Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 25 Q: Do children need a prescription or referral from a pediatrician for your services? DR. FOX: For occupational therapy, we do require a prescription, so usually we get referrals from pediatricians, developmental pediatricians or psychologists. For speech therapy, a prescription is not typically required. We do get referrals from pediatricians for speech when they notice that children aren't meeting developmental milestones at a well check. Q: What signs should parents look for to determine whether their child might need speech or occupational therapy? DR. FOX: If you are concerned about your child, it never hurts to get an evaluation. That can be a very helpful baseline for a parent, even if we determine that no services are needed. For speech, signs that therapy may be needed include: • Not saying first words by 12 months of age. • Having fewer than 20 words by 18 months of age. • Not combining words by 20 months of age. • Throwing tantrums because the child can't communicate sufficiently to get his or her wants or needs met. For occupational therapy, many of the children we see are lacking age-appropriate play skills. Parents may also notice that their chil- dren are sensitive to sounds, lights, are picky and don't like to wear certain fabrics or don't like to get messy. They may also have difficul- ties with self-regulation skills, and we can investigate their sensory system and develop sensory strategies to help the child and family. If children have trouble with daily functional activities like zipping, tying shoes, buttoning, or handwriting skills—these are some of the fine-motor skills that our occupational therapists can help children develop as well. To learn more, visit MWHC.com and search "pediatric therapy". Sponsored Material Q: Your practice was the first therapy center in Virginia to become a Certified Autism Center. What does this mean? DR. FOX: The certification comes from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). It means that every- one in our practice—from the front-office staff to the clinicians—has received rigorous, specialized training in understanding and assisting children with autism. It was something we sought out to ensure that we are doing all we can to serve our families of children with autism, as we see a growing need for this in our com- munity. Q: Does a child need to have an autism diagnosis to receive your services? DR. FOX: No. We serve all children with speech needs and occupational therapy needs. We also do not diag- nose autism. That is be done by a developmental pedi- atrician or a psychologist. But we are often the first to notice some of the signs and symptoms of autism, and we will refer parents to other practitioners as neces- sary to get a diagnosis. Our services assist children with autism with improving their communication, self- regulation, and social skills. If you are concerned your child may have autism, some of the signs to look for include: • No words by 16 months, or no meaningful phrases by 24 months. • Any regression in speech or related skills; any loss of speech. • Lack of eye contact and a constant preference to be by themselves. • Not noticing when other people are around. • Lack of pretend play, or a constant focus on stacking or lining up items. • For older children, not understanding jokes, and interpreting everything strictly literally can be a sign. Stacie Fox, SLPD, CCC-SLP Mary Washington Pediatric Therapy was the fi rst prac ce in Virginia to become a Cer fi ed Au sm Center. "...we are often the first to notice some of the signs and symptoms of autism... Our services assist children with autism with improving their communication, self-regulation, and social skills."

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