What is Physiotherapy? Physiotherapy is often called physio or physical therapy. It is a treatment method that uses physical interventions. These can improve movement, manage pain, and enhance overall physical performance. For children with disabilities, it is tailored to their individual needs. It will focus on improving mobility, strength, coordination, and functional abilities. Physiotherapy plays…
Bone Density Bone Density is the measure of the strength of bones. It helps bones cope with everyday stresses and strains. It increases rapidly through normal adolescence as children grow up. This levels out in adulthood and slowly declines with age. Bone health indicates the strength and density of children’s bones while they are developing….
Coping with heat Coping with heat is important. In the recent heatwave, it can be feeling too hot. This is particularly difficult weather for children with complex or additional needs. Our child LB has no ability to regulate his temperature. This is a very common side effect of brain injury. I will look here at…
Daily Makaton Daily Makaton can be helpful in establishing and communicating routines. Repeating signs regularly builds up understanding. For LB, we have a core clutch of signs we use daily. Those signs include key phrases for everyday use. They do not replace language. As in our previous article, they supplement each other. LB learns to…
What is Makaton? Makaton is a language programme that uses signs, symbols and speech combined, It is designed to support communication for those with communication and learning disabilities. Rather than being a sign language itself, it is a communication tool. It is used alongside speech to enhance understanding and expression. You sign and speak in…
Laughter is the best medicine It is good to remember that laughter is the best medicine, as is a sense of humour. As a parent carer, it can get tough. There’s medication to worry about. Numerous medical and therapy appointments to attend. Countless application forms to fill out for DLA, EHCP, Blue Badge etc. Financial…
Verbal Communication There are many steps taken in learning verbal communication. Even without complex needs, this is a challenging process. Don’t give up though! We will look at some tips and strategies here and in other blog posts. Steps to verbal communication The communication steps are set out below: Communication professionals Professionally, for a child…
What are objects of reference? Objects of reference allow a child to develop their understanding by relating an object to an activity. This supports communication, builds understanding and promotes choice. The objects can relate to needs, wants, people or places. This helps your child understand their daily routine, and prepares them for any change in…
Being active at home Being active at home is important. This can seem intimidating if your child has a brain injury. For our child LB, we wanted to ensure he wasn’t just laying down all day. We were keen to get some movement in his routine. We’re not medical professionals, so we sought advice from…
Feeding via a tube – why would my child be fed through a pump? Feeding via a tube is often a consequence of a brain injury. Swallowing is a very complex process, and poses several risks. In cases like this, your child will need feeding via a tube. This is so they can receive enough…