Sensory experiences include touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, movement, body awareness and pull of gravity. Sometimes one or more of these senses are either overactive to stimulation or underactive to stimulation. Although sensory receptors are located within the peripheral nervous system (includes everything except for the brain and spinal cord), it is researched that the […]
Getting the most out of intensive therapy is paramount for the child’s family, therapists, and of course the child. Anything we and the family can do to maximise the benefit to the child should be explored. In 2003, I was involved in the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of brain-injuries. Since then, […]
Sensory integration is reported to be developed in the 60’s and 70’s by an OT, A. Jean Ayres, and is designed to help children with sensory processing problems. Sensory integration therapy is a face-to-face therapy or treatment provided by therapists. Sensory Integration provides a crucial foundation for complex learning and behaviours, later through life. The […]
Most therapists who see children with a near drowning brain-injury simply don’t know what to do with them or how to help. These kids end up being “given up on” and receive intensive therapy that is limited to prescription of wheelchairs and seating needs. This is not something that should be blamed on the therapists […]
A therapy assistant is someone trained by your child’s therapist that comes into your home and helps you carry out the home program for your child. Sometimes this is done as the child’s therapy requires two sets of hands. Other times it is done so you, the parent, can have a break. Our principle therapist, […]
Paediatric Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (PIASTM) is a new and highly effective intensive therapy to help reduce muscle tightness and spasticity for children with cerebral palsy. We have been practicing PIASTM at The Timmermans Method clinics for the last three months, and the results have been highly encouraging. The reason we love PIASTM so […]
Good nutrition is essential for all children, and even more important for children with Cerebral Palsy. To assist your child reaching their full growth and development potential, a rounded and balanced nutritional intake is required. All children living with Cerebral Palsy have up to three times increased energy expenditure during any given movement. This increase […]
Breathe! I have to remember that during this crazy period, they’re calling COVID19. I thought my life was full on having two children, one with special needs, and working full time. But throw in home schooling, and home therapy as well, and far out, life has definitely taken a turn in the fast lane! My […]
People with Cerebral Palsy have major problems with tightness in their body. Last month we started using a new therapy technique called PIASTM to help release the tension and stiffness. Paediatric Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (PIASTM), is a massage technique started in India that releases the muscle tension out of spastic muscles. One of […]
Hearing the words ‘your daughter will never, walk, talk or understand the world around her, and we think you should turn her life support off’, were words that I never wanted to hear. Especially when your brand new baby is only a few days old. But the day those awful words were said, is the […]