Spark Pediatric Therapy Center

03/10/2025

Leading up to on October 6, we'll be sharing a few facts about CP that we hope you will share as well! 💚

Cerebral palsy is often understood to be a pediatric or childhood onset condition because it originates in early brain development and is typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood.

But the fact is, children with cerebral palsy grow up to become adults with cerebral palsy, and their needs evolve across the lifespan — from early intervention and education to healthcare, employment, and community participation.

Learn more about how we're making a difference for adults at cerebralpalsygrowsup.org.

02/10/2025

01/10/2025

28/09/2025

WHO statement on autism-related issues

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.

Globally, nearly 62 million people (1 in 127) have autism spectrum disorder, a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain. Although awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of autism have not been established, and it is understood there are multiple factors that can be involved.

Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established.

WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines.

Any medicine should be used with caution during , especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals.

Also, a robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines - including those with thiomersal or aluminum - do not cause autism or other developmental disorders.

Full statement: https://bit.ly/3Kv7aw5

27/09/2025

23/09/2025

23/09/2025

Today’s White House event on autism was filled with dangerous claims and misleading information that sends a confusing message to parents and expecting parents and does a disservice to autistic individuals.

We know autism is complex, highly variable and increasingly linked to genetics. Individualized plans, often involving a combination of developmental, behavioral, educational and social-relational strategies, can help improve outcomes that are meaningful to individuals and families. We also need and welcome additional investments in federally funded research to better support families of autistic children.

Families who have questions about their child’s medications, autism care plans or other health care should consult with their pediatrician or health care provider.
https://bit.ly/4gBDNEc

15/09/2025

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱

I am a pediatric occupational therapist. I know how hard it feels to find the right help. Here are simple steps I give to parents when they ask me what to look for.

First, check credentials. Ask if the person has a degree in occupational therapy and a valid PRC license. This keeps your child safe and ensures real training.

Second, ask about goals. A good therapist will explain clear goals. They will tell you how those goals connect to daily life and school. They will explain how progress is measured.

Third, ask about the plan. Therapy should be planned for your child. It should be based on an assessment. It should be adjusted as your child changes.

Fourth, check how the family is involved. The best therapy includes parents. A therapist should teach you what to do at home. They should welcome your questions and updates.

Fifth, look for teamwork. Your child benefits when the therapist talks with teachers and other professionals. The therapist should act as a guide and a case manager when needed.

𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁
𝟭. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗥𝗖?
𝟮. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀?
𝟯. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻?
𝟰. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲?
𝟱. 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀?

Choosing the right therapist is one of the best steps you can take. Trust your instincts. Ask questions until you feel confident. Your child deserves care that is safe, clear, and focused on real progress.

13/09/2025

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
by Nurture with OT Nur

Many people think learning starts when a child can sit still. I disagree. For many children, focus and calm come before sitting. Forcing stillness can make attention harder.

As an occupational therapist, I first help a child feel regulated and ready. This may mean movement, heavy work, or a short break. When a child is calm and focused, sitting becomes natural and useful for learning.

In the classroom, let children show what works for them. Offer movement breaks. Use standing options and floor time when needed. Teach skills that lead to longer moments of attention, not only how to stay in one seat.

If you are worried about sitting in class, ask how the team supports focus first. Real learning begins when a child is ready, not when they are still.

12/09/2025

𝗡𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗰𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆

Many families look for ways to help their children grow and learn, especially when they notice delays. Some may try other programs or activities, hoping for quick results. But there is no real substitute for occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists are trained to understand each child’s needs. They know how to help with movement, daily routines, play, and even handling big feelings. OTs use activities that are just right for your child’s age and needs. They also teach families how to support learning and independence at home.

Choosing occupational therapy gives children the right help at the right time. Other activities can be helpful, but only OT offers a full plan that supports every part of a child’s growth. If a child does not get the correct intervention, it will not just result in harm. It can also lead to the development of disruptive behaviors that may take weeks or even months to manage.

Research clearly shows that early and targeted occupational therapy leads to better outcomes for children with developmental challenges. When it comes to helping children reach their full potential, nothing can take the place of occupational therapy.

In the Philippines, the occupational therapy profession is regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to protect the safety and wellbeing of the public. Only those with a degree in occupational therapy and a valid PRC license can legally practice as OTs. Individuals who claim to be occupational therapists without the required education and PRC registration are violating the law and may face legal consequences. For your child’s safety and best interests, always seek help from qualified and registered occupational therapists.

12/09/2025

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗕𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

I often see therapy ideas and activities shared on social media. Some of them look fun and creative. But not all of them are safe or effective for autistic children.

As a licensed occupational therapist, I always make sure that every activity I do has a clear purpose. Therapy is not just play. It supports development in thinking, movement, emotions, and daily life. When parents follow therapy trends without guidance, children may miss the right support they truly need.

Not all activities you see online are therapy. Real therapy is planned and guided by professionals who understand the child’s strengths and challenges. For me, safety and effectiveness always come first.

When therapy comes from the right professionals, children gain real skills that last. If we depend only on trends, we risk delays and even harm. I believe we must protect every child’s future by choosing therapy that is real, safe, and evidence based.

12/09/2025

✨✨✨

🎉 Congratulations to our exceptional SLP, Teacher Majo, on completing her oath taking as a registered Speech-Language Pathologist! 🎓✨

We are immensely proud of Teacher Majo's remarkable achievement, which solidifies her dedication and expertise in the field. With her unwavering passion for helping others communicate effectively, she has truly made a difference in the lives of countless individuals, both in the Philippines and overseas.

Throughout her professional journey, Teacher Majo has consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills and compassion as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Her experience working in various settings, both locally and internationally, has broadened her understanding of diverse communication disorders and enabled her to provide holistic care to her clients. From facilitating speech therapy sessions to developing personalized treatment plans, she has positively impacted the lives of many, fostering improved communication and a greater sense of confidence.

What sets Teacher Majo apart is not only her extensive knowledge and expertise but also her humble and down-to-earth demeanor. She always approaches her work with a genuine desire to make a difference, and her humility shines through in every interaction. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth is an inspiration to us all.

As Teacher Majo embarks on this new chapter as a registered SLP, we have no doubt that she will continue to excel and touch the lives of even more individuals. Your accomplishments remind us that with perseverance and a heart dedicated to service, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Once again, congratulations, Teacher Majo! Your passion, expertise, and humility make you a shining example in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in all your future endeavors! 🌟👏