Therabytes

This has been a common question and topic not only within the neurodisability community but also the families and carers of neurotypical children. 
What is too much screen time and when is screen time a bad thing?

The research covered in this article is available here: Mallawaarachchi S, Burley J, Mavilidi M, et al. Early Childhood Screen Use Contexts and Cognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. Published online August 05, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.2620

GMFCS - When to expect a GMFCS score and can this change over time?

As parents and carers of children with neurodisabilities we can't help but hyperfocus on the few bits of information we can get when our children are young that give us insight into our children's future. 

The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is one of those tools available that indicates how a person functions everyday and gives an idea of what equipment or mobility aids a child may need in the future such as crutches, a walker or a wheelchair to get around.

Due to comorbidities that can come with neurodisabilities, the GMFCS level may appear to fluctuate at times depending on how they are affected by things such as seizures, sensory preferences, respiratory issues and this can change the level of monitoring for things like hip surveillance in our case. Whilst our son’s GMFCS level changed in a report, within the context of hip surveillance, it just meant more monitoring and this was a good thing for us. 

You should expect a GMFCS rating around 2 years of age and if the rating was to change it would be likely to happen before the age of 5. If you do not agree with the score allocated to your child, you can ask for a therapist to redo it and complete the questions with the clinician completing the assessment.

This week we discuss all things self-regulation and behaviour management.

Therabytes - Taking medication, when should I contact my medical team if things don't look right?

A conversation about observations, intuition and lines of communication between the child, the family and the medical team/s.

Unlock the Power of Goal Setting!

TheraBytes is back with another stellar question and answer - this week we tackle the concept of SMART goals.

Why do you set goals? There is huge power in setting goals - it helps you and everyone in your world to prioritise what is important.

SMART goals:

🟠 Specific - be as specific as possible

🟡 Measurable - make sure it's objectively measurable

🟢 Achievable - it needs to be realistic and achievable

🔵 Relevant - it always needs to be relevant and personal to the child

🟣 Time-Bound - it needs to be time sensitive and allocated to a time and date

What to do if you feel like your child is not making the right amount of gains in their skills or you believe you are seeing some skills being lost.

It can be very complicated and knowing what to record, observe and report can be so valuable.

All about using equipment to encourage movement!

On this week's TheraBytes episode, we delve into the science of early walking, uncovering its benefits and significance.

It's all about mobility as a human right!

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All about trunk control and hypotonia!