Therapy Programs
New Heights with Therapies and Special Programs
The Special Children Center staff recognizes that each child is different and requires a special program to meet his/her individual needs for skill acquisition. These special needs can be met with a range of therapies-based in play and physical activities-that are used to facilitate those areas in need of remediation.
Occupational, physical and speech therapies may be offered individually or in combination to maximize the benefit for the child. In addition, Special Children
Center offers a number of cutting-edge specialized therapies for children who may require a specific treatment modality or a more intensive therapy program.
Services offered include:
- Evaluation
- Direct treatment
- Home program development
- Education
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech/Language Therapy
Therapies:
Berand Auditory Integration Training (AIT) - A listening/sound frequency program used to facilitate auditory and movement processing. (Berard based)
Craniosacral Therapy/Myofascial Release - A hands-on technique that facilitates bone alignment, facial mobility and physiological functioning.
Fast Forward - A computer program designed to facilitate speech and language development rapidly.
Hydrotherapy - A warm, therapeutic temperature pool to enhance sensory and motor performance. This is especially effective for tight muscles.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation - A low electrical stimulation used to provide sensory and motor input when a child is engaged in a goal-directed activity.
Oral-Motor/Respiration Techniques - Involves working with rib cage expansion and oral motor functioning.
Samonas Listening - A home or within clinic listening program that stimulates development through sound. Bone conduction and headphones are used in clinic. Home program development is a possibility. More on Samonas.
Sensory Integration Therapy - An intervention program for sensory processing challenges. It is a play-based therapy model to facilitate the child's development.
Threshold Electrical Stimulation - A low electrical stimulation applied during sleep to strengthen the weak muscles of children with cerebral palsy and other conditions in which muscle disuse occurs.
Visceral Manipulation- A gentle technique to mobilize the viscera.
Cerebral Electrical Stimulation- A low electrical stimulation applied to the cranium. Works well to decrease muscle tone, increase self-regulation, increase praxis and learning.
Kinesiotaping- Use of specifically designed skin tape used to inhibit or facilitate muscle activation and support postural stability.
Therapeutic Listening Protocols- A blended use of modified (AIT based) CD’s and Samonas with a Sensory Integration base to facilitate development.
LIFT- Tomatas based listening protocol.
Metabolic Considerations- We have many resources in this area for families. We also have a core understanding about how this area impacts on sensory processing, motor performance, behavior, and learning.
REI- Rhythmic entrainment technique uses drum rhythm CDs to assist at facilitating self-regulation and language.
TheraSuit - Special Children Center is among 50 clinics in the United States that offers TheraSuit. The TheraSuit program which originates from Poland is used to treat patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, stroke, developmental delays, ataxia, athetosis, traumatic brain injuries and many other neurological disorders. It is a tremendous help to patients suffering from sensory integration problems and autism.
Through the system of elastic rubber bands, a patient's body is aligned as close to normal as possible. This restoration of posture and proper function of postural muscles allows the patient to learn (or relearn) proper patterns of movement. The patient's body is loaded with very specific and unique pressure that restores deep proprioception from joints, ligaments and muscles. The TheraSuit provides external stabilization to the trunk and therefore, allows more fluent and coordinated movement for both upper and lower extremities. 
Fine and gross motor skills improve in 94% of patients. Speech productivity and fluency is noted in 64%. For further statistics and to learn more about TheraSuit, visit www.suittherapy.com.
Asthma- Deanna Wanzek, LPT, executive director of SCC, has developed a treatment protocol to assist children with asthma. The program uses rib cage mobilization techniques, myofascial release, and respiratory activities to help increase respiratory support and improve breathing patterns. Nice changes are being noted with this program!”
Drop in Swim- Our warm water pool is now available for drop in swim! You may bring your child to SCC for swim/water time to aide in the child’s program to promote self regulation, strengthening, relaxation, etc. This program is set up so that one parent per child can use the pool facility. The cost is $35 for 7 sessions. During these sessions you are responsible for your child’s safety. No lifeguard is available.”