PALs Pediatric Therapy Services

09/26/2025

PALs is spinning into the weekend! ✨

Spinning isn’t just fun—it can actually be therapeutic! In pediatric occupational therapy, spinning (or vestibular input) helps activate the inner ear system that plays a big role in balance, body awareness, and regulation. For some children, the right amount of spinning can calm their bodies, improve focus, and support self-regulation. For others, it can boost alertness and coordination.
Every child’s sensory system is unique, and occupational therapists carefully use activities like spinning to help kids find the “just right” balance their body needs to thrive! 💫🌀

09/23/2025

Happy with PALs! We want to take a moment to highlight why a speech therapist may target environmental sounds with our early language learners!

09/22/2025

Happy today we want to talk about building strong foundations through play! 🌟

Did you know that occupational therapists often encourage kids to play in a prone extension posture (lying on their tummy with head, arms, and legs lifted)? 💪 This playful “superman” position strengthens the core, shoulders, and back—helping little ones develop the stability they need for sitting, writing, climbing, and so much more.

By targeting this posture in fun and engaging ways, OTs support kids in building the muscle endurance and coordination that carry over into everyday activities. 🚀✨

09/17/2025

We love to see opportunities like this provided for children in our communities!

💙 Thank you, Hancock Whitney! Because of your incredible support, children ages birth to 12 from the six coastal counties can explore the magic of Mississippi Aquarium at no cost.
This week on Sept 20th and 21st we are hosting all kids from from Hancock and Pearl River Counties! Those two counties will receive free admission for children birth - 12 years old courtesy of Hancock Whitney!
Stay tuned for when we provide the other 4 coastal counties kids free admission!

October 18 and 19 - Harrison County & Stone County Kids Free
November 1 and 2 - Jackson County & George County Kids Free

*Parents must bring ID to prove county validation.*
Together, we’re creating an ocean of opportunity for the next generation! 🐧🐠
For more information visit: https://www.msaquarium.org/events/2025/hancock-whitney-ocean-of-opportunity

09/17/2025

📚 Our friend here was using a fun book to target his speech sounds! Learn more about how our speech therapists use books to target articulation goals below! 👇

09/16/2025

Happy Tuesday with PALs!

🎯 Did you know a simple game of Twister can be an amazing therapy tool?
In pediatric occupational therapy, Twister helps kids build balance, coordination, body awareness, and even social skills—all while having fun! 🌈💪 It’s a playful way to strengthen muscles, practice following directions, and encourage teamwork.

09/13/2025

What is Reciprocal Play AKA “turn-taking” and why is it an important skill for our patients? Learn more below! ⬇️

09/12/2025

✨ Little hands, big progress! ✨

Happy with PALs, today we are focusing on the importance of working on fine motor skills - like pinching and pulling!

Pinching and pulling may seem simple, but these fine motor skills are the building blocks for independence. From holding a pencil and buttoning clothes to opening snack bags and building with blocks, practicing these movements in occupational therapy helps children grow stronger, more confident, and ready for everyday tasks. 💪🖐️

09/09/2025

⭐️ Happy with PALs! ⭐️

Pretend play is an important milestone that allows children to explore their creativity and varied interests in addition to opening the door for infinite communication opportunities and motor planning activities.

09/05/2025

Happy Friday with PALs! Our friend here is targeting her sequencing skills using a card deck.

✨What is Sequencing? ✨

Sequencing is the ability to understand and organize events, ideas, or steps in the correct order. For children, this skill is essential because it helps them make sense of stories, follow directions, solve problems, and build strong communication skills. Sequencing supports reading comprehension, writing, and everyday tasks like getting ready for school or following a recipe.

❔How Our Therapists Can Help!

A speech therapist helps by targeting language-based sequencing, such as retelling stories, describing steps in order, and improving comprehension and communication. An occupational therapist focuses on sequencing as it applies to daily routines and motor tasks, like dressing, cooking, or organizing materials. By addressing both the language and functional aspects, therapists help the child build stronger problem-solving, independence, and academic skills.