situations. Here are some strategies when playing with your child: 

• Follow your child’s lead. See what your child is looking at or playing with. A child will be more engaged with a toy that they want to play with.  
• Practice taking turns. Turn-taking games and routines facilitate language skills. When turn-taking with your child, pause when it is their turn. This promotes anticipation, initiation, and communication. Activities depend on age and can include:
  
  • ​Babies:  looking at your baby and cooing then pausing and giving the opportunity for your baby to coo back.  
    
  • Toddlers and preschoolers: building blocks and taking-turns on who puts a block on top. Passing a ball back and forth. 
    
  • Older children: turn-taking becomes more organized such as playing board games or sports. 
• Model language. Modeling language increases your child’s exposure to words. Modeling language while playing keeps children engaged and it is also fun! To do this, you can comment on what your child is doing and expand one or two more words to what your child said.  
  
  • For example, if your child said, “apple” you can respond and say “Yes, red apple” or “big apple.”  
• Sing songs. Songs are fun ways for your child to use language and to interact with you. Singing songs are also great because they can be made up, changed, and be sung anywhere. Some helpful tips are: ​
  
  • Pause during certain parts to give your child the opportunity to fill in the phrase or word. For example, “the wheels on the bus go round and round round and round round and ____.” Pause and see if your child fills in the blank. It is alright if they don’t and you can continue on singing and giving your child another opportunity at another time. 
    
  • Sing songs fast, slow, loud, or whisper. 
    
  • Pair singing with gestures such as moving your arms in circles for “Wheels on the Bus.” 
• Read books. Books are wonderful opportunities to create language! When you reread books, it helps children anticipate what will be next and helps with memory skills. Here are some helpful tips when reading: 
  
  • If they are unsure of what book to get, offer your child just two books to pick from. 
    
  • For young children consider books with simple pictures and simple text.  
    
  • When reading, it is not necessary to read every page word-for-word. Instead, you can shorten the phrases, change the wording, add words, or even paraphrase. 
    
  • Talk about the pictures. Make comments on what you see on the pages. If your child makes a comment and says “cat,” you can say “big cat.”  
    
  • When turning pages you can comment and say, “turn the page.” 
    
  • Repeat phrases, names, words each time you read the book. Repetition is important for children as it helps with memory, sequencing, sentence structure, and language. 
    
  • If your child is familiar with the story, pause at predictable and exciting parts and see if they can explain what will happen or fill in the phrase. If they don’t respond, that is alright. Just continue the story.  You can also ask, “what will happen next?” 
    
  • Try to limit the amount of questions you ask. Asking questions is fine but too much can be overwhelming to your child. 

 
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your pediatrician or other health care providers with any questions you have regarding medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking because of something you read on this site. 
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Citations/Resources: 
https://www.theministryofparenting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Importance-of-Play-in-the-Development-of-Language-Skills.pdf 

What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is using video technology to deliver speech and language services by connecting the clinician and client for treatment, assessment, and/or consultation.  Both adults and children can participate in teletherapy. 

What is the difference between telepractice, teletherapy, telehealth, and telemedicine?
There is no difference between telepractice, teletherapy, and telehealth. However, telemedicine is the practice of medicine using technology to deliver care. A physician will use telecommunications to deliver care at a distance to their patients. 

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association uses the phrase “telepractice” because not all services are being provided in healthcare settings.  

Why use telepractice?
Research has shown that telepractice is as effective and equivalent to in-person therapy. 

Some benefits of telepractice include:

• Being able to stay in the comfort of your own home or anywhere else
• Convenience - as there is no time traveling distances to a therapy office
• An advantageous option for medically fragile clients 
• Promotes family involvement
• Accessible for families living in rural and urban areas

How does telepractice work?
Telepractice uses video to connect your child and the clinician. A link will be sent to open the video to start the telepractice session. There are many different video sources that follow HIPAA regulations. 

How can I support my child during a telepractice session?
As the parent/caregiver, you will be helping support your child during the telepractice session. Your therapist may provide parent coaching and guidance on how to use materials and how to prompt your child verbally or physically.

Some helpful tips are:

1. Position the camera and help your child stay in front of the screen
   
2. Find a quiet room with no background noise
   
3. Stay with your child for the session, or for an older child, stay close by to help with any technical difficulties
   
4. Gather needed materials before the session if the therapist asked for them
   
5. Provide reminders and positive encouragement
   
6. For play-based therapy, have your child’s favorite toys nearby that are easily accessible

At Columbia Pediatrics, we offer a flexible approach to our therapy sessions. Whether you are interested in teletherapy, in person therapy, or both, please contact us at (360) 989-7347.