Are you planning on traveling through TSA airport security with a special needs child? If you answered yes, you may be wondering things like… What do I need to take out of my bag when going through airport security? How…
Balancing Parenting With Being a Special Needs Caregiver
In this raw and heartfelt podcast, a mother shares her experience balancing parenting with being a special needs caregiver to her 14-year-old son who was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. Hosted by Dr. Christine Astarita with Breakthrough Intensive Physical…
6 Tips To Choose The Best Pediatric Therapy Intensive Program
Over the last decade or so, Pediatric Therapy Intensive programs have become more common, and more children are benefiting from them every day. With this growth, we have seen an increase in the types and locations of these phenomenal programs….
10 Tips If Your Child Refuses To Eat
What should you do if your child refuses to eat? If you are experiencing mealtime struggles with your child, you are not alone – in fact, 2/3 to 1/2 of all parents report at least 1 mealtime problem behavior that they…
What Is Gross Motor Skills?
What is gross motor skills? For most, we use our gross motor functions daily while not thinking much of it, like sitting up to get out of bed in the morning. For others, this very task of sitting up may…
7 At-Home Peanut Ball Therapy Exercises to Try
A peanut ball is a versatile therapy tool utilized by both physical and occupational therapists which can also be used for simple and effective home exercises for your kiddo. Here are seven physio ball or peanut ball exercises to try…
10 Stylish and Comfy G-Tube Covers
G-tube covers are a lifesaver if your little one has a g-tube. It’s the ultimate solution to keep your kiddo’s hands from messing with their g-tube! Plus, it helps absorb leaks from formula or stomach fluids and is washable. So…
5 Great Service Dog Breeds for Kids
If your child has special needs, specific service dog breeds may be a wonderful trained helper to assist with daily activities. Most importantly, a loyal companion to fit into your family’s lifestyle and child’s needs. So you may be wondering…
4 Types of Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
You may be wondering what are the treatments for cerebral palsy? More importantly, what type of treatment is right for your child? There is not just one type of treatment method available to you but multiple options. These options may…
What Is the Most Common Type of Cerebral Palsy?
Let’s explore the most common type of Cerebral Palsy diagnosed in children today. But before we do, it’s important to know that Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood (1). It is defined as brain damage…
Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist and Symptoms
Sensory processing! We take in information and learn about the world around us through sensory-based experiences. It is important to note that everybody, regardless of the degree of ability, age, gender, etc., has what we call a unique sensory profile,…
5 Easy Proprioception Exercises by a Physical Therapist
In this blog, NAPA pediatric physical therapist Larissa is here to share some easy proprioception exercises for toddlers and children. Good proprioception is an important part of everyone’s life whether you are 1 year old or 99 years old. What…