Modalities Offered
Interactive Metronome is the only research-based program that uses a computer, which generates a metronome tone heard through headphones. As the student tries to match the beat, the IM measures and helps improve one’s rhythm and timing. By improving this fundamental ability, the individual learns to plan, sequence and process information more effectively.
Therapeutic Listening ® is a highly
individualized sound-based program, which uses electronically altered compact
discs. These new sounds combined with a
sensory-based exercise routine can improve listening skills and prepare the
nervous system for growth in many other areas.
The Wilbarger Touch Brush Protocol and Sensory
Diet Program
This program addresses the needs of clients
with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Behaviors of SPD include difficulty sitting still, seeking intense
movements (spins, twirls, bounces, jumps, rocks), difficulty grading movement
(uses too little or too much force), difficulty standing in line or close to
other people, overly sensitive to loud sounds or noises, and poor depth perception. These are just a few of the behaviors that
are listed on the Sensory Profile Caregiver Questionnaire given to parents or
guardians, which our OTs use to identify SPD.
Lindamood-Bell Programming (the Seeing Starsâ
Program)
The program begins by visualizing the identity,
number, and sequence of letters for the sounds within words, and extends into
multisyllable and contextual reading and spelling. Seeing Starsâ is appropriate for children
with symptoms
of dyslexia and
with deficits in word
recognition, contextual fluency, spelling and reading comprehension. In the program, a
child obtains practice in phonological reading tasks, orthographic processing
for spelling skills, cognition training, sentence writing and composition
practice.
Visualizing and Verbalizingâ
Language comprehension and thinking skills are
used to help children develop concept imagery – the ability to imagine a
gestalt (whole). The program addresses
weak concept imagery, which causes individuals to grasp only “part” of what they
read or hear, such as a few facts or details, rather than the whole picture.
Earobicsâ is a specially
designed computer program for language and literacy development, which
addresses phonological awareness, auditory processing, and phonics. It improves reading, spelling and language
skills with over 300 levels of individual training that automatically adapts to
each student’s skill level. Children
enjoy the game-like nature of this program while improving language skills.
Cognitive Tutoring for Dyslexia
Some of the programs utilized are
Lindamood-Bell ®, Basic Symbol Mastery, and Symbol Mastery for Words.
Reading and Handwriting
Seeing Stars Books, Handwriting without Tears,
Loops and Other Groups Kinesthetic Writing System are just a few of the
modalities utilized when working with clients to address these issues.
Unique Programs Offered:
Art in Focus is a series of therapeutic art
workshops offered for children with a developmental age of at least 6-years,
and adolescents with developmental/physical disabilities, behavioral and
emotional difficulties. Classes are
offered on the first Saturday of each month in New Bern and the second Saturday
of the month in Bayboro from 10:00–12:00 Noon. Past projects have included: Looking
Through the Ship’s Porthole, Building Bridges, Bottle Bank, Gobbler Getup
Therapeutic Art Classes
An Occupational Therapist/Art Educator directs
these classes. Group classes are
available for scheduling on a weekly or daily basis. Concepts utilized include
· Heavy
work – hammering, woodworking, clay wedging, resistive material manipulation
· Tactile
Desensitization – working with lentils, bark, sawdust, plaster, paper mache’,
clay, natural materials, etc.
· Multimedia
construction – art creations utilizing a wide variety of materials.
· Example of a Therapeutic Project
A Board Certified Music Therapist offers group
or individual music therapy sessions. Children work on rhythm, timing,
sequencing, listening skills and body coordination with individualized goals as
they enjoy music and instrument interaction.
The class was originally designed for children
on Autism Spectrum. A Board Certified
Music Therapist offers a group session where children work on rhythm, timing,
sequencing, listening skills, and body coordination as they enjoy music,
instrument interaction and peer contact.
Classes are held on Thursdays from 4:00-5:00pm and 5:15-6:15pm in our
New Bern clinic.
A Board Certified Music Therapist leads the Our Time-Class for toddlers ages 18 months –3.5 years. The more than 30 songs, 15 dances, and eight
different instruments create these unique music activities, designed to reflect
the importance of movement in the life of a toddler. Parents or caregivers attend with their child.
This food aversion therapy
addresses
the problems associated with children who are problem feeders. After taking part in Kitchen Connoisseurs, a
child will have increased the number of foods in his/her diet, will be willing
to try new food items in the future, and will have learned about the Food
Pyramid and healthy eating habits.
Class is offered every Wednesday from 4:00-5:00 in our New Bern clinic,
on a 1-on-1 basis at our Bayboro office, as well as in other food related
individual goals.
A social skills group led as a joint effort by
occupational therapy and speech therapy departments. This class is designed to help children on the Autism spectrum or
others having problems with social situations and interpersonal
communication. Children role-play and
work in groups on eye contact, taking turns, voice volume and how to make
friends, among other necessary skills.