The Importance of Tummy Time for Infant Development

Making sure that your infant gets enough tummy time is important for the achievement of milestone markers and the integration of primitive reflexes. Infants spend much of their time in carseats and strollers and are also placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. While these precautions keep our children safe, they limit the amount of time babies spend on their tummies. Children that spend too much time on their back, achieve developmental milestones later, can develop a flat spot on the back of their head, and have a higher risk of developing torticollis.
Tummy time should start as soon as your baby comes home. The sooner tummy time starts, the more likely your child will be okay with tummy time. If your child becomes upset or cries when placed on their tummy, try starting with 5 minute sessions every hour throughout the day. Increase the amount of time as your child gets used to being on their tummy. Get down on the floor at eye level with your child and play peek-a-boo, make funny faces, or anything to make the experience interesting and pleasurable for your infant. Don't forget that learning is a social experience and tummy time and play should be a shared time with your infant.

Free Webinar from Handwriting Without Tears

Handwriting Without Tears is offering a free webinar entitled Top 10 Questions About Handwriting on May 15th at 8pm. This live webinar will address why handwriting is still important for student success even in the age of technology, how multisensory instruction support different learning styles, and strategies to make handwriting fun to teach and learn. Sign up at www.hwtears.com

A Great Resource for Nutrition and Special Diet Information for Autism and other disorders

If you are looking to find out more information regarding nutrition and autism spectrum disorders, Julie Matthews' book Nourishing Hope for Autism: Nutrition and Diet Guide for Healing Our Children is a great place to start. Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and an Autism Nutrition Specialist. I had the opportunity to attend one of her presentations this past week and found her to be passionate and knowledgeable. She also has a cookbook of recipes and does cooking classes for special diets. Please check out her website www.nourishinghope.org

Tips for Learning to Tie Shoes

Shoe tying can be a difficult skill to master. The more fun you make an activity, the more your child is going to want to practice. When first teaching shoe tying, have your child's shoe on an elevated surface to to make it easier to see the steps. Initially, tape the loops together (2 loops or 1 loop depending on the method you are using) so your child does not have to remember to pinch the laces while wrapping and tucking a lace. Using pipe cleaners can also be helpful since they can be threaded through the elets of the shoe and hold their shape even when dropped. Practice each step separately (especially if your child becomes overwhelmed with completing multiple steps in sequence) and then try putting the steps in sequence. Maintaining consistency with directions and method used will help your child remain calm and be successful.

Walk for Autism April 21st

Bethlehem Pediatric will be at the Walk for Autism at the Lehigh Valley Parkway in Allentown on Saturday, April 21st. The event runs from 8:30am to 1:00pm and includes a resource fair and 5k walk. Paths are stroller and wagon friendly. Please come out and show your support for a great cause! For more information please visit their website 
http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org

Interactive Storytime

Bethlehem Pediatric Therapy Services is offering a new program called Interactive Storytelling. This program uses movement and multisensory techniques based on DIR/Floortime philosophies to help children experience the story being told instead of only listening to the story. Often times, Children have difficulty maintaining attention to a story that is only provided through one or two of their sensory channels especially if they have difficulty processing auditory information or using working memory to sequence events. By using a multisensory approach, children will be able to act out what is happening in the story and experience it in a whole different way. The children will also have an opportunity to participate in a craft activity based on the themes of the book.
We are launching this new program at our Family Fun Night Friday, April 13th from 6:30-7:30. All are welcome!