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| Brightsong, LLC | Winter 2012 |
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Greetings!
We are looking forward to an exciting year at Brightsong, LLC! In this newsletter, you will find articles about the changes we've made to the Bright Steps program and information about our blog - Milestones and Benchmarks. We've also included information about how to redirect and address tantrums.
You will notice that we are hosting a Behavior Workshop on Saturday, April 28. This workshop will be led by Cassie Wells, a Behavior Specialist from Chicago. Cassie works with therapists and parents to develop behavior plans for children of all ages. More information about the Behavior Workshop will be coming soon!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth McMahon, MA, CCC-SLP
Clinical Director and Speech-Language Pathologist
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Rise and Shine with Bright Steps!
DSAM (The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South) and Brightsong, LLC are proud to present Bright Steps!
Bright Steps is a play-based therapy and education group which meets quarterly on Saturdays during the DSAM New Parent Brunch. This program is available to all infants and toddlers with Down syndrome from birth to age three and their families. During each session, therapists and teachers provide support, education and information regarding your child's development.
Families will learn how to implement therapy techniques during daily activities and navigate the Early Intervention system. You will also be able to network with other families and learn more about becoming an advocate for your child. Special sessions are also available for siblings too!
There is no cost for this program and a Spanish speaking interpreter is available at every session.
The Bright Steps program will be at Trinity United Methodist Church from 10-12:30. For more information or to RSVP, please contact DSAM at (901) 547-7588 or email
admin@dsamemphis.org. |
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Addressing Tantrums from a Sensory Standpoint
Pretty much all kids tantrum at some point. In fact, we all tantrum - grown ups just usually refrain from lying on the floor. But we've all experienced that kid whose tantrums are less predictable, more explosive, and seem to go on forever. Here are a few tips, based both in sensory theory and counseling, that may help with that frequent flyer-off-the-handle.
Prevention:
For some kids, we know exactly what is going to set them off - it's raining and you can't go outside, it's time to share that favorite toy, the word "no" comes out of your mouth... Sometimes preparation can go a long way in heading off that tantrum. Even though most young kids (and a few adults) have no concept of time, a "5 minute warning" will at least prep them for what is to come. A very effective tool is some kind of timer with a loud ping. Many kids respond much better to an inanimate object telling them to quit, and then you can serve as the comforter instead of the bad guy. Deep pressure is calming, and can be used to help comfort before, during, and after bad news is delivered. Visual schedules can help less favorable events during a school day be less of a surprise.
To continue reading about what to do in the moment and after a tantrum has occurred, please follow this link.
Prepared by Rebecca Thomas, MOT
Occupational Therapist
Brightsong, LLC |
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Behavior Workshop
Brightsong is proud to announce that we will be hosting a Behavior Workshop to address challenging behaviors on Saturday, April 28. The speaker for the workshop is Cassie Wells. Cassie has her Master's degree in Special Education with a concentration in autism and assistive technology from the University of Louisville. She has worked in a variety of therapy and education settings and is currently working in the Chicago Public Schools where she provides extensive training to teachers and parents to address and manage behavior issues.
During the behavior workshop on April 28, parents, teachers and therapists will learn 5 ways to change the behavior and the ABC's of behavior management. More information about the workshop will be coming soon. |
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Meet Erin Phillips
Erin received her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Memphis in 2002. Since then, she has worked in a variety of therapy settings including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers. She has extensive experience evaluating and treating adults and children with a variety of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders. Erin joined the Brightsong team in November 2011. |
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