FDA Warns That Therapy Tool Could Endanger Babies With Developmental Delays

 

Regulators are warning that a device used in water therapy for babies with developmental disabilities could lead to death or serious injury. Read More >

Across US, Most Counties Have No Behavior Therapists

 Access to behavior therapists is woefully lacking in many places, with a new study finding that more than half of the nation's counties don't have a single one. Read More >

Coronavirus Forcing Occupational Therapy To Go Virtual

Health care providers across the country have turned to telehealth as of late and the experience of an infant with cerebral palsy shows the approach could be beneficial even outside of a pandemic. Read More >

Visits From Horses Brighten Locked-Down Days For Those With Special Needs

With coronavirus keeping people with special needs away from their regular riding lessons, one equine-assisted therapy provider is making house calls with horses in tow. Read More >

Students Deprived Of Crucial Special Ed Services Due To Closures

Students with disabilities were dealt a particularly harsh blow when schools shut down. Overnight, the intense hands-on assistance they need was no longer available. Read More ;

Nation Experiencing Severe Shortage Of Autism Therapists

Most states don't have nearly enough therapists trained to meet the needs of young people with autism, according to a first-ever review of the availability of ABA providers. Read More ;

Schools Explore Connecting Students In Special Ed With Psychologists Via Video

Facing a nationwide shortage, some schools are considering contracting with firms that connect students in special education with psychologists through video chat. Read More;

For Individuals With Special Needs, Horses Make Sense In Therapy

So-called equine assisted therapy is offering physical and emotional benefits for those with a variety of disabilities, boosting everything from coordination to self-esteem. Read More ;

Autism Insurance Mandates Increasingly Extend To Adults

Nearly every state requires insurance companies to cover autism therapies for children. Now, some states are moving to mandate coverage for adults too. Read More >

Why ABA Therapy Remains Elusive For Some Families

Despite a federal directive requiring Medicaid to cover treatments like applied behavior analysis, at least one state appears to be finding ways to deny the therapy. Read More ;

Study shows benefits of school-based asthma therapy

School-based telemedicine and supervised medication therapy may help reduce emergency room visits for students with asthma, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Data show such interventions reduced ER and hospital visits by about half.  Health Data Management (free registration)

Students Create Custom Pencil Grip For Girl With Special Needs

A disability makes writing difficult for 9-year-old Natalie Quintana, but a custom-designed gripping tool developed by a group of middle schoolers is making a big difference. Read More >

Aquatic Movement Therapy Seen to Stimulate Brain Activity and Improve Well-Being of CP Patients

Assisted aquatic movement therapy may improve the mental health and stimulate the brains of children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP), according to a new study. The study, “Effects Of Assisted Aquatic Movement And Horseback Riding Therapies On Emotion And Brain Activation In Patients With Cerebral Palsy,” was published in [...] READ MORE

Study Backs Therapeutic Benefits Of Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is frequently offered for people with developmental disabilities and now a new analysis suggests that the activity really does have a therapeutic benefit. Read More >

10 Things Your Child’s Therapist May Like You to Know

Children with special needs may be candidates for physical, occupational, or speech therapy services, which means they will be evaluated and treated by a licensed and registered therapist. Choosing a therapist can be both exciting and empowering, but there are a few things you might like to know about physical, occupational, or speech therapists who work with children. Chances are, your child’s therapist would like you to know that … 1. Just because a therapy session looks like play doesn’t mean there’s no work being done. The clinic looks a lot like a playroom with a variety of props, tools, and toys. This…  Read in browser »

7 Unconventional Autism Therapies You Should Know About

Autism Therapy…. These two words can have very different meanings. What really is autism therapy? The most common and highly regarded Autism therapies are Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA); speech therapy; & occupational therapy.  Many families will seek out other, complementary treatments, as well. Here is a list of seven popular therapies that are considered unconventional & are non-invasive.  http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2016/04/12/seven-unconventional-autism-therapies-you-should-know-about/?utm_source=Friendship+Circle+Blog&utm_campaign=8990c88648-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ec270b4ae-8990c88648-199142745

Study Finds Merit In Classroom-Based Autism Therapy

Preschool teachers may be able to play a significant role in helping kids with autism improve their language and social skills, a new study suggests.   https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/03/08/study-classroom-autism/22014/

Narrow Marketplace Plans Pose Problems For Those With ASD

The move away from health insurance policies that allow families to seek out-of-network care is forcing many parents of children with autism to consider covering therapy costs themselves. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/02/12/narrow-plans-problems-asd/21903/

Behavior Therapy is Effective as first Treatment for Children with ADHD

Researchers looked at 146 children ages 5 to 12 who were diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and found those who received behavior therapy as the first treatment had an average of four fewer violations of rules per hour at school than those given a low dose of generic Ritalin. The findings in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology revealed that stimulants were most beneficial for those who needed the medication as a supplemental, second-line treatment.  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/18/health/early-behavior-therapy-found-to-aid-children-with-adhd.html?WT.mc_id=SmartBriefs-Newsletter&WT.mc_ev=click&ad-keywords=smartbriefsnl&_r=0

Cats, Adults with Developmental Disabilities See Mutual Benefit

For a group of young adults with developmental disabilities, reading to cats is proving more than a good deed -- it's offering a chance to boost literacy and build confidence.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/10/29/cats-disabilities-benefit/20913/