Category Archives: Milestones Podcast

Developmental Milestones with Babies who are Born Premature Episode 16

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On this episode I discuss developmental milestones in babies who are born premature or preterm, and how they could be affected by their premature birth. Medical complications are considered as well.

website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/
email: [email protected]

Research Article: Visual orienting and attention deficits in 5- and
10-month-old preterm infants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Ross-Sheehy, Shannon, et al. “The Infant Orienting With Attention task: Assessing the neural basis of spatial attention in infancy.” Infancy : the official journal of the International Society on Infant Studies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530987/. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

Child Development
Special Needs
Sensory Processing
Developmental Milestones


Classroom Considerations for Teachers and Kids with Special Needs Episode 15

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In this episode I discuss possible considerations for teachers to use with children in their classrooms. These ideas could benefit both kids with and without special needs. Strategies are given for ways to potentially increase their attention to tasks as well as help them be calm when being over active or “wound up”.

Research Article: http://ajot.aota.org
Fedewa, Alicia L., and Heather E. Erwin. “Stability Balls and Students With Attention and Hyperactivity Concerns: Implications for On-Task and In-Seat Behavior.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, American Occupational Therapy Association, 1 July 2011, ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1851485. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017

Wittfitt Website: https://www.wittfitt.com

email: [email protected]
website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Child Development
Sensory Processing
Occupational Therapy
Special Needs


Bottles and Cups in Infant and Child Development Episode 14

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On this episode we take a look at a research study that determines what causes the most injuries to children under 3 years of age with regards to bottles, sippy cups, and pacifiers.
Then, you get an Occupational Therapists perspective on teaching kids to drink from an open cup or straw cup when transitioning from bottle drinking.

Research Study Information:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org
Keim, Sarah A., et al. “Injuries Associated With Bottles, Pacifiers, and Sippy Cups in the United States, 1991–2010.” Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 June 2012, pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/6/1104. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

See Amazon links for:
Reflo Cups: Reflo Smart Cup, Green
Take N Toss Cups: The First Years Straw Cup, Take and Toss, 10 Ounce,, 8-Count

email: [email protected]
website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Child Development
Infant Development
Sensory Processing
Oral Motor
Special Needs


“W” Sitting Effect in Child Development Episode 13

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On this show, I talk about the effects of “W” sitting in child development. Whether or not to correct kids who are “W” sitting is apparently a controversial topic! However, as an Occupational Therapist in early intervention, I work with kids who have special needs or developmental and motor delays so my perspective is pretty clear. When kids have developmental or motor delays for whatever reason, they often have weakness in their core muscles (tummy, sides, and back). “W” sitting can allow this weakness to continue which could make their school aged years more difficult than they have to be.

https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Research Article on W Sitting and Flatfoot
http://link.springer.com
Chen, Kun-Chung, et al. “Relevant factors influencing flatfoot in preschool-Aged children.” SpringerLink, Springer-Verlag, 22 Dec. 2010, link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00431-010-1380-7. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

https://consciousmovements.com
Owens, Buffy. The Brilliance of W Sitting. Conscious Movements. Web. 5/22/2017

http://ilslearningcorner.com
Primitive Reflexes: The Answer Behind W Sitting and How to Fix it. Integrated Learning Strategies Learning Corner. Web. 5/22/2017.

Flat Foot (Pes Planus)
http://www.webmd.com
Web MD. Flatfoot Pes Planus Topic Overview. Web. 5/22/2017.

Femoral Anteversion
http://www.childrenshospital.org
Boston Children’s Hospital. Femoral Anteversion Overview. Web. 5/22/2017.

Today News Story on W Sitting
http://www.today.com/
Pawlowski, A. Today. Why W Sitting is Really Not So Bad for Kids After All. Web. 5/22/2017.

Child Development
Sensory Processing
Special Needs


Primitive Reflexes and Special Needs Episode 12

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On this show, I discuss some of the primitive reflexes we are born with or are present early in life. Specifically I talk about the following reflexes: Moro, Rooting, Palmer, ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex), Spinal Galant, and STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex).
Information on what happens when these reflexes do not become integrated at the correct age, and how this can affect kids when they get to a school age.
I share a research study on Reflexes in Kids with ADHD versus kids without ADHD. That study can be found at: http://link.springer.com

Konicarova, Jana, and Petr Bob. “Retained Primitive Reflexes and ADHD in Children.” SpringerLink, Springer International Publishing, 23 Feb. 2017, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03379591. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

STNR for Teachers of School Aged Kids: http://ndcbrain.com
Additional information on primitive reflexes: http://www.whattoexpect.com
ATNR Information: https://spectrumkid.com

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Child Development
Special Needs
Developmental Milestones
Sensory Processing


Tummy Time for Child Development Episode 11 Special Needs Topics

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This is Episode 11 of my podcast, but the first Episode under the new name Milestones. The previous name of this podcast was The Special Needs Podcast. The same type of material will be presented here for people interested in Child Development, topics surrounding Children with Special Needs, Sensory Processing Issues, Feeding Skills, and any other range of topics related to Child Development and Developmental Milestones.

In this Episode I discuss “tummy time” and why it is important for all babies to have tummy time regularly!

Find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/
Safe to Sleep Website: https://www.nichd.nih.gov
or http://www.healthychildcare.org
Positional Plagiocephaly (Flattened Head): http://kidshealth.org

Special Needs
Sensory Processing
Child Development


Sensory Processing for Everyone Episode 10 Special Needs Topics

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On this episode I discuss how Sensory Processing is part of every person’s daily life, but some people have more difficulty with processing sensory information than others.

Some children with special needs have difficulties with Sensory Processing and other Child Development issues.

Think about your own life, and how you handle sensory information throughout your day. What about your kids? If you see any signs that are affecting their ability to play, learn, eat, grow, or develop in some way, bring it up to your pediatrician or seek an evaluation from an early intervention program in your area.

Eye exams are important for people of all ages! Get eye exams for your kids even if there are no concerns just to make sure nothing gets missed.

Next episode #11 will have a new name: “Milestones”
The content will continue on course with what I’ve been discussing, but hopefully the broader name will catch the attention of all parents, not just those looking for information on kids with special needs.

Eye Exams for Kids: http://thinkaboutyoureyes.com
Over the Ear Headphones for Kids: Headphones

Special Needs
Sensory Processing
Child Development


Visual Sensory Processing Episode 9 Special Needs Topics

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On this show I discuss Visual Sensory Processing as it relates to kids. Visual Sensory Processing is explained in detail, plus suggestions are given for things to look for with these kids and how to possibly help them when appropriate.

Sun Shade for Strollers: Sun Shade for Strollers

Sensory Processing
Child Development
Special Needs


Proprioceptive Sensory Processing Episode 8 Special Needs Topics

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In this episode I discuss what Proprioceptive Sensory Processing or Proprioception is in detail. I give examples of what this might look like with kids who are having issues in this area of sensory processing. Examples of activities to do with them are also given.

Here are some useful links from today’s show:
Sensory Stretchy Bed Sheets for Deep Pressure: http://www.sensorystretchyz.com/
Squeeze Machine: Squeeze Machine
Pressure Vest: Pressure Mesh Vest
Sensory Swing: THERAPY SWING


Vestibular Sensory Processing Episode 7 Special Needs Topics

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On this episode I discuss Vestibular Sensory Processing with kids. I talk about 2 different aspects of this area where one is the kids who are overly sensitive to movements, and the kids who need more stimulation to this area before they feel the movements. Both types are described and some possible suggestions are given as well.

Special Needs
Sensory Processing
Child Development