Most of us can think of a time when a song came on the radio and our mood instantly changed. It may have made you smile, start dancing or have a calming effect.  What if I told you music can help your child regulate to grow and reach their goals?  Well, it can with Therapeutic Listening, a unique program developed by Vital Links.  Therapeutic listening isn’t about playing background music to sooth your child.  It is researched based approach that uses carefully altered sound to help children’s brains and bodies work together more smoothly. 

Hours at the spa, 18 holes of golf, five course meal; maybe before PDA... While living in survival mode, finding small, really small things that bring joy but require you to focus is essential.

From a mom of a child with PDA… here are some vital tools in her PDA Toolbox!

Fine motor skills involve the coordinated movement of the small muscles of the hands to carry out such activities as writing, coloring, opening containers, or using scissors.   

Here are some stress-free ways to incorporate fine motor into play..

Reading and writing skills don’t just grow in the classroom or during structured practice at the kitchen table- written language is all around us! Here are some fun-filled ideas to encourage your child’s love of literacy this summer:

Does mealtime at your house look like more food on the floor - or on you! - than in your child's belly? Meltdowns if their food is a different shape or food is touching? Does your child have sensory superpowers that can detect a single speck of seasoning? Daily negotiations to take one little bite? Refusal to eat anything green? Or my personal favorite - will your child lick a rock but not touch anything you cook?

If you said yes to any or all of these then pull up a seat because you are in the right place!

Kids in physical therapy? It's not just about getting stronger, it's about unlocking their world, helping them move, balance, and just be kids. We want them to feel like they can tackle anything! 

And honestly, when you throw water into the mix? It's a game-changer…

For someone with APD, it might take extra time or effort to figure out speech, especially in noisy places or when there are lots of sounds happening at once. It’s not about being less smart or not paying attention – it’s just that the brain processes sounds differently, and this can make listening and understanding tricky at times…

…And let’s face it- while words are very helpful, sometimes they just don’t work the best when we feel intense emotions. When children feel uncomfortable/intense emotions and words appear to be more difficult for them in this time- try these creative ways to help children express their emotions- and bonus, these creative activities can also aid in self-regulation! 

Snow has fallen, the holidays are upon us, and the new year will be here before we know it. As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and refocus. Taking a moment to celebrate accomplishments, learn from challenges, and reconnect with what truly matters can set the stage for a fresh and fulfilling start to the new year…