Skip to main content
Call Us Patient Intake Form

Latest News

PediaPlex Blog View all posts

What Qualifies My Child for a Medical Assessment for Autism?
Decoding the nuances of childhood behaviors can be a journey, revealing not just phases but potential paths to deeper understanding. With every sign and symptom, there lies an opportunity to foster connection, comprehension, and care.
Sep 1st, 2023

5 Encouraging Facts About Sensory Processing Disorders
Sensory processing disorders can cause children to experience sensory overload. With the correct therapy and early intervention, children can overcome the challenges accompanying differences in sensory processing.
Jun 5th, 2023

5 Childhood Signs of Dyslexia
Early identification and intervention are crucial when it comes to dyslexia. Don't wait for your child to fall behind - take action and have them evaluated by a qualified professional.
Apr 30th, 2023

Can Occupational Therapy Help Manage Autism?
Occupational therapy can offer numerous benefits for people with autism. By addressing the unique challenges that individuals with autism may face, occupational therapy helps improve lives.
Apr 2nd, 2023

My Child Has Trouble Eating: Can You Help?
Eating is usually an enjoyable part of a child’s day. However, it’s common for some children to have feeding difficulties that may impair their growth and development. A feeding evaluation can provide much needed answers.
Jan 9th, 2023

Understanding the Different Types of Autism
Every child has unique skills and varying challenges. Early intervention provides children with autism the best opportunity to learn new skills and change behaviors to thrive and reach their potential.
Dec 2nd, 2022

Why Early Intervention is Important for Autism
A diagnosis of autism can be made reliably in children as young as 18 months. Early intervention can change how the brain develops and help your child make great strides in development.
Oct 4th, 2022

Autism in Girls: The Signs Can be Different
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.
Jun 1st, 2022

Why Autism Diagnoses Are Often Delayed

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.
Apr 11th, 2022

How to Show Support on Autism Awareness Day
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.
Mar 29th, 2022

Does My Child Need Speech Therapy?

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?
Mar 23rd, 2022

Spring Break for Families of Children with Autism
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.
Mar 3rd, 2022

Sensory Room Ideas for Children with Autism
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.
Jan 25th, 2022

The Cheerful Chevy
Meet the Cheerful Chevy! Chevy is 3 years-old and attends our Frisco PediaPlex therapy clinic for occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Nov 11th, 2021

Sleeping Challenges for Children with Special Needs
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.
Oct 24th, 2021

The Outgoing and Fun Steffanie
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.
Oct 18th, 2021

History of the Teal Pumpkin Project
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...
Oct 5th, 2021

7 Dimensions of ABA Therapy
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.
Sep 29th, 2021

The Spunky Bryson
Meet the spunky Bryson! Bryson is 2.5 year old and attends PediaPlex for speech therapy.
Sep 16th, 2021

Back to School Challenges
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.
Sep 2nd, 2021

The Amazing Brayden
Allow us to introduce you to the amazing Brayden. Brayden is an RBT and RBT mentor at our Southlake PediaPlex clinic.
Aug 13th, 2021

Using Imitation to Teach Speech
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.
Jul 30th, 2021

Autism Assessment: Medical vs Educational
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...
Jul 26th, 2021

The One and Only Megan
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.
Jul 15th, 2021

Frisco Open House Event
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.
Jul 9th, 2021

Importance of Routines
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 ...
Jun 29th, 2021

Why Play is Beneficial for Kids
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.
Jun 16th, 2021

The Fantastic Flynn
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.
Jun 8th, 2021

How ABA Therapy Helps with Social Skills
Starting conversations, showing empathy, listening, and nonverbal communication are just a few examples of social skills that kids develop as they get older.
May 28th, 2021

Traveling on the Autism Spectrum
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...
May 21st, 2021

The Wonderful Harriet
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!
May 14th, 2021

Terms Used in ABA
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.
May 4th, 2021

Early Intervention with Speech
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.
Apr 27th, 2021

Meet the Wonderful Evan
Meet the wonderful Evan! Evan is 5 years old and comes to PediaPlex for ABA therapy, speech, and occupational therapy.
Apr 22nd, 2021

Spring Occupational Therapy Activities
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!
Apr 5th, 2021

World Autism Day
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...
Mar 29th, 2021

Creative and Talented Chloe
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.
Mar 16th, 2021

ABA Therapy in Frisco
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.
Mar 10th, 2021

Talking About Sensory Processing Disorder
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...
Mar 1st, 2021

Developmental Disability Awareness Month
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.
Feb 22nd, 2021

The Sweet and Kind Taylor
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.
Feb 11th, 2021

Frisco Location Updates
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?
Jan 30th, 2021

A Day in the Life at PediaPlex
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...
Jan 25th, 2021

Meet PediaPlex Founder, Sonia
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!
Jan 18th, 2021

Child Developmental Milestones
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.
Dec 21st, 2020

Bubbly and Fun Leo
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.
Dec 11th, 2020

What is Speech Therapy?
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.
Nov 24th, 2020

Road Trips During the Holidays
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.
Nov 12th, 2020

The Wonderful Olivia
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.
Nov 5th, 2020

Preparing for the Holidays
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.
Oct 24th, 2020

How Occupational Therapy Can Help with Virtual Learning
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...
Oct 14th, 2020

Meet the Incredible Ryan
Meet the incredible Ryan! Ryan is 10 years old and attends PediaPlex for ABA therapy and occupational therapy.
Oct 9th, 2020

The Dedicated and Kind Julia
Meet the dedicated and kind Julia! Julia is a registered behavior therapist (RBT) mentor at our Southlake PediaPlex clinic!
Sep 22nd, 2020

Help with Handwriting
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.
Aug 25th, 2020

Does My Child Need Feeding Therapy?
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
Aug 14th, 2020

Meet the Energetic Jerome
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.
Aug 10th, 2020

Starting ABA 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.
Jul 29th, 2020

Skills You Didn’t Know OT Could Help With
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.
Jul 27th, 2020

The Outstanding Hudson
Meet the outstanding Hudson! Hudson is 5-years-old and receives ABA, Speech, and Occupational Therapy at PediaPlex.
Jul 14th, 2020

Coping with Change During COVID-19
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.
Jul 5th, 2020

Summer Cooking Ideas
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.
Jun 17th, 2020

Meet the Wonderful SLP, Courtney!
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.
Jun 11th, 2020

Sensory Art and Science Projects
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.
May 28th, 2020

Water Safety
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.
May 17th, 2020

Meet the Wonderful Judson
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 13th, 2020

Celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month
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!
Apr 28th, 2020

Meet the Fun and Wonderful Karen!
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.
Apr 25th, 2020

Preparing for Teletherapy
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.
Apr 21st, 2020

Sensory Box Fun
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?!
Mar 26th, 2020

Meet the Amazing COTA Shannon!
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.
Mar 20th, 2020

Sensory Aware Saturday
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!
Feb 28th, 2020

The Adorable and Sweet Kate!
Meet the adorable and sweet Kate! Kate attends our Fort Worth/Keller PediaPlex location for ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Feeding Therapy.
Feb 24th, 2020

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
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.
Feb 12th, 2020

Fun and Energetic Jaymee
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!
Jan 30th, 2020

Did You Brush Your Teeth Yet?
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.
Jan 24th, 2020

Benefits of Play Therapy
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.
Jan 16th, 2020

Disabilities? Super Powers
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.
Jan 7th, 2020

Cold Weather Troubles
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?
Jan 2nd, 2020

Meet our Staff Spotlight Dara
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.
Dec 31st, 2019

Winter Break Troubles
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.
Dec 1st, 2019

The Season of Giving
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.
Nov 29th, 2019

Meet the Energetic Billy
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...
Nov 27th, 2019

Navigating Through Health Insurance
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.
Oct 29th, 2019

Meet the Rock Star, Angelica!
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!
Oct 22nd, 2019

A Sensory Friendly Halloween
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.
Oct 1st, 2019

Spotlight on Stella
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!
Sep 24th, 2019

Megan Becomes a COTA
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!
Sep 20th, 2019

Falling into the DFW Community Events this Fall
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!
Sep 2nd, 2019

Speech Therapy Client Spotlight
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...
Aug 20th, 2019

The Dallas Zoo Welcomes Children with Autism
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!
Aug 1st, 2019

What Does It Mean To Be A DFW Mom-Approved Child Therapist?
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...
Jul 4th, 2019

Summer Travel Kits for Kids with Autism
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?
Jun 21st, 2019

Fun Summer Activities for Autistic Children
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...
May 25th, 2019

Patient Spotlight: Energetic Jett Patrick
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!
May 17th, 2019

Mothers, Your Struggle Is Real
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...
May 1st, 2019

Seeking Clarity on Common ASD Myths
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.
Mar 4th, 2019

Staff Spotlight: Jenny Vilayvanh
March is National Social Worker Month! Here at PediaPlex, we love social workers and all that they do to help our families!
Mar 4th, 2019

Play Therapy… What In The Heck Is That?
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.
Feb 5th, 2019

Staff Spotlight: Amy Vandegriff
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.
Feb 4th, 2019

Sensory-Friendly Holidays
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!
Dec 10th, 2018

Client Spotlight: Sweet Olivia Garcia
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.
Nov 8th, 2018

Gratitude in the Midst of Chaos
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.
Nov 1st, 2018

Sonia’s What To Expect Series: Pre-Teens!
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!
Sep 2nd, 2018

Client Spotlight: Sweet Ava Cloud
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.
Sep 1st, 2018

“What To Expect” Series: Diagnosing Autistic Toddlers
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...
Aug 7th, 2018

PediaPlex is Expanding to Fort Worth!
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.
Aug 7th, 2018

Client Spotlight: Will & Stevie
We absolutely love hearing about our client’s progress after they graduate from our program. Will and Stevie are no exception.
Jun 28th, 2018

Staff Spotlight: Taylor Cook
Meet Behavioral Therapist Taylor Cook! Taylor has worked at PediaPlex for a little over 3 months now in our ABA Therapy program.
May 30th, 2018

Celebrating Our PediaPlex Fathers!
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...
May 29th, 2018

Sensory-Friendly Events for June!
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...
May 8th, 2018

Autistic Children Having a Blast With ABA Therapy!
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!
May 8th, 2018

Staff Spotlight: Sierra Phillips
Meet Sierra Phillips! Sierra is a Registered Behavior Therapist and also our Leading Training Therapist here at PediaPlex in our ABA Program.
May 8th, 2018

Your Awareness & Autism
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!
Apr 19th, 2018

Reducing Bedtime Struggles and Promoting Better Sleep
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.
Mar 13th, 2018

Building Patience in Children with Autism
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.
Feb 22nd, 2018

Therapy for Children: Which Method Works Best?
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...
Feb 6th, 2018

Winter Sensory Crafts for Kids
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.
Jan 30th, 2018

First Semester in College with Autism
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.
Jan 22nd, 2018

College Bound: University Life With Autism
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.
Jan 8th, 2018

New Year’s Resolutions for Parents
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...
Dec 26th, 2017

School’s Out: Managing Changes Over Winter Break
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.
Dec 12th, 2017

Could it be Dyslexia ?

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.
Nov 14th, 2017

Helping Your Child Cope with Stuttering
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.
Oct 17th, 2017

Fighting Back Against Bullying
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.
Oct 10th, 2017

Is it Picky Eating or Something More? How Feeding Therapy Can Help
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...
Oct 3rd, 2017

Improving Communication When Your Child is Non-Verbal
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.
Sep 19th, 2017

Recognizing Signs of Depression in Children
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.
Aug 29th, 2017

Preparing to Go Back to School
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.
Aug 22nd, 2017

Improving Focus for Children with ADHD
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.
Aug 8th, 2017

Play Therapy to Promote Positive Behavior and Self Expression
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.
Jul 25th, 2017

Making Therapy a Family Activity
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.
Jul 18th, 2017

Seeing the Bright Side of an Autism Diagnosis
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...
Jun 27th, 2017

Summer Sensory Activities to Do at Home
Sensory input never stops. We are constantly bombarded by sights, sounds, smells, movement, and textures. For some kids, this can be very overwhelming.
Jun 20th, 2017

Making the Most of ABA Therapy
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.
Jun 13th, 2017

Maintaining a Sense of Structure Over the Summer
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.
Jun 6th, 2017

Encouraging Speech Development in Young Children
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.
May 30th, 2017

Strategies for Managing Food Allergies
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.
May 23rd, 2017

5 Spring Break Activities Children Will Love
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.
Apr 25th, 2017

5 Ways You Can Raise Autism Awareness
April is Autism Awareness Month and a busy time when organizations and individuals are raising funds, increasing understanding, and breaking down stigmas regarding autism.
Apr 11th, 2017

Talking to Other Children About 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.
Apr 4th, 2017

Say Hello to Howdy’s
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 ....
Mar 7th, 2017

Autism Resources for My Unique Child
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.
Feb 15th, 2017

What is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy?
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.
Jan 31st, 2017

A Father’s Journey: From Concern to Hope
“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.”
Jan 25th, 2017

New Conversations for the New Year
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...
Jan 9th, 2017

Travel Tips for Special Needs Families
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.
Dec 22nd, 2016

Bringing Out the Joy in the Holidays
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...
Dec 15th, 2016

Ways to Be Supportive of Families with Special Needs
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...
Nov 24th, 2016

Helping Children with Autism Better Understand Emotions
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.
Nov 17th, 2016

Fun Fall Activities to Keep your Kids Active
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...
Nov 10th, 2016

Boosting Desirable Behavior Through ABA Therapy
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.
Nov 3rd, 2016

Teaching Your Children to Share
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...
Oct 27th, 2016

Is ABA Therapy Right for Your Child?
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.
Sep 29th, 2016

Benefits of Yoga for Kids
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.
Sep 22nd, 2016

Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety
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.
Sep 15th, 2016

Supporting Your Child’s Speech and Language Development
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...
Sep 8th, 2016

Taking Steps to Prevent Wandering
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.
Sep 1st, 2016

Is Your Child Depressed?
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.
Aug 25th, 2016

Teaching Kids About Disabilities
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.
Aug 18th, 2016

Appreciating Your Child’s Differences
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.
Aug 11th, 2016

Kick Off the School Year Right With PediaPlex
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...
Aug 8th, 2016

Tips for Traveling with Children with Special Needs
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.
Aug 5th, 2016

Easing Back into School Mode
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.
Jul 28th, 2016

Could it be Dyslexia?
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.
Jul 19th, 2016

PediaPlex Hosts 2016 Summer Games to Keep Kids Active
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.
Jul 18th, 2016

The Value in Routine
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.
Jul 14th, 2016

How You Can Be a More Purposeful Parent
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.
Jul 7th, 2016

Celebrating Your Child’s Independence
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.
Jul 1st, 2016

Debunking Common Myths About Autism
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.
Jun 23rd, 2016

Minimizing Meltdowns in Children with Autism
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.
Jun 21st, 2016

Strategies for Coping with ADHD at Home
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.
Jun 16th, 2016

Supporting Siblings of Children with Special Needs
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.
Jun 9th, 2016

Preventing Summer Brain Drain
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...
Jun 2nd, 2016

Does My Child Need Counseling?
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..
May 26th, 2016

Celebrating Your Child’s Successes
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...
May 19th, 2016

Update on Megan: Watching her Thrive
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.
May 12th, 2016

Socialite… Social never
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.
May 6th, 2016

Therapy Animals and Kids with Special Needs
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...
May 5th, 2016

Recommended Crafts for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders
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...
Apr 28th, 2016

How Occupational Therapy Benefits Home Life
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...
Apr 21st, 2016

Avoiding Spring Break Setbacks
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.
Apr 14th, 2016

Skiing does not have to be a Downhill Experience
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.
Apr 8th, 2016

Top Signs Your Child May Have Autism
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are terms that have become more prevalent in recent years as research and understanding of this condition improve.
Apr 7th, 2016

How to Make Spring Cleaning Fun
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.
Mar 24th, 2016

The Facts About Down Syndrome: Breaking the Myths
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...
Mar 17th, 2016

Win the Bedtime Battle with Your Kids
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.
Mar 10th, 2016

Leap into Kindness by Showing Others You Care
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.
Feb 25th, 2016

How to Motivate your Kids to be Active
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 ...
Feb 4th, 2016

Pictures Require Focus
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.
Jan 29th, 2016

My Spouse is Deployed, Now What?
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?
Jan 28th, 2016

Opening Cans
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.
Jan 22nd, 2016

Athletes with Autism
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.
Jan 21st, 2016

Was That Supposed to be Sour?
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.
Jan 15th, 2016

Parenting the Pickiest of Eaters
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.
Jan 14th, 2016

I’m Scared of Heights
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.
Jan 8th, 2016

What Can I do Different in 2016?
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.
Jan 7th, 2016

Making the Holidays a Time of Reflection
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.
Dec 24th, 2015

Reading takes me everywhere I want to go
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.
Dec 18th, 2015

You’ve got a friend in me.
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.
Dec 11th, 2015

Conquering Grief After Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis
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.
Dec 3rd, 2015

Flunking in Sports? As if.
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.
Nov 20th, 2015

My Best Friend … Furrever!
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?
Nov 13th, 2015

Itchy Witchy
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.
Oct 26th, 2015

Helpful Halloween
Halloween is quickly approaching and children everywhere are preparing to put on quirky costumes and devour considerable amounts of sugar.
Oct 22nd, 2015

Did Someone Say Buttons?
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.
Oct 19th, 2015

How to Effectively Discipline an Autistic Child
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.
Oct 1st, 2015

A wonderful start on our journey
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.
Sep 29th, 2015

The Five Insights ABA Therapy Gave Me About My Child
“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...
Sep 3rd, 2015

Transitioning Back to School
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.’
Aug 20th, 2015

Can Play Really be a Form of Therapy?
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.
Aug 6th, 2015

Dear Parent of a Non-Verbal Child
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.
Jul 16th, 2015

We were at the right place with the right people
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.
Jun 24th, 2015

PediaPlex Recognizes Autism Awareness Month
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.
Apr 15th, 2015

ABA Therapy
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...
Sep 5th, 2012

Yelp Review
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.
Sep 5th, 2012

Calminghugs.com
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...
Sep 5th, 2012

Tutoring
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).
Sep 5th, 2012