Saturday, December 26, 2009

Early Signs Of Autism Infants

Although, a small amount of parents of infants, subsequently diagnosed provided autism or greater amount of pervasive developmental disorders cause that their child was progressing normally, then The next thing you knew put a stop on and began to regress. Many larger amount of parents state, that in retrospect, they saw indicators of birth. What are these early indicators that might be overlooked? Parents should let intuition be their guide and intervene early if they suspect something is not quite right. If an infant lacks eye contact, avoids cuddling, fixates on lights or spinning objects, acts as if deaf, is excessively passive, these could be possible “red flags”. These signs may not be easily recognized by first time parents.Early Signs Of Autism Infants

In the past, pediatricians have often advocated a wait and see approach. All babies develop at their own rate. This is true. On the other hand; however, the plasticity of the infant’s brain lends itself to corrections that may be come more difficult if disengaging behaviors become more ingrained. Suggestions for modulating and correcting possible problems: Cut down on environmental stimuli. (E.g. Turn of the TV. Shut off ceiling fans. Turn off spinning mobiles. Avoid excessive use of flash cameras.) Early Signs Of Autism Infants

Promote eye contact. Gaze into his eyes as he is being nursed. Animate expressions to see if that increases engagement. Become more subdued if the infant appears overwhelmed by facial interactions. Play peek a boo games. Sing to the child. If the infant is being bottle fed, position him as if he were nursing and look in his eyes. During feeding, do not engage in other activities such as watching TV or checking email.

This is a time to bond. Every opportunity should be made to encourage the child to follow eye gaze. Eye contact and following eye gaze are necessary precursors to joint attention, a process where the child begins to point and then looks into the eyes of the caregiver to see if he/she is seeing what he is. A disengaged infant should face the caregiver as much as possible. Invest in a stroller where the child faces the parent. Forward facing strollers increases stress and anxiety and as it further limits possibility for interaction. The same is true of tummy backs that have the child facing outward, rather than toward the parent.

If the infant resists cuddling and touch, lean over him as he lies on his back and look into his eyes. Massage him to increase tolerance. Lay next to the infant engaging him in eye contact, gently massage arms, legs, hands and feet. Different textures can be used in addition to hands. These desensitizing techniques slowly as the child becomes more tolerant. Agitation, rocking, spinning, and head banging should be addressed.Early Signs Of Autism Infants

If a baby looks like he is having difficulty establishing an internal rhythm, parents should keep him very close so he can feel their heartbeat/rhythm. Rock him in a traditional rocking chair. Provide a manual rocking horse, or swing. Mechanical swings and devices often provide a faster rhythm than normal, possibly making the problem worse. Don’t let your child suffer anymore! Lead your child out of his world through Early Signs Of Autism Infants program now!

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/early-signs-of-autism-infants-a-possible-early-indication-of-autism-1623750.html

Monday, December 21, 2009

Nintendo game technology becomes therapy tool

good news for all

Jason Hogan, physical therapist at RiverView, said adults who have had a stroke or brain injury benefit from Wii games as part of their therapy.

“The visual effects give them guidance better than we can,” Hogan said.

“Some adult patients are as motivated by it as the children.”

The pediatric gym also includes suspended swings, a climbing wall and other apparatus to help with mobility and sensory skills.

“It’s so much fun, they feel they don’t have to work,” Wittmann said. “They leave saying ‘I did it.’ That’s what it’s all about— to leave with success.”

see it at

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/145065/

Saturday, December 19, 2009

International Summit Reaches Agreement: Patient-Self Referral To Physical Therapy Improves Public Health

This past week in Washington, DC, physical therapists from around the world heard that direct access and patient self-referral to a physical therapist is proven to be safe, and results in improved health outcomes, more timely care, higher patient satisfaction, and lower costs, says the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), co-host of the International Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice.


"We were very pleased to host this event," says APTA President R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "This weekend we heard evidence from around the world that clearly demonstrates that direct patient access to physical therapists is appropriate for all Americans. The findings of this conference confirm that the legislation allowing patients to access physical therapists without a referral -- legislation that currently exists in 44 states -- is worth pursuing in all states and at the federal level."


Leaders from 18 countries attending the Summit endorsed the results of research that demonstrate that patient self-referral to
physical therapy is best for all health systems, whether public or private. Direct access and patient self-referral allows patients to access physical therapy as their first choice for rehabilitation and wellness programs. A physician referral is not required.

"Physical therapists are able to act as first contact practitioners, and patients may seek direct services without referral from another health care professional," says Marilyn Moffat, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, president of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT). "The results of this wide body of research are clear: patients benefit from self-referral and direct access. We encourage legislators and health administrators around the world to consider these findings."


The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPT) shared its successes with direct access during a symposium, panel discussion, and breakout sessions.

"Canada has been a world leader in legislating direct access so that patients can self-refer to physiotherapy," says Alice Aiken, PT, PhD, president CPT. "Patient self-referral is legal in all provinces of Canada."


Approximately 150 physical therapists from around the world attended the meeting, which was co-hosted by APTA, WCPT, and CPT. For more information, visit APTA's Web site at
http://www.apta.org/internationalsummit.