Children with sensory challenges can learn to regulate their senses. In doing so, they become less bothered or preoccupied with sensory input and feel and function better.
Aug 1st, 2022
Children with sensory challenges can learn to regulate their senses. In doing so, they become less bothered or preoccupied with sensory input and feel and function better.
Most people expect children to have messy handwriting. However, trouble with motor skills is a common factor in handwriting difficulties. Early intervention provides the support your child needs.
Some girls show very obvious signs of autism, but more often girls with autism have subtle characteristics. They may work harder to fit in and their intelligence may enable them to mask the signs.
It’s an exciting time when children begin learning language and how to communicate. However, if your child isn’t grasping language, it’s best to visit a speech therapist to determine if your child has a speech delay.
“Excellence in business is knowing that I am making a difference every single day. Within our industry and considering the clientele we serve each day; excellence comes down to helping these families and providing them with quality care and resources.”
Getting social skills training as a toddler can make a major difference for kids with autism. Early comprehensive screening helps detect autism early so treatment and support can begin.
World Autism Day is celebration of autistic people to raise awareness of developmental disorders and neurodivergence. Show support by posting about autism, celebrating neurodiversity at local events, & listening to the stories of neurodiverse individuals.
Most parents anticipate and celebrate each step in their child’s development. Perhaps one of the most exciting times is recognizing your child’s first words. But, how do you know if your child is learning speech skills on a normal track?
Spring break means sun, warmth, and freedom, but for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it could mean unstructured time, regression of skills, and an increase in undesirable behaviors. As a parent the "break" can be misleading.
Sensory rooms can be simple and practical, while others can be more elaborate and high-tech. The goal of a sensory room is to create comfort and calm for your child.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way you communicate with others and otherwise interact with your world. Find out how applied behavioral analysis can help your child develop the skills necessary to overcome these challenges.
Meet the Cheerful Chevy! Chevy is 3 years-old and attends our Frisco PediaPlex therapy clinic for occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Gobble Gobble! The holidays are creeping up on us and for many families this might be one of the first times traveling and being around a larger group of family in a while.
We know it all too well- “We had a rough night of sleep so we might be a little drowsy today.” It’s a frequent conversation we have because sleeping challenges for children with special needs is very common.
Meet the outgoing and fun Steffanie- a BCBA at our Frisco location! A BCBA is a board certified behavior analyst who works in our ABA Therapy department. In addition to being a BCBA, Steffanie is the Ongoing Performance Manager for PediaPlex.
As the Halloween season approaches we often get questions about the history of the Teal Pumpkin Project. This is a popular Halloween trend that started in 2014 by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to help create an allergy-safe Halloween...
What is ABA therapy? How do you come up with a child’s plan of care for therapy? These are two common questions that our parents ask us before starting ABA therapy at PediaPlex.
Meet the spunky Bryson! Bryson is 2.5 year old and attends PediaPlex for speech therapy.
School is now back in session for most school districts. For some children this will be their first time ever to school, for others this is their first time back in over a year due to COVID-19.
When your child first starts ABA therapy you will hear many different phrases. One we talk about often with our parents is the importance of generalization from clinic to home settings.
Allow us to introduce you to the amazing Brayden. Brayden is an RBT and RBT mentor at our Southlake PediaPlex clinic.
As a parent you’ve noticed how your child will mimic many things you do- whether it’s hand gestures or phrases, your children are certain to learn the good, and the bad, things that you say or do.
A common conversation we have with parents is the difference between a medical autism assessment and an educational assessment. If you are a parent going through the process of getting your child an autism diagnosis...
It’s time to spotlight the one and only Megan! If you’ve been at PediaPlex for a while you probably have met Megan, or at least know of her.
Join us on Saturday, July 24th for our Frisco Open House Event! From 5PM-8PM we will be opening up our tours to show the Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and surrounding areas our new clinic. Our address is 4855 Ohio Drive, Frisco Texas 75035.
Going to bed at 8PM, waking up and eating breakfast, and going to school are all examples of things that are worked into our daily routine. Routines are especially important for kids on the autism spectrum, because it helps to create ...
Playing games with others, sharing toys with siblings, and playing on the jungle gym with peers are all examples of play-based skills that your child develops at a young age.
Meet the fantastic Flynn! Flynn has been at PediaPlex since April of 2020 when he started with speech and occupational therapy. In December of 2020 he started doing ABA therapy at PediaPlex in Southlake.
Starting conversations, showing empathy, listening, and nonverbal communication are just a few examples of social skills that kids develop as they get older.
Summer is coming which means it’s time for summer vacations. Many children on the autism spectrum have challenges when it comes to traveling, either in the car, trains, or flying. When traveling there are crowds, unpredictability...
PediaPlex friends and families, we’d like to introduce you to the wonderful Harriet! Harriet is a Speech-Language Pathologist with us. She joined our Southlake team in January 2020 and has since transitioned to our new Frisco location!
If you are new to the ABA world, you’re going to hear a lot of initials and terms used in ABA therapy. There is ABA, RBT, BCBA, BCaBA, and so much more.
Babbling, smiling, gesturing, and putting words together are just a few examples of language your child will start to learn in their first few years of life. Language is the way we communicate with others; verbally or nonverbally.
Meet the wonderful Evan! Evan is 5 years old and comes to PediaPlex for ABA therapy, speech, and occupational therapy.
NBC Texas Today host Kristin Dickerson stopped by with her camera crew this week for a tour of our new Frisco, Texas location.
Spring is here, and so is April, which means it is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month! We love our occupational therapists here at PediaPlex and so appreciate them for all their hard work!
World Autism Day is observed on April 2nd each year. This is a day to raise awareness and acceptance around the world for people with autism. To go along with World Autism Day, we use the month of April to recognize our friends and family with autism...
We are so excited to introduce you all to the creative and talented Chloe! Chloe works in our ABA therapy department at our Southlake PediaPlex.
Our new PediaPlex location is set to open in Frisco, Texas on March 15, 2021. We are very excited to be offering pediatric therapy services for families in the Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, The Colony, and surrounding areas.
Tags on clothes, cold food, and loud noises are all examples of things that children with sensory processing disorder might be sensitive to. Sensory processing disorder can present itself in a variety of different ways because it can look different...
Each March we observe National Developmental Disability Awareness Month and raise awareness for those with developmental disabilities. This is also a great time to educate others on what a developmental disability is.
We are thrilled to introduce everyone to the sweet and kind Taylor Klinke! Taylor is a BCaBA at our Southlake PediaPlex location and works in our ABA Therapy program.
Now that it is officially 2021 we have been getting questions about our Frisco location! When will we open? Where exactly is it? What services will this location offer?
The day has finally come for your child to start ABA Therapy. You’re probably wondering what a day in the life at PediaPlex is going to look like for your child. While this experience will vary for each child...
Meet Sonia Kirkpatrick, CEO, and founder of PediaPlex! Many of you know Sonia, but for those of you who are new here we want to take some time and tell you about the wonderful PediaPlex founder, Sonia!
It can be overwhelming getting a new diagnosis for your child. You’re probably wondering what do to with a new diagnosis for your child, what your options are, and how you will afford it.
As your child is growing, there are developmental milestones you will be watching for them to meet. These child developmental milestones are based on your child’s age and include skills that children typically reach by a certain age.
PediaPlex family, meet the bubbly and fun Leo! Leo is an (almost) 5-year-old who attends PediaPlex for ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. He has attended PediaPlex since early 2020.
Frequently, when we are talking about speech therapy, parents assume that it just means their child has trouble pronouncing words with “r” or “s” sounds.
Road trips during the holidays are always a fun time! This year more than ever families will be packing up their cars and traveling to see their families for Thanksgiving and Christmas so that they can avoid the crowds at the airports.
We are pleased to introduce you to the wonderful Olivia Kern, OTR! Olivia is an occupational therapist at our Southlake clinic and has worked at PediaPlex since August 2018.
As always, the holidays are sneaking up on us. While things might look a little different this year because of social distancing and COVID-19, many families are still preparing for the holidays and fun filled times with loved ones.
Virtual learning is the new reality for many families across the Dallas/Fort Worth area, as well as all of America. Many parents and teachers are facing challenges when it comes to virtual learning because, for many younger children...
Meet the incredible Ryan! Ryan is 10 years old and attends PediaPlex for ABA therapy and occupational therapy.
Joining our Fort Worth and Southlake clinics, PediaPlex is excited to announce our new Frisco clinic will be opening soon!
Meet the dedicated and kind Julia! Julia is a registered behavior therapist (RBT) mentor at our Southlake PediaPlex clinic!
When you are raising a child with special needs, or any child, it can be a lot of work. As parents you want to set them up for success and provide them with all of the support and services that they will need.
Summer break has ended, and school is back in session. After a few months off, it’s normal for your child struggle a bit with getting back into the swing of things.
Pickles, avocados, watermelons, bananas. What do all of these foods have in common? They all have a weird texture to them! Of course, there are many other foods that also do, those are just a few common ones you might have noticed that your child doesn’t
It’s time for another client spotlight! Meet Jerome! He is 7 years old and attends PediaPlex for ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Starting ABA Therapy, or really any therapy, for the first time at a new place can often be scary and overwhelming for all parties involved. For parents, you’re leaving your child in a new place with new people.
Occupational Therapy (OT) is one of our therapies that we get the most questions about! The name alone confuses many parents because they automatically think of a job, or occupation, when they hear it.
Meet the outstanding Hudson! Hudson is 5-years-old and receives ABA, Speech, and Occupational Therapy at PediaPlex.
With all of the constant change in America and the DFW Area, it’s normal for your children to be confused or frustrated with all of the uncertainties and changes they are experiencing.
Are you looking for some fun at home things to do with your children this summer? We’ve made a list of some yummy summer cooking ideas for you to try with the kids.
Meet the wonderful SLP, Courtney! Courtney is a Speech-Language Pathologist at our Alliance PediaPlex location and she has been a part of the PediaPlex family since February 2019.
Every child loves arts and crafts time, but sometimes certain projects are harder on kids with sensory processing disorder. Different crafts might be suitable for one child, while another might strongly dislike it.
As the weather starts to get warmer and the pools and lakes start to get more crowded, it’s extremely important to talk to your children about water safety; especially if you have a child on the autism spectrum.
PediaPlex friends, we are so excited to introduce you all to the wonderful Judson! Judson is 4 years old and has attended PediaPlex since February of 2019 receiving Speech, Feeding, ABA, and Occupational Therapy.
May is National Better Hearing and Speech Month! May is all about raising awareness about communication disorders and highlighting our awesome speech language pathologists at PediaPlex and all over the country!
Happy Better Hearing and Speech Month! Since the month of May is dedicated to all of the amazing speech therapists out there, we wanted to recognize one of our own for our staff spotlight this month.
We are very excited to offer teletherapy at PediaPlex! With all of the recent changes in the Dallas & Fort Worth area, we want to be able to accommodate all of our families to the best of our abilities.
Did you know that Occupational Therapy and ABA Therapy go hand-in-hand? Yes! These two therapies work great together for the development of children for behavior skills, self-care skills, and social skills.
It’s time for some PediaPlex sensory box fun! If your child attends PediaPlex for therapy then chances are they’ve gotten the chance to use one of our sensory boxes (or sensory bottles or bags) while in session. But have you ever made them at home?!
Meet the amazing COTA Shannon! Shannon is a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant) here at PediaPlex! She works at our Alliance location and has been part of the PediaPlex Family for a year and half now.
It’s time for one of our favorite events, Sensory Aware Saturday! Join the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History on March 21st for their annual Sensory Aware Saturday event!
Meet the adorable and sweet Kate! Kate attends our Fort Worth/Keller PediaPlex location for ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Feeding Therapy.
Did you know that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month? Each year we take the month of March to raise awareness for our friends and families with developmental disabilities.
We are so excited to introduce everyone to the super fun and energetic Jaymee! Jaymee has been coming to PediaPlex for coming up on 3 years now!
This is the go-to question of the morning and night for parents with little ones. February is National Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month and we want to help tell you why brushing your teeth is so important.
Yes, Play Therapy is a real thing and it’s extremely beneficial for children! You’re probably wondering what play therapy is and how there could be benefits of play therapy.
Does your child have a super power? We know all about that! Often at PediaPlex we have questions from parents about how to address their child’s autism diagnosis with their children, family, friends, etc.
Picture this: it’s 30 degrees outside, but with the windchill it’s probably closer to 20 degrees. It’s 7:45AM and you have to have the kids at school and therapy by 8:30. Your children are NOT cooperating … and why should they?
We would like to introduce everyone to our Staff Spotlight, Dara! Dara is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) here at PediaPlex and she has worked with us for about a year and a half now.
December is here which means your children are home for a few weeks while they are on winter break. This is, of course, a joyous time for family to come together and celebrate.
The holiday season is often referred to as the Season of Giving. Here at PediaPlex, we love to give back and each year we like to partner with people in the DFW Community to help where we can.
We are pleased to introduce everyone to the energetic Billy! Billy is 7 years-old and attends PediaPlex for ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Feeding Therapy. He started his therapy with us in February once they moved here...
The time is coming yet again for another Thanksgiving spent with all of the family! This is both a joyous and fun time- but can also be a tad overwhelming if you have a sensory friendly child.
It’s that time of year again- open enrollment for health insurance/healthcare plans. Maybe this topic is familiar to you, maybe this is your first time even having to deal with finding a plan.
We are so excited to introduce you to Angelica! Angelica is a Registered Behavior Therapist (RBT) in our ABA Therapy program at PediaPlex! She has worked with us for a year and has been an amazing asset to our family!
The annual PediaPlex Trick-or-Treat Halloween event is just a few short weeks away! We’ve created this sensory friendly Halloween event for you and your kiddos so that you can all enjoy a fun, non-spooky, Halloween at our clinic.
We are so excited to introduce you all to the sassy and adorable Stella! This little girl is truly a part of the PediaPlex family. Everyone knows her and is so excited to see her whenever she walks in!
Our guest blogger today is Megan Kirkpatrick who is the daughter of Sonia Kirkpatrick, the founder of PediaPlex.If you have been to PediaPlex before you probably know our story and you probably know Megan!
Fall is upon us which means there are lots of sensory friendly events coming up for you in the DFW Community! We know you have to keep the kiddos busy on the weekends, and during the week, so we are here to help you with some ideas for the next few weeks!
School has started, summer is slowly coming to an end (even though you can’t really tell with this heat), so now what?
Aurora is 7 years old and receives Speech Therapy at our Alliance PediaPlex clinic. When she isn’t receiving speech services, you can find her playing video games, writing stories, reading, or playing with her dog! Her favorite subject in school...
We at PediaPlex are always looking to team up with organizations locally and nationally who support a sensory-friendly experience for our kiddos with autism and sensory challenges. We are excited to announce The Dallas Zoo as part of that group!
Parents across the land (in North Texas, anyhow) are slowly starting to take a collective deep breath. The kind of deep breath we take in anticipation of a busy season which, in this case, is the soon-to-be new 2019-2020 school year.
Every year, DFW Child magazine has a survey for parents in the DFW Community to fill out and vote for their favorite healthcare professionals. Not only does this give the therapist recognition in the community, but it also helps other parents find...
Its summer travel season! We know that isn’t always an exciting statement for families with autism. Will a summer travel kit for kids with autism be handy for your family now?
Who said being a dad was going to be a walk in the park? I know I didn’t! But when you have a newborn and it is your first child, what are your expectations for that child?
If you’ve spent any time at either the PediaPlex Southlake or Fort Worth office, you’ve met our most friendly therapist – Otis. He’s recognizable mostly because of his four paws and long tail!
Congratulations. You’ve made it through another school year! Let the summer fun begin. PediaPlex understands that summer break can be challenging for kiddos on the autism spectrum as breaking away from their routine and pace can sometimes...
Everyone meet the fun and energetic Jett Patrick! We are so excited to introduce everyone to Jett! You might remember seeing him in our speech therapy video from last month!
Each month, we publish blogs, articles and graphics intended to be a tool for parents who are navigating their walk through ASD. However, in honor of Mother’s Day we appropriately dedicate this month’s article to all of you MOMS out there who make...
We are so proud to introduce our patient spotlight for May. Please meet the courageous Mr. Kingston!
Do you dread summer travel? For kiddos on the autism spectrum, most highly desired vacation destinations are simply too crowded and chaotic.
We often find our biggest fears in the unknown areas of life. Few things can feel as insecure and unknown as the possibility of your child being somewhere on the ASD scale.
JP is an active 9 year old who attends ABA therapy combined with speech therapy and occupational therapy.
At PediaPlex one thing we know, and are reminded of daily – learning is ongoing and never fully achieved. Meaning, we are ALWAYS learning new things from our young stars as much as we are trying to teach them.
March is National Social Worker Month! Here at PediaPlex, we love social workers and all that they do to help our families!
You are not alone, we hear this question nearly every day in our office. So, we want to give you a sense of exactly what play therapy is and how it helps children everyday.
Meet ABA New Hire Training Lead Amy Vandegriff! Amy has worked at PediaPlex for almost 1 year now in our ABA Therapy program. Amy’s favorite part about working here is getting to see the clients’ progress.
So many events to choose from! The DFW metroplex is packed with sensory-friendly events in February and March this year!
Welcome to 2019! Here are several sensory-friendly events happening soon in the DFW metroplex:
The holidays are well underway! Here are several sensory-friendly holiday events happening in the DFW metroplex:
We welcome you to our Holiday edition of PediaPlex’s monthly newsletter, as we are now firmly in the grip of one of the most anticipated and fun times of the year!
This spunky personality won our hearts the very first day. Miss Olivia is an energetic 7 year old who attends ABA therapy combined with speech therapy and occupational therapy.
One very common thread which weaves through the lives of each and every ASD family is the thread of chaos. Our schedules are not typical. Our daily pace is not normal.
For those of you whose kids are now leaving high school behind, you may be wondering, as I did, “How did we get here so QUICKLY?”
Glance through our construction gallery to see the great progress we’re making at our new Ft. Worth location! We are still on schedule to open October 2018 and would love our PediaPlex family to spread the word.
As a parent of a child with autism you already know as well as I do there are no easy paths. I’m not suggesting we cling to any sort of “victim mentality”… no boo-hoooing around here!
This precious smile melts our hearts each and every time we see it. Miss Ava is an energetic animal loving 5 year old who attends ABA therapy combined with speech therapy and occupational therapy.
School is almost in session! Here are several sensory-friendly September events happening in the DFW metroplex:
When I stopped and considered the subject of this article, one obvious and repeating word came to mind: Chaos. It was not difficult for me to recall the emotions and overwhelming feelings of disorder and chaos in our world when we began seeking help...
Our new Fort Worth / Alliance PediaPlex is opening and accepting new clients! This new location is offering all of the same services as our Southlake Clinic.
The heat comes before the fun… every year. Nonetheless, summer happens to all of us and eventually do come the long nights, summer BBQ’s, and pool parties.
We absolutely love hearing about our client’s progress after they graduate from our program. Will and Stevie are no exception.
Need a few fun outing ideas before summer is over? Here are several sensory-friendly August events happening in the DFW metroplex
Meet Behavioral Therapist Taylor Cook! Taylor has worked at PediaPlex for a little over 3 months now in our ABA Therapy program.
Summer is now in full swing! Here are several sensory-friendly July events happening in the DFW metroplex:
This June, we are thrilled to turn the spotlight towards some very very important people, who may not always get the recognition and visibility they deserve. Fittingly, we will highlight our FATHERS in this article who play such a crucial role in their...
Summer will soon be in session! Here are several sensory-friendly events happening in the DFW metroplex: AMC Theaters offers Sensory Friendly Family Films on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. You will want to check your local AMC Theater...
One of our frequent and very appropriate questions we hear from interested parents is “What is ABA?”. We love that question because we absolutely LOVE talking about our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program and LOVE how it helps our fabulous patients!
Meet Sierra Phillips! Sierra is a Registered Behavior Therapist and also our Leading Training Therapist here at PediaPlex in our ABA Program.
Children all develop at their own pace. Some hit milestones earlier or later than their peers. This can make identifying developmental disorders, motor disorders, autism, feeding and toileting issues, and related psychological disorders more challenging...
You know that moment, in a grocery store or a restaurant, when a child is scream crying and throwing a huge fit and it seems the parent just can’t make them stop!
As a parent of a child with special needs, you want to ensure your child is receiving the best care and support possible to help them thrive and make the most of each day.
Caring for a child with special needs can feel like a full-time job – and sometimes it is. Your child may have appointments with various specialists, therapies, school, activities, and more.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss
Getting a good night’s sleep is beneficial for the whole family. When children sleep better, parents often sleep better, and then everyone wakes up feeling rested and energized. However, when you have a child with special needs, bedtime can be a struggle.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th to recognize and celebrate the achievements women have made throughout history and across the nations.
Waiting can be hard for any kid, but it can be especially challenging for those with autism who may by hyper-focused on something or not understand social cues very well.
Many parents are hesitant to have their child “labeled” with a diagnosis, whether it’s autism, dyslexia, ADHD, or a learning disability. They fear what repercussions come with being deemed as having special needs.
The Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines Play Therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process where trained Play Therapists help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal...
Sensory activities are a great way to get kids used to experiencing different textures and using their imaginations. From simple scoop and pour tasks to making art to getting their hands messy, there are countless options.
Hi, I’m Megan. I’ve lived with Autism for most of my life and I recently finished my first semester at Parker University. It was a time of adaptation and a time of improvement on my own self-awareness.
It can be life-changing for families to receive a diagnosis that their child has a disability, whether it be physical, mental, learning, developmental, or otherwise.
Hi, I’m Megan and I’ve lived with autism most of my life. College is that next step that every high school student dreams about, but the transition is not as easy as simply getting accepted into one.
As another year comes to an end and a new one begins, many people rush to come up with ways they’re going to improve themselves and their lives. New Year’s resolutions are often filled with lofty goals of exercising more, eating healthier, or achieving...
In celebrating the holidays, many families find themselves traveling to see relatives. While this can mean piling everyone in the car and going for some, when you have a child with special needs, it’s not that easy.
While kids are celebrating no school for a week (or more), parents are often wondering how they’ll fill the time and keep chaos from erupting. As much as kids may whine about school sometimes, they often like the familiarity of routine.
Raising children is tough. It becomes even more difficult when you have multiple children and one (or more) has special needs.
Social skills are something that children develop over time. It starts when they are young and progresses as they become more involved in interacting with others.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, but also a time to share with family, friends, food, and football. This can make for a lot of noise and activity.
Reading is supposed to be fun for kids. It’s a way to explore new places, imagine silly characters, and learn lessons in a fun and engaging way. But when your child struggles with reading, it may become an activity they dread.
Learning that your child has special needs – whether it’s autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorder, learning disabilities, or anything else – can take time to accept.
Halloween is just around the corner and is an exciting time for many kids. They get to dress up as their favorite characters, go trick-or-treating with family and friends, and see all of the houses decorated.
Stuttering is a very common problem in children. Many children go through a period where they may repeat certain sounds or words, prolong sounds, or be unable to form specific sounds.
As adults, we often know how to recognize bullying and deal with these situations in an appropriate and respectful manner. However, for children, this can be a new and scary experience.
When your child will only eat certain foods, it can be frustrating. You feel bad feeding them macaroni and cheese or chicken nuggets every day, and you know they’re not getting all of the nutrition they need. But differing from what they like can cause...
Just because your child is in a wheelchair or has other physical disabilities does not mean that they can’t stay active. Physical activity is important for children (and adults!) of all ages and abilities.
Just because a child is non-verbal doesn’t mean they have nothing to say. They take in the world around them just like other children and are sure to have plenty of thoughts, ideas, and opinions of their own.
Is writing an activity your child dreads? Is it hard to make out what they’ve written because their handwriting is so sloppy?
The start of a new school year can be both exciting and a little scary for children and parents alike. There are many changes occurring, and this can be a lot to take in.
Good mental health is a critical part of everyone’s well-being, young and old alike. But whereas adults are often better able to recognize and communicate their struggles, children don’t always know how to express themselves as well.
The start of a new school year can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Kids usually can’t wait to see their friends but may be nervous about what to expect with a new teacher, new material, and maybe even a new school.
Children with autism spectrum disorder often do very well with structured schedules and routines. They like knowing exactly what to expect and what will happen when.
Our minds all wander from time to time, but for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it can be especially challenging to maintain focus on a task. They are easily distracted, and their mind goes in a million different directions.
As adults, when we become frustrated, angry, upset, excited, or nervous, we often talk through these feelings with others, or even in our own minds. You may use a journal to write about the situation and help yourself think more clearly.
Consistency is important in therapy to help your child maximize their results. They can’t only follow a certain routine or practice certain skills while with the therapist – these activities need to carry over to home and school as well.
As much as you want to be there for your child all the time, in reality, life does not work that way. You can’t always be there. They have to learn how to fight their own battles and advocate for themselves.
Raising a child with special needs can be a lot of work. You want to provide them with the best support and services to maximize their potential while protecting them from being hurt.
Learning that your child has autism can bring up a host of emotions. You may be confused, scared, curious, angry, relieved, or a mix of other feelings. However, remember that you are not alone and there are multiple places you can turn for information...
Sensory input never stops. We are constantly bombarded by sights, sounds, smells, movement, and textures. For some kids, this can be very overwhelming.
No two children with autism are exactly the same, therefore approaches to treatment differ as well. One practice that has become more popular is applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy.
Whether it seems like it or not, kids thrive on structure and routine – especially those with special needs. You’ve probably noticed that when your days are chaotic and filled with lots of change, your kids are a little out of sorts too.
Children develop at their own pace, but it’s a wonderful feeling when your child says their first words and starts building their vocabulary and conversational skills. They’re able to better express their needs, emotions, and thoughts.
In addition to challenges with picky eating or food aversions, another issue parents are often concerned about is food allergies. Depending on the severity of the allergy, exposure to certain foods can be life-threatening.
Raising a child is hard work. You are always trying to do what is in their best interest and support them in being as successful and independent as possible. This is especially true if you have a child with special needs.
Spring break is a wonderful time to relax and spend quality time with your family, but it can also be challenging because it takes kids out of their normal routine, even if only for a few days.
No parent wants to see their child struggle in school. But resolving problems is not always as easy as having them study harder or practice more. The reasons behind difficulties in school can be vast.
April is Autism Awareness Month and a busy time when organizations and individuals are raising funds, increasing understanding, and breaking down stigmas regarding autism.
As an adult, you’ve likely come across individuals with autism in the workplace or out in the community. If you have school-age children, chances are, they have classmates who have autism.
Birthday parties are the annual celebration that kids dream about all year long. Who will be there? What will my cake look like? What presents will I get?
PediaPlex child development and pediatric therapy is based on a collaborative approach that involves not only a team of professionals, but also parents and family. As your child progresses into early adulthood, PediaPlex hopes to continue to be ....
Every person that is diagnosed with Autism is unique. Autism is known as a spectrum disorder. ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a general term used to encompass a variety of complex disorders of brain development.
Applied Behavioral Analysis or ABA, is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and intervention that helps children with autism learn a variety of functional skills, such as following directions, communication, and toileting.
“You just kind of feel lost,” recalls Darren. “You know that there’s something wrong, and you don’t have a clue as to how to fix it, or who to ask, or where to go.”
Getting the most out of speech therapy can open up new conversations for the new year. Effective speech therapy will improve your child’s communication skills, but it can also enhance their social skills and correct sensory processing disorders and...
Visions of Planes, Trains and Automobiles chaos with Steve Martin and John Candy swirl around in my head as I envision planning our holiday travel.
It’s that time of year when everyone’s spending time with friends and family and trying to make everlasting memories. The holidays can be a bit stressful when your child has special needs, but don’t let that damper the joy that you and your child should...
Raising kids is no easy task, but it can become even more challenging when your child has special needs. This requires a whole other level of planning. It can be tough when your child faces difficulties their peers may not, or when your family does...
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means planning for a day filled with family, food, and fun. Depending on how many people attend, things can get a bit crazy.
The emotions we feel throughout the day are always changing. Sometimes, you may be feeling more than one emotion at a time – you may be happy that a friend won first place, but also sad, jealous, or frustrated that you didn’t win.
Autumn has arrived, and with it comes cooler temperatures and changing leaves. Let your kids get outside to burn off excess energy while having fun, practicing coordination and balance, sharing or working together with others, reducing stress...
Children diagnosed with autism typically have difficulties interacting appropriately with the world around them. They require more structure, repetition, and positive reinforcement to develop skills that children without autism pick up from others.
Sharing; It’s part of everyday life and an essential social skill. However, for young children, sharing is a skill that must be taught and modeled and can sometimes be hard to understand. You can be proactive in helping your children learn to share...
Stuttering can be a frustrating problem for children, especially when it keeps them from effectively expressing themselves or makes them feel different.
PediaPlex is hosting a free Halloween event for children and their families on Thursday, October 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The PediaPlex facility will have festive decorations, games to play, prizes to win, vendors offering food, and more.
Halloween can be an exciting time for your kids to dress up in their favorite costume and go trick-or-treating with friends and family. It’s a night where they get to yell, laugh, be silly, and have fun.
Halloween is an exciting time for kids to dress up as their favorite characters and trick-or-treat from house to house with friends. But if your child has food allergies, you know that
Mental health plays an important role in a child’s development. It supports learning, communication, behavior, social skills, emotional well-being, and more.
There’s a common saying that goes, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is exactly that – a spectrum. No two children are affected in exactly the same way.
We live in a busy world. There is so much for kids to see and do and so many challenges and rewards they experience on a daily basis. Getting them involved in yoga can be a great way to strengthen their body and mind while also promoting stress relief.
PediaPlex is committed to providing exceptional care and support to its clients and their families. A recent poll in DFW Child recognized three PediaPlex therapists as mom-approved choices for exceptional service.
All children experience a little anxiety from time to time. They may be nervous about the first day of school, a big test coming up, or the neighbor’s dog that likes to bark.
Language development is an important part of childhood. Children learn new words every day and improve their ability to communicate effectively. All children learn at their own pace, but as a parent, there are many ways that you can support your child’s...
You look away for a minute and when you turn back, your child is gone. This can be terrifying for any parent, but for some parents with children with autism, it is a constant fear.
Being a kid can be tough. Kids are still learning the ways of the world and how to cope with the challenges they face. However, just like adults, children can struggle with depression too.
If you or your child has food allergies – or know someone who does – you know what a serious issue this is. For some children, even minimal exposure can trigger a life-threatening reaction.
The world is full of all kinds of people and everyone has something to contribute. Children are constantly observing and absorbing information from the world around them.
One of the things that makes the world such an amazing place is that no two people are exactly the same. Everyone brings their own spark and contributions.
PediaPlex will be sponsoring, attending, and hosting events throughout August as families and educators prepare for the start of a new school year. On August 9 at 6 p.m., PediaPlex will be holding its own “Gearing up for School” event to educate...
Summer is peak travel time for many families, but when you have a child with special needs, it may seem a little daunting. You’re used to the comforts and familiarity of your own community, knowing that you have everything you need close by.
A new school year is just around the corner, and summer vacation is winding down. While parents are rejoicing, kids are not always as eager to get back to school.
Every child learns to read and write at their own pace. Just because your child is not at the same level as their friend does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong.
On Saturday, July 30, PediaPlex will be hosting its 2016 Summer Games from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be fun and exciting games for children to play and a wide selection of vendors to choose from for food and refreshments.
Life is unpredictable and things can change in a heartbeat. You simply cannot plan for everything. However, there are many things that you can plan for, and this sense of order and routine can be very beneficial for children and families in general.
Parenting is tough. Every child is different and there is not one path that works for every family. You have to go through trial and error to figure out what works best for you and your family’s needs.
In the spirit of the 4th of July, take a moment to reflect on – and celebrate – how much your child has grown and matured. It does not have to be leaps and bounds; even the little steps count.
There is a common saying that goes “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
One of the challenges of raising a child with autism is coping with meltdowns, which can be unexpected. Something as simple as a change in routine or environment or the rubbing of a new shirt can be hard for children to deal with.
Children with ADHD are not purposely trying to break the rules or make you frustrated. It can be very difficult for them to control their impulses, manage their time, and get things done.
Raising a child with special needs can be a tough job – but so can being the sibling of a child with special needs. Sometimes siblings feel left out or overlooked because parents spend more time focusing on their brother or sister who requires more help.
Summer break is just around the corner, and the kids are eager to be done with school while parents may not be quite as excited. Having some down time can be nice, but researchers estimate that some children lose anywhere from two to three months...
I did it, I finally did it. On Friday, June 20, I donned my robe and cap along with my National Honor Society cords and crest, and my Blood-Donation cords.
It is normal to worry about your child’s well-being and want to protect them from being hurt or upset. However, you cannot protect them from every up and down in life. Oftentimes these bumps in the road are short-lived and your child learns to adjust and..
It can be hard as a parent not to compare your child to someone else’s. This goes for all parents, regardless of whether their child has special needs. However, when your child does have special needs, their developmental milestones can be on a...
Raising a child with special needs can be difficult. You are continually left wondering what the future will hold. You want to give your child the world and support them in becoming as independent and self-sufficient as possible.
Socializing was never my favorite activity to partake in. I was always quiet and reserved, mostly keeping to myself to prevent any awkward or unwanted situations.
Imagine living each day with overwhelming anxiety or having trouble engaging in social situations with others. These are challenges that some children face all the time. For children with special needs, therapy animals can provide much needed relief...
Children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) often have a difficult time interacting with the world around them. They may be overly sensitive to certain textures, smells, sounds or sights; this could cause trouble filtering the stimuli out to focus...
Occupational therapy (OT) supports children in becoming more independent and developing their cognitive, fine motor, physical, and sensory skills. When a child feels more confident and capable of doing things on their own, this can also have a positive...
Walking was not easy for me, even going back until I was about eighteen months, which was the age when I took my first step.
While spring break is a time of celebration for many kids because it means a week off school, it can be a time of both joy and dread for parents – especially those with special needs children who thrive on routine and structure.
I was not good at sports as a child and am currently still in the same situation. I may not have been good at sports, but I still enjoyed them just as I would have if I had been given Athletic potential to be good at a sport.
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are terms that have become more prevalent in recent years as research and understanding of this condition improve.
To kids (and even adults!), making the mess is half the fun! However, when you try to get them to clean up afterward, that is when the battles begin. Putting things away and washing up is more daunting than the fun they were having using everything.
In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, we are examining some of the myths that still surround this condition today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one out of every 700 babies...
Sleep is very important in a child’s growth and development. Their body needs time to relax and heal, as does their mind, but when bedtime is a fight, sleep can be disrupted.
Spring is just around the corner and that means warmer weather and longer days. It’s time to brush off those winter blues and enjoy all that springtime in Dallas has to offer.
All parents want their kids to be compassionate, thoughtful and caring. You want them to be nice to others because they know it is the right thing to do. Kids learn by example and by watching how others behave and interact.
When many people think of speech therapy, they think about the literal act of speaking. While this is part of speech therapy, it also includes language disorders and social skills.
PediaPlex is excited to be expanding its ABA therapy room and program to accommodate more children with autism in receiving this beneficial, evidence-based therapy.
Valentine’s Day is coming up and what a wonderful time for arts and crafts with your kids. Let them be creative and practice their fine motor skills as they make cards and snacks to share with the people they love.
With a society that’s more technology-driven than ever, it’s important to keep your kids active and moving. Instead of letting your kids veg out in front of the television or computer – even if they’re doing something educational – make it a point to ...
Pictures were not my strong suit and they still aren’t. It takes all of my strength not to look away and look at something slightly more interesting.
Caring for a child with special needs can be stressful even with the help of a spouse. But what do you do when your spouse is called up for active duty and deployed halfway around the world?
When I was little opening cans was definitely a challenge for me. My little sister who was about six or seven years old at the time always had to show me how or she would do it herself.
One of the classic signs of autism is having difficulty interacting appropriately in social situations. As such, it would seem that sports and team activities would be off the table.
When I was little I always gravitated toward sour candy. I was desperate to eat something so sour that I couldn’t stand it. It was like what other kids thought was sour, I thought was sweet.
Meal time can be frustrating when your child only wants macaroni and cheese or refuses to eat anything green. No matter how you try to negotiate, their food preference is limited.
As a kid, I hated sitting up anywhere that was high up enough to where my feet couldn’t touch the ground. I hated the thought of getting hurt because I didn’t want to deal with the pain if I fell.
Parenting a child with developmental challenges can be tough, but it’s not impossible. You have your share of good days and bad days, successes and challenges.
It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the holiday season. The parties, the school concerts, the decorations, and especially for kids: the gifts.
As a child I loved to read. It took me places I never thought I could go—places like the Prehistoric Age and Medieval times. I got to see what life was like from the eyes of a cat, like in the book series Warrior Cats.
In the last blog, we looked at some specific communication devices and strategies that can support non-verbal children in expressing themselves. But outside of technology, there are other ways that you can encourage communication and interaction.
Having friends is important—not just to normal kids, but to special needs kids as well. Having a friend got me through the hard times in school.
Speaking is one of our primary forms of communication. But what do you do when you have a non-verbal child? How can you understand their needs and enable them to express their thoughts and emotions in a way that makes sense?
Learning that your child has been diagnosed with autism can be difficult to accept. You are left with many unanswered questions and may experience grief and a feeling of loss. What you envisioned for your future and the future of your child is changing.
A long time in the making, the iconic children’s TV show, Sesame Street, has finally debuted a new, very special, member of the Muppet family.
Being bad at sports, but still enjoying the game. Being good at a sport and hating it is one thing, but being bad at a sport and loving it with all your might is something completely different.
Having a child with special needs creates obstacles that typical children do not usually encounter, especially in the academic setting.
How animals are important for Children on the Autism Spectrum What’s the first thought that comes to your mind when you think of your first pet?
Halloween Horrors for children with sensory integration disorder Who likes itchy outfits? I know I didn’t as a child and I certainly still don’t like them now even as an adult.
Halloween is quickly approaching and children everywhere are preparing to put on quirky costumes and devour considerable amounts of sugar.
How to help a child that has bad motor skills. I have tried to block out much of my childhood because it brings back many unhappy memories that I would rather not remember.
In recent news, an 8-year-old child was handcuffed after disrupting a class and exhibiting challenging behaviors. Disciplining children can be a very sensitive topic, but handcuffing a child is blatantly traumatic and entirely unnecessary.
Dear PediaPlex Team, I cannot tell you what your group has meant to our family! You were open and available right when we needed you, and have given us a wonderful start on our journey.
We are proud and excited to be participating in conjunction with Oncor at the 2015 Dallas Heart Walk, sponsored by the American Heart Association.
“Applied behavior analysis” sounds like a chapter in a textbook I had to cram for and forgot after the exam. You may hear words like reinforcement, conditions, and punishment and may remember the experiments on the mouse in electronic box, but ask...
There is no denying that having a child with autism adds a little extra effort to your already complicated life. When you’re raising a child with special needs, nothing is really ‘normal’ and it’s an anomaly when things ‘go as planned.’
When you think of the word ‘therapy’ it’s natural to envision a strait-laced business professional with a notepad and a theory on why you’re like your mother.
What was your first word? More than likely it’s collecting dust in a baby book somewhere in your mom’s attic. Ironically, my parents fought over which of them came first, “momma” or “dada,” like I was already “taking sides” at tender age of 1.
Recently, if you logged in to any major social media network or turned on any news station you probably encountered the headline: “Mom of Autistic Girl Kicked Off Plane Speaks Out.”
PediaPlex has been a blessing to our family and is now like our second home. My son Walter loves and enjoys his therapy and has come a long way thanks to the help provided by Angela, Monica and Lauren.
Online communities are a great resource for parents looking to connect with other families and discover resources to support their child’s development.
Thank you for providing such great service to our daughter in her time of need. We are grateful for your kindness and expertise.
Pediaplex has been an amazing experience for our family! When we walked in the door, my child was nonverbal, severely dyspraxic and anxious.
Becoming a parent is the most tumultuous ride of your life – just ask any of your baby-on-board buddies. To say your days will be long and exhausting is an understatement – mostly because your child simply cannot tell you what he/she needs to be satisfied.
Parents are often confused when they’re told that their child would benefit from occupational therapy. Often, the first question that comes to mind is, “Why does my child need work-related treatment, when he still hasn’t mastered tying his shoes?”
In keeping with our philosophy that raising public awareness of disorders and disabilities that affect children is an ongoing, year-round effort, we will be participating in three important activities in the month of April and May.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a proven, evidenced-based treatment for children with Autism. ABA treatment programs focus on applying behavior methods to help improve the behaviors, as well as the overall quality of life, of children with autism...
My family was seriously lost in the system. Our son suffers from ADHD and I was at my wits end. He is 10 and had started to struggle in school behaviorally and socially.
Occupational therapists, physical therapists, education professionals and parents use weighted products to improve sensory processing and help attain a calming and organizing influence to the nervous system for children with Autism...
PediaPlex is excited to offer academic intervention and tutoring services. Our staff is trained in a variety of intervention methods including Reading Recovery, Multi-sensory Teaching Approach, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
We were so pleased to host our open house on February 9 and have our ribbon cutting ceremony with the Colleyville and Grapevine Chambers of Commerce.
How do you know if a child is developing typically? At 3 months, a child typically: