Pediatric Therapy and Learning Center

09/28/2025

🍓🍗🍇🍅Patience, education, and changing the way you talk about food can go a long way into supporting your child in expanding his or her diet. Our Feeding Therapists are experienced in guiding children and parents in this process. Mrs. Allison and Mrs. Jaci love watching kiddos move through the feeding/eating heirarchy, as the child's fear of food is reduced and the acceptance of new foods gets easier.

09/25/2025

❓What is the difference between intentional behaviors and meltdowns?

😭😢In this article, PTLC's Mrs. Allison breaks down the difference for you and gives you some strategies that can help. Check out the article here: https://pediatrictlc.com/2024/10/intentional-behavior-vs-meltdowns/.

If you find yourself wanting more in-depth information, check out Mrs. Allison's online course here: https://courses.pediatrictlc.com/courses/new-approach-meltdowns/

As always, ask your child's OT for strategies specific to your child's profile!

If you are a parent or caregiver of a child over the age of one, you have likely experienced a meltdown! The meltdown—when your child is no longer calm, no longer in a state to be reasoned with, an…

09/25/2025

"Obsessional avoidance of the ordinary demands of everyday life." (Professor Newson). Does that description fit anyone you know? Pathological Demand Avoidance, also known as PDA (and other names) describes a set of behaviors and reactions that some people have to ordinary life demands. This can be a trait of people on the autism spectrum, but it has also been recognized in others.

PDA is not an official diagnosis here in the U.S; however, the name and description have helped many people understand their child better and feel better equipped at handling sensitive interactions. When certain strategies are used, they notice that emotional or physiological reactions are not as strong and the child builds more trust. It is with this trust that we can move a child forward developmentally.

Thank you to Ashley, our OT Graduate Clinician, for providing such a helpful and succinct presentation.

09/22/2025

💙🙂I've been searching for a good book to recommend to parents that seemed like a good introduction into integrating therapy principals into daily life. I wanted it to be less technical than some of the books we have recommended. We Chose Play by Daria Brown has a lot of promise because it was written by a mother who has embraced DIR principles. She explains those in a more parent-friendly way, but she also talks about all the ups and downs of her personal journey. She seemed very relatable, optimistic, and realistic, which I think is the type of information and message that most people are seeking. Let me know if you have read it or decide to read it!

09/18/2025

These are general language development tips that can help parents encourage language development. However, some kids have very unique developmental profiles that require an experienced professional to support parents in personalizing these tips. PTLC has excellent SLPs who can help. Very nuanced changes can make a big difference!

09/18/2025

✨ Compression Sheet for Sale ✨

We have a gently used compression sheet available for $20. This sheet fits a full-sized bed.

👉 What is a compression sheet?
A compression sheet provides gentle, consistent pressure (like a hug!) while lying in bed. Many children benefit from the calming input it gives, which can support:

* Increased body awareness
* Improved regulation for sleep and relaxation
* A cozy, snug feeling without overheating like a weighted blanket might

These can be especially helpful for children who seek deep pressure input or who have difficulty winding down at night.

If you’re interested, send us a message to claim it! 💙

09/16/2025

💙💛It's hard to believe that it has just been a year since Mrs. Shannon joined our team. She fit in immediately and has done an outstanding job serving PTLC kiddos! Mrs. Shannon's special interests in gestalt language processing and AAC (Assistive and Augmentative Communication) have proven to be a tremendous asset to our team, as she has helped to sharpen our knowledge and skills in each of these areas. She also learns very quickly and has developed strong DIR/Floortime knowledge and skills in a short amount of time.

We are very thankful to have Mrs. Shannon on our team. She has been impactful in many ways!

09/14/2025

While there is still much to learn about the effects of isolation, online school, delayed schooling, changes in daily routines, and increased anxiety/concern for the well-being of loved ones, some of the things our families are noticing include:
➡Delays in speech and language, or kids not talking as much as expected
➡Trouble adjusting socially, such as being shy with peers or struggling to make friends
➡More big feelings—tantrums, anxiety, irritability, or difficulty with transitions
➡Challenges with school readiness, like attention, problem-solving, or early learning skills

Some studies are suggesting the following:
➡Studies confirm that children born or raised during the pandemic years are showing modest delays in areas like social skills, motor development, and school readiness.
➡Emotional impacts such as higher anxiety, irritability, and changes in sleep or behavior have been widely reported.
➡The effects were strongest in children who missed out on consistent social interaction (like daycare, preschool, or playgroups).

ON THE POSITIVE SIDE, children with strong parent-child connections, routines, and playful learning opportunities are showing resilience and catching up quickly.

If you’re unsure whether what you’re noticing is something that needs to be addressed or part of a temporary delay, a developmental screening or evaluation can help clear up the confusion. Either can give parents concrete answers and, if needed, a roadmap for support. You don’t have to wonder or worry alone.

09/10/2025

🤔💭Sometimes parents grapple with the idea of getting an evaluation for a while because they are not sure if it is necessary and/or they don't understand the process. Sometime you just need more information in order to make a decision. A screening can be a very good introduction into the world of therapy and an inexpensive way to get a professional's opinion about whether or not you should move forward with an evaluation.

If you are interested in this service, call Melisa at 337-504-4244 and she should be able to set up an appointment that can occur in the next week or two. Getting professional information can help you decide what to do next!

09/07/2025

💕Mrs. Kayla has had (and continues to have) a HUGE impact on our organization. Kayla has helped us to stay on mission and to maintain high quality services. She has a heart for serving others and it comes through in her roles as both the SLP Supervisor and as a clinician serving children and families every day. Every parent/child needs a Mrs. Kayla in their life!

Happy 13th Anniversary Kayla! Sorry we are a little late in posting this, but please know we appreciate you so very much!

09/01/2025

💛💙Mrs. Kayla created these popular graphics a couple of years ago to help you think about ways you can help your child either remain in (or regain) a calm, regulated state. In the morning, you can focus on filling the cup or helping to keep the cup as full as possible before the day begins. In the afternoon after a long day of school demands, these strategies can help to either refill the cup or keep your child from "losing it" if their cup is already empty.

08/28/2025

💕💕We are very excited to welcome baby Merrik into this world. She came a little earlier than expected, but she and Mrs. Jaci are both doing very well. She is a week old now and is already sneaking little smiles at her adoring parents. Congratulations to Jaci and Haley on this beautiful addition to their family.