High Tech and Traditional Therapy
At First Step, we use the following approaches and equipment to offer the best possible plan for your therapy:
Aquatic Therapy
The Wonders of Water
Many children (and adults) with disabilities receive tremendous benefits from a therapy pool, which is used as a tool to assist with traditional treatment methods. Aquatic techniques are often effective in improving balance, strength, and endurance, as well as increasing range of motion. (Offered by the Hot Springs and Malvern Centers only.)
Technology and Equipment: High-Tech Tools
The possibilities seem to be limitless when it comes to the ways technology can benefit those with developmental delays or disabilities. Therapy teams determine your child’s need for assistive technology equipment that can increase, maintain, or improve his or her ability to function.
For example, your child might benefit from using augmentative alternative communication technology that virtually enables a machine to speak for him or her. The teams also evaluate how well these tools are working as they’re being used, and make recommendations and changes as needed.
Aural Rehabilitation: SKI-HI Enhancements
For those with hearing difficulties, speech-language pathologists provide educational procedures such as the SKI-HI programs to improve the effectiveness of overall communication ability.
Feeding/Swallowing/Oral Motor: Improvements Abound
If your young or adult child has trouble eating and/or swallowing, the occupational therapy and speech pathology staffs at First Step can help. They will evaluate and manage pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders that are often secondary to medical and behavioral disorders including prematurity, central nervous system dysfunction, chronic pulmonary conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, craniofacial anomalies, and developmental delay.
Sensory Processing Education: Putting It All Together
Disorders of sensory processing can interfere with your child’s ability to learn, interact with others, perform tasks and participate in activities. All of our therapy components evaluate and treat such disorders.
Orthotics
Our physical therapists are trained in choosing and constructing appropriate orthotics. These devices help your child maintain a functional alignment of the foot, ankle, and leg. The orthotics are conveniently measured for and fitted on-site.
Home-Based and Center-Based Therapy Services
First Step provides individualized, center-based therapy services within the classroom, on the playground, and in specialized therapy settings. Home-based services are provided for those who are medically fragile or who live in remote areas and lack transportation.
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Other Therapy Services and Techniques
