Why Parent Participation & Follow-Through Are the Keys to Success in Pediatric OT, PT, and Speech Therapy
When a child receives occupational, physical, or speech therapy, the goal is always the same: to help them build the skills they need to thrive in everyday life. Therapists play an essential role in assessment, treatment planning, and skill-building—but the progress a child makes during weekly sessions is only one piece of the puzzle. The biggest gains often happen between appointments, and that’s where parents and caregivers make all the difference.
Below is a look at why parent involvement matters so much, what it really looks like day-to-day, and how you can support your child’s therapy journey for the best possible outcomes.
The Power of Two: How Co-Treatments Can Transform Your Child's Therapy
At Ability Innovations, our goal is to be interdisciplinary. We believe that by working together, we can provide better care and achieve greater success for the children we work with. According to Nick and Megan, co-treating offers several key benefits:
Better Outcomes: When two therapists from different specialties work together, a child often makes greater progress in both areas. The therapists can build on each other's work and augment the benefits of each session. For example, an OT might work on a child's core strength on a swing, while the SLP uses that regulated state to encourage communication and language skills.
Efficiency for Parents: Co-treating can significantly shorten the time a family has to spend at the clinic. Instead of attending two separate appointments, you can get two therapies in one session. This is a huge time-saver for busy families.
Holistic Care: Therapy isn't just about one specific skill; it's about helping a child function better in the world. By combining two disciplines, therapists can address multiple goals at once. Megan shared a great example of a scavenger hunt she did with an OT. While the child was working on fine motor skills and handwriting with the OT, Megan had them practice and write words that targeted their speech sounds.
Why Consistent Toe Walking Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Toe walking is exactly what it sounds like: a walking pattern where a child walks on the balls of their feet without letting their heels touch the ground. It can be habitual, neurological, or linked to developmental or sensory issues.
While it may look harmless, consistent toe walking can lead to several physical and developmental issues if not properly addressed.
Physical Therapy and Walking
