Sarah Sidwell Sarah Sidwell

Is It a “Phase” or a “Fight”? Decoding Your Child’s Mealtime Battles

 Is It a "Phase" or a "Fight"? Decoding Your Child’s Mealtime Battles 

Is your child just being a typical toddler, or is their body actually telling them that food is "dangerous"? 

Understanding the difference between picky eating and a feeding aversion (what we call "problem feeding") is the first step. It shifts the narrative from "Why won't they just listen?" to "How can I help their body feel safe?" 

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Sarah Sidwell Sarah Sidwell

Understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help

Many children struggle with learning new motor skills, but for some, these challenges go beyond typical developmental differences. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child's ability to plan, coordinate, and execute motor movements. These difficulties can impact participation in everyday activities at home, school, and in the community.

Fortunately, pediatric physical therapy can play a significant role in helping children with DCD improve coordination, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for successful participation in daily life.

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Sarah Sidwell Sarah Sidwell

Why "Play-Based Therapy" is More Than Just Fun:The Science Behind Progress Through Play

If you’ve ever sat in the waiting room of a pediatric therapy clinic, looking through the window as a therapist

rolls around on a crash pad or builds a tower of blocks with your child, a voice in the back of your head might

have asked:

“Are they actually working on goals right now... or are they just playing?”

It’s a question pediatric therapists hear all the time. When therapy looks exactly like a standard playdate, it can

be hard to see the deeper, clinical value.

On the latest episode of the Therapy Unmasked podcast, host Nick Sidwell, owner of Ability Innovations,

demystified their core philosophy: Progress Through Play. Here is a breakdown of the fascinating science

behind why authentic, child-led play is the absolute fastest way to unlock your child's developmental

milestones.

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