Are you ready for the holidays?  Do your plans include traveling to another city with your family and your special needs child?  If so, there are many things that you can do to ensure that your vacation goes as smoothly as possible.

Traveling with a special needs child requires a bit more preparation than would normally be required.  This is especially true if you are flying.  Flying during the holidays can be challenging enough, but with a little planning ahead, you can make the travel time much easier.  The first place to start is by calling the airline and letting them know that you will be traveling with a child that has special needs.  You can follow up by emailing or faxing them a one page summary of your child’s diagnosis, their medication needs or allergies and how they best communicate.  The airline can assist you with making any special arrangements once they have this information.

On the day of travel, make sure that your child has identification on them.  From tags you can attach to their shoe laces to necklaces or a bracelet, having some form of identification is critical in case they get separated from your family.  If your child has a cell phone, you can call the carrier to ask that the GPS locator is turned on.

Packing a special bag for the child while they are traveling is also helpful.  A backpack or carry-on bag can contain items that make them feel comfortable and secure, such as a favorite pillow, blanket or toy.  Bringing books or electronic devices with headphones or earbuds can be helpful during waiting times or to drown out too much noise.  Adding favorite snacks and drinks can quickly take care of hungers without exposing them to new foods.

Traveling with a child with special needs just requires a bit more planning than normal.  From chatting with the airline to packing special toys, you can make the travel with your child an enjoyable process.  For more tips on travel, please call the Peak Potential Therapy office today to speak to one of our supportive therapists.  Call now!

The holidays are supposed to be a wonderful time of the year, filled with friends, family and fun things to do.  Unfortunately, many families get stressed during holidays with all of the extra things that need to be completed.  From decorating to buying gifts, the pressure on families can be astounding.  Here are a few tips to decrease your family’s level of stress during the holidays, which will help your special needs child:

• Know that it is okay to say no.  One of the biggest sources of family stress during the holiday is simply trying to do too much.  While your whole family may have travelled in the past or you have been invited to several different holiday parties, which would mean that you would need additional childcare, these plans may need to change in order for you to control your stress level.  Say yes selectively as the parent of a child with special needs.  In order for your child to be at their best, you need to be rested and relaxed.  Saying no is the best path to that type of mindset.

• Limit the amount of time with extended family.  If your special needs child doesn’t see extended family regularly, then limiting that time is a good idea.  This will also decrease your stress level as you won’t be worried about how to manage the situation.

• Take a break.  Take time each day to do something for yourself.  While you may be working on making the holiday as wonderful as you can for everyone else, your own exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed won’t make anyone happy.

• Scale back on decorations.  If you have decorated elaborately in the past, take a year and allow it to be minimal.  Not only will your child respond to less stimulation, but you won’t spend energy on decorating.

Need help managing the holiday stress for your family? Call the friendly experts at Peak Potential Therapy today for support and to learn about our services.  Call now!

Preschoolers can develop at different rates depending on their brain function and overall maturity.  Knowing if your child is developing at the rate that they should be can be a confusing and daunting issue, especially if you are concerned about their ability to speak and communicate well.  How can you know if speech therapy for kids is right for your child?  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Can you understand most of what they are saying?  For preschoolers, you should be able to understand most of what they are saying, unless they are attempting to say a new word or phrase.  You should see a general improvement in their language skills over time.  If they aren’t speaking very much, then it is time to schedule a visit with your pediatrician. Many times there is a simple reason, such as a hearing deficiency, that can make an almost immediate change in the situation.

• Do they repeat what you say instead of answering?  If you find that your preschooler is repeating what you say instead of actually answering their question and this is a regular occurrence, that is another warning sign.  Called echolalia, this repeating of the question can indicate that there is something else going on, such as the early signs of autism.  Remember that the more quickly you respond by getting your child evaluated, the sooner your child can get help that will make a difference for them.  Autism speech therapy can help.

• Are they having a hard time with pronouns or gender?  Children sometimes have a hard time understanding proper pronoun use or get genders confused.  This can be rapidly solved by a qualified speech therapist who can quickly identify the issue and teach your child what they need to know about language.

Overall, the best advice is to bring all of your language questions to a qualified children’s speech therapist or pediatrician who can evaluate your child and assist you in determining what services may or may not be needed to keep your preschooler on track.  Call Peak Potential Therapy today for a complementary evaluation of your child or to speak to one of our professional, friendly speech therapists.  Call now!

For kids with special needs, wandering can be a real and life threatening issue.  While they may not realize they are in danger, the proximity of a school to busy intersections, strangers and cities can pose a threat to kids that they simply aren’t aware exists.  There are ways you can prevent wandering in the school atmosphere.

First, make sure your school knows that wandering can be an issue for your child.  This is critical information to include in everything from your child’s IEP to any communication with your school.  In fact, it may be prudent to write a separate letter to your school indicating that you are concerned that your child may accidentally wander off and ask that you not only be notified of your child’s behavior if this should happen, but request that your child not be left alone for any reason.  Attaching a copy of an article on wandering in special needs children will help them to be aware of the seriousness of your child’s issue and help you to enlist their cooperation.

In communicating with the school, talk with them in person about the dangers of wandering and help them to understand where your child has gone in the past.  If your child is fascinated by rocks, shiny objects or birds, as an example, helping the school officials to understand that those things may increase the likelihood of a wandering issue will help to protect your child.

One of the best ways to protect your child is to walk around the building and the school grounds and note things that you believe would attract your child as well as noting any hazards.  While many kids love the water, falling into a pond can cause a tragedy that no school official or parent would want to ever happen.  By walking around the property, you can alert your school officials to areas that may be an issue for your child or others.

Lastly, take the time to introduce your child to the security present at your school.  Provide them with a picture as well as information on how to approach your child and keep them calm.  This information can also be provided to local law enforcement in case your child wanders off campus.

If you are concerned about wandering, let us help! Call Peak Potential Therapy for speck therapy for kids today!

Technology is currently at the forefront of helping kids with autism to develop better social skills.  A study just completed where kids spent an hour a week using virtual reality is showing help for children with autism in assisting them with their facial expressions and interaction with others.  The technology has been called Virtual Reality Social Cognition Training and features:

• The ability for a therapist and other “people” to interact with the individuals.  Using a virtual reality construct, the person using the therapy is presented with their therapist as well as other people and a problem to solve.  This allows the individual receiving the therapy to work in a group in a way that is non-threatening and helpful.

• There is a purpose.  During the therapy session, the individual is challenged with a situation.  This could be everything from explaining their view on an issue without offending anyone to practicing how to meet someone for the first time, apply for a job or other social skills.  The virtual therapist works with them to understand the nature of the social skill they will be developing.

• The research indicates that virtual technology does make a difference.  When tested after virtual reality treatments, individuals with autism are showing that their brains are reacting in a positive way.  Areas of the brain that had not been highlighted during social interactions were shown to respond after the treatments were complete.

• Ideal for young adults and those with social skill issues.  For young adults who are trying to land a job or hone their skills, this reality training is ideal.  In the future, additional options for treatment may become available.

For more information on autism therapies, call Peak Potential Therapy today!  Our caring, expert staff will be happy to speak to you about your child’s needs.  Call now!

All of the commotion around Thanksgiving can seem exciting to your family and yet overwhelming to a child with special needs.  This can be especially true for children with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, as changes in schedule and people can be difficult to process.  Here are five ways to practice Thanksgiving so that your entire family can have a great time:

1. Practice sitting at the table with plates, lighting and music.  Taking the time to set up the table the way that it will look on Thanksgiving can help a child with special needs to understand that while Thanksgiving is a special meal, it is still a family meal, much like they have on a regular basis.  Using the same plates and playing soft music will allow kids to absorb all of the changes and process it slowly if they feel too overwhelmed.

2. Try holiday foods in advance.  Making small amounts of the food that a child may see on Thanksgiving as part of regular meals will help them to discover what tastes good to them and what does not.  Strongly flavored foods that kids aren’t used to may be too much when served all together.  Giving them a chance to try ahead of time promotes a feeling of control and ease.

3. Prepare a kit with toys and activities.  If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, plan on packing a toy kit that can provide stimulation and a way to decompress.  From favorite stuffed animals to art supplies and tactile toys, having those familiar items handy can make all of the difference.

4. Do a countdown!  By using a visual calendar before Thanksgiving, you can help your child to see when the “big day” will arrive.  This can help them to build up a healthy level of excitement instead of feeling anxious and stressed.

5. Talk about the holiday.  There are plenty of opportunities to discuss the holiday and read books about it.  This type of exposure can make it seem safe and easy to manage.  As your therapist for help with discussing this issue with your child or for resources to use.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a stressful day for your child.  By packing favorite toys, talking about it and trying new foods ahead of time, Thanksgiving can be a great memory for your family to cherish.

Travel during the holidays can be a large part of family traditions.  If you have a child with special needs, going to visit the relatives can mean an interruption in your normal family schedule, which can be especially challenging for kids to process.  One way to help your child is to understand the house rules of the home you are visiting before you even go.  This will give you a chance to practice before you pack your bags.  Here are three examples of house rules that will spur your thinking about what to ask your hostess:

1. Shoes on or off inside?  The idea of removing your shoes may be no big deal for most family members, but for kids who are especially sensitive to changes in routine, wearing or not wearing shoes can be a difficult challenge.  Ask your hostess if they have a preference and explain why you are asking.  This will immediately open the lines of communication between you and your family members about your child.

2. Are children excused during dinner?  While some families have no problem with kids coming and going from the dinner table, other families prefer that everyone stay seated during the meal.  Depending on your child, you can discuss your hostess’ preferences and see how they may work for your family.  Deciding this ahead of time will give your hostess a chance to made adjustments if necessary.

3. Types of play?  While some households are happy with contact sports and others focus on quiet afternoons playing games or reading, knowing what the traditions are in your family are key before you visit.  This will help you to determine how your child’s personal style will fit in with the family and will help you decide what to bring.

Knowing the house rules before you travel will give your family the best opportunity to enjoy the holiday.  Opening up lines of communication with your hostess is a great way for everyone to have a fun Thanksgiving – including your child with special needs.

While Thanksgiving is supposed to be a happy, relaxed time of the year, the reality is that the holidays can cause a great deal of stress for parents of kids with special needs.  The pressure of dealing with the needs of the holidays, in addition to making sure that your child has all of the resources they need to be comfortable, can be overwhelming.  There are ways to decrease your Thanksgiving stress.  Here are just three to consider:

1. Try yoga.  Yoga can be a great way to decrease your stress and increase your fitness level.  From deep breathing exercises to balancing poses, the practice of yoga can bring even the most stressed parent down a few notches.  Even if you only have five minutes, you can take time to breathe deeply and sit quietly.  The action of taking a deep breath reminds your nervous system that you are not in danger and will help you to think more clearly.  Many churches, fitness facilities and even local community centers now offer weekly yoga classes if you aren’t familiar with the practice.

2. Press pause.  Quickly reacting to a situation means that you may not only make a bad decision, but may do it in a way that does more damage than good.  Typical of someone who is stressed, there is a better way.  Press pause.  Take a moment before making a decision or reacting to a situation to take a deep breath and think carefully.  By making this a habit, you can ensure that your family stays as peaceful as possible during all of the seasons of the year, not just Thanksgiving.

3. Talk it out.  Having a child with special needs brings challenges that other families simply can’t understand.  Knowing that is important so that you can find the support that you need to navigate the holidays.  You don’t have to be isolated.  Talk to your child’s doctor or therapist and get names of support groups, non-profits and other parent groups that work with the parents of kids with special needs.

Want more information on how to reduce your stress?  Call the friendly staff at Peak Potential Therapy and we will be happy to listen to your concerns and make recommendations.  Call now!

If your child has been diagnosed with Asperger’s and is highly verbal, then the last thing you might be thinking about is speech therapy.  What you may not know is that speech therapy can be helpful for kids who have Asperger’s with other challenges that are posed in effective communications.  Here are just a few reasons to consider speech therapy if you live in the Twinsburg or Hudson areas:

• Speech therapy can help teach non-concrete speech references.  The English language is filled with many idioms and patterns of speech that may be extremely confusing to kids with Asperger’s.  Simple comments may lead to frustration for kids who take things very literally.  Working with a speech therapist can decode some of these language challenges for kids, giving them relief from frustration.

• Speech therapy can assist with social skills development. Since speech is one of the primary ways that kids interact in a social setting, working on developing those skills can make all the difference in daily life.  Speech therapists can work on helping kids understand appropriate language usage and how it can change depending on the circumstance.

• Speech therapy can help with clear speech patterns.  While many kids with Asperger’s autism are very verbal, they may have challenges with articulation.  Being able to speak clearly will give kids the confidence they need in working with others.  Working with a speech therapist can hone their speaking skills and help them relate to others.

Would you like to learn more about how a speech therapist can help your special needs child with their social skills?  Contact Peak Potential Therapy today to speak to one of our friendly, expert staff members.

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is one of the most widely known and sought after therapies for kids with autism.  ABA works to help kids develop daily living skills that can make their lives much easier and that can help them to thrive in social situations, such as school.  ABA is just one of many therapies that can make a tangible difference for your child.

ABA was created in the 1960’s, based on researched completed by a team of scientists who wanted to see if there was a way to move controlled behaviors beyond the laboratory.  These scientists wanted to know if using this procedure in real life would help people to adapt to a wide range of social, home and community environments.  One of the key components of ABA therapy is that is looks for the relationship between what people do and why they do it.  In other words, if a child cries when asked to brush their teeth, ABA uses that to teach the child new skills.

In practice, those therapists who use ABA focus on the consequences of a behavior.  In other words, when a child completes a requested behavior, there is a positive reinforcement.  When a child does not, then the ABA theory indicates that the positive reinforcement may be withheld or a negative consequence may be put into effect.  Some of these may include being able to hold a special toy, a sticker or using behavioral contracts or time outs to help children to understand why a behavior is important.

At Peak Potential Therapy, we offer our own blend of ABA and Floortime to our clients in the Twinsburg, Hudson and Chagrin Falls areas, called Behavior Therapy.  We believe that this approach blends the best parts of both therapies and allows kids an opportunity to respond in a natural way, which best mimics real life.  For more information on our unique Behavior Therapy approach, call us today to speak to one of our caring therapists.