Common Diagnoses
Sometimes medical terminology gets in the way of clearly articulating important attributes of a diagnosis. This page is meant to provide helpful information about common diagnoses we support at EXPLORE Pediatric Therapy
Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. Whether you are biting into a sandwich, riding a bicycle, or reading a book, your successful completion of the activity requires accurate processing of sensation (The Star Institute).
DYSPRAXIA
Individuals with Dyspraxia have trouble processing sensory information properly, resulting in problems planning and carrying out new motor actions. They may have difficulty in forming a goal or idea, planning a sequence of actions or performing new motor tasks. These individuals are clumsy, awkward, and accident-prone. They may break toys, have poor skill in ball activities or other sports, or have trouble with fine motor activities. They may prefer sedentary activities or try to hide their motor planning problem with verbalization or with fantasy play
Visual Processing Disorder
When we look at an object our eyes receive that information and send it to our brain to be interpreted and processed. When a child has difficulty making sense of what the eyes “see” it is termed a visual processing disorder. It is possible to have 20/20 vision and still have difficulty processing what is seen, for while we “look” with our eyes, we truly “see” with our brain (The Padula Institute).
Ways in which this can impact children is difficulty with handwriting, catching a ball, headaches, reading, clumsy or trips over items often
Mental Health - Anxiety and Stress
Children experience feelings of anxiety & stress just like adults do. The difference is that they are often unable to accurately identify or express these feelings. Anxiety and stress can present as meltdowns, resistance to daily tasks, yelling, avoidance of daily activities, change in sleep patterns, change in physical activity level, change in diet
EXPLORE Pediatric Therapy feels very strongly about supporting the mental health of our youth. It is one of the most essential components to them living life to their fullest potential
