What Is Intensive Feeding Therapy at MetroEHS and How Does It Work?

In the fast-paced world of grand parenting, it’s crucial to stay informed and equipped with the best solutions for raising grandchildren. With approximately 3 million grandparents across the United States taking on the responsibility of raising their grandkids, there is a growing need for expert guidance and support. That’s where the podcast “It’s a Grand Life” comes in, connecting listeners with subject matter experts who understand the unique challenges faced by grand families.

A Valuable Resource:

In a recent episode, host Craig Nash warmly welcomed new listeners from Texas, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, and Alabama. He emphasized the importance of being informed about the best solutions for raising grandkids, setting the objective of “It’s a Grand Life” to present subject matter experts who can provide valuable insights and information.

Expertise in Pediatric Therapies:

The guest of the episode was Kris Krajewski, a speech and language pathologist with MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy, a group dedicated to pediatric therapy in Michigan. Kris shared her background and expertise in speech and language pathology, highlighting her passion for working with children and her personal experience as a parent of a child with Down syndrome.

Comprehensive Approach to Care:

MetroEHS offers a wide range of therapies, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy, as well as applied behavior analysis (ABA) and mental health services. Their focus is on a holistic and coordinated approach, providing support not only to the children but also to their families and caregivers. By incorporating various services, MetroEHS aims to address the unique needs of each child and help them reach their full potential.

Addressing Feeding and Swallowing Issues:

Kris shed light on pediatric feeding disorders, a relatively new diagnosis, and emphasized the importance of understanding the sensory challenges that some children face when it comes to food. MetroEHS provides interventions to help children develop tolerance for different textures and improve their chewing and swallowing abilities.

Navigating the Path to Treatment:

To begin the journey of seeking therapy services, Kris advised starting with a discussion with the child’s pediatrician, who can refer them to appropriate specialists for evaluations and treatments. MetroEHS collaborates with pediatricians, school districts, and insurance providers to ensure comprehensive and accessible care for children.

Supporting Grand Families:

The podcast episode acknowledged that the journey of raising grandchildren can be overwhelming, but it highlighted the importance of seeking help and support. MetroEHS welcomes inquiries and assists families in finding the right resources for their specific needs. Additionally, the Autism Alliance of Michigan was recommended as an excellent resource for families dealing with autism-related concerns.

Raising grandchildren comes with unique challenges, but resources like “It’s a Grand Life” and organizations like MetroEHS provide valuable expertise and support for grand families. By accessing specialized therapies and collaborating with professionals, grandparents can help their grandchildren thrive. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are pathways to assistance and resources available to support you and your grand family along the way.

MetroEHS introduced Pelvic Floor Therapy last month and this new therapy will change the lives of countless children because of it. Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized field of physical therapy that focuses on treating conditions and symptoms related to the pelvic floor muscles in children.  Pelvic Floor Therapy involves training your child on how to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles and with retraining and regular exercises, your child can learn how to better control and gain sensory awareness of these muscles, which play a crucial role in urination and stooling.

Who Could Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for children who struggle with or are unable to gain control over their bowel and bladder. This therapy is often recommended for children who are diagnosed with one or multiple of the following conditions:

• Enuresis/Bedwetting
• Constipation
• Incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary frequency/retention
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency
• Frequent UTIs

What to Expect with Pelvic Floor Therapy?

The success of pelvic floor therapy often depends on the involvement and commitment of parents or caregivers. Adherence to recommended diet modifications and daily routines can greatly improve the outcomes of this therapy. At MetroEHS, our physical therapists take into account the family history and any life-changing events to tailor the therapy according to the specific needs of each child.

As April and Autism Awareness Month have come to a close, we’re highlighting the incredible work of MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy in Metro Detroit. With multiple locations and more on the way, MetroEHS is dedicated to helping families with children on the autism spectrum and those needing specialized therapy. Today, we’re focusing on a universal challenge for parents: potty training.

Joining us are Deanna Coker, a board-certified behavioral therapist analyst, and Kelly Johns, the director of physical therapy at MetroEHS. They share valuable insights on potty training, addressing common issues and providing practical solutions.

Recognizing Readiness for Potty Training

Kelly Johns emphasizes that recognizing when your child is ready for potty training is crucial. Key signs include:

- Extended Bladder Control: Holding their bladder overnight or for several consecutive hours.

- Interest in the Potty: Playing with their diaper, showing curiosity about the toilet, or performing a "potty dance."

- Communication: Telling you they need to go or showing signs they’re aware of their bodily functions.

Addressing Potty Training Challenges

Sometimes, despite a parent’s best efforts, potty training can hit a snag. Deanna Coker points out that issues such as regression, frequent nighttime accidents, or persistent constipation might indicate underlying problems like pelvic floor complications.

Assisting with Physiological Challenges

To support children struggling with potty training, Kelly recommends several strategies:

- Blowing Bubbles: This helps relax the pelvic floor. Encourage your child to blow bubbles while sitting on the toilet or during playtime.

- Using a Squatty Potty: This stool ensures a proper 90-degree angle, aiding in effective bowel movements.

- Belly Breathing: Teach your child to focus on their belly rising and falling, which can help with relaxation and control.

Effective Potty Training Methods

Deanna shares essential potty training tips:

1. Ditch the Diapers: Transition your child to underwear to help them feel the wetness of accidents.
2. Stay Hydrated: Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to ensure they need to use the bathroom regularly.
3. Set a Schedule: Take your child to the potty every 20 minutes initially, allowing them to sit for a few minutes each time.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Use rewards like a sticker chart to celebrate successes. This visual progress tracker can be highly motivating for children.

Deanna shares a personal anecdote about using a princess-themed sticker chart for her daughter, highlighting how such simple tools can make the process enjoyable and rewarding for children.

MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy provides comprehensive support for various therapy needs, including ABA, speech, occupational, feeding, and physical therapies. With their expanding network of locations, they are readily accessible to families across Metro Detroit.

For more information or to find the nearest MetroEHS location, visit http://metroehs.com

**Thank you, Deanna and Kelly, for sharing your expertise and practical advice.** Potty training can be a daunting task, but with these tips, parents can navigate this essential milestone more effectively.